Getting Ready to Research

A source is anything that provides you information. That could be a person, book, newspaper, website, or even a video.

To avoid plagiarism and keep track of the sources that you use, you will be required to create a list of sources using the Sources template document provided below. You must use this document to keep track of your sources.

As you research, you will type in the information for each source that you decide to use. Some sources might not have all the information that is provided in the template. That is okay. If you have trouble finding the information, your instructor can help. Sometimes the information just isn’t there.

There are as many ways to take notes as there are people. Everyone has a slightly different method. Some prefer to type notes on a computer, some choose to use notecards, and others like a good ‘ol pen and paper. The specific tool you use to take your notes isn’t as important as the notes themselves. Choose the method that’s the most comfortable for you.

If you type up your notes, make sure the document is in your “English 4” folder.

When taking notes, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Skim your entire source before you read it in detail. Skimming will help you understand how the document is laid out and what the main ideas are.
• Search for the subject headings in the material you’re reading and write them in your notes. They’ll help you find relevant information faster, and they’ll provide you with reference points.
• Write down every fact or note that may be of use to you in your paper. Don’t write down things you already know or would never include in your finished work.
• Break down the text into small groups of paragraphs. Breaking up the text into smaller, bite-sized pieces will help you process the information.
• If a source is too dense or has too many dates, don’t feel like you need to write every bit of information down. Make a note of where the dense parts are and move on.

3. You can handwrite your notes on lined paper or type them up. Write only key points that you will use in your paper. ALWAYS make sure you write the source name at the top of the page! Put quotation marks around the information that you copied word-for-word from the source. If you take notes from a book, INCLUDE the page number! Include notes about your thoughts on what you read. Does the information you read interest you or does it concern you?