How to Take Notes

Note-making produces information in your own words for study or research purposes.

• Do jot down the key points of what you have read.
  
• Do not copy directly from your textbook or from a webpage.
  

Tips for making efffective notes:

• When taking notes from a book, read the chapter titles and the introductory and summary paragraphs before reading the chapter.
  
• Try to get the big picture by identifying the main ideas.
  
• Jot important information in outline form or in a new file on your word processor.
  
• Use your own words.
  
• Use as few words as possible.
  
• Use graphic organizers.
  
• Include diagrams, charts, and maps in your notes.
  

Studying from your notes

• Write terms on index cards with definitions on the back. Get someone to quiz you.
  
• Illustrate terms graphically as a memory aid.
  
• Group and regroup the information (look for similarities, differences, and patterns).
  
• Find links among pieces of information.
  
• Make graphic organizers of the information.