Note Taking – Some Tips
1 Titles
and Sub-headings
2 Scan for
keywords.
3 Skim for
important facts.
4 Write
down only the key information.
5 Use
concept maps.
6 Use
abbreviations and symbols for visual reminders and emphasis.
7 Some
golden rules
1 Titles
and Sub-headings
·
Make a note of the title of the book, periodical
or article
·
Note down the name of the author, publisher, and
date of publication,
·
Note down subheadings and page numbers
2 Scan
for keywords
·
Think of the important words that link to what
you want to find out
·
Quickly scan the text for these words
·
Only read the parts of the text that contain
your keywords
·
Make a note of words that are repeated – make
sure you know what they mean
3 Skim
for Important Facts
·
Once you have found the correct section, you do
not have to read every single word
·
Skim over each sentence, taking in the important
facts
·
Write down Only the Key Information
·
Decide what is most important and write that
down
·
Only write down keywords and phrases; you do
not need to write in full sentences.
4 Write
down Only the Key Information
What is the key information in the text here?
Life in ancient Egypt was
centred largely on agriculture. The majority of the people were involved in
farming, and the growing season lasted eight to nine months. Wheat, fruits and
vegetables were the principal crops, although there was some pastoral farming
of cattle, sheep or goats. Farmers in ancient Egypt worked to reach a level of
subsistence so that they could feed themselves and pay their taxes. During the
annual flooding of the Nile, which typically lasted from July until November,
farming was impossible. But when the waters receded, a thick layer of fertile
silt over the farmlands remained, to ensure rich soil for their crops and thick
grasses for their grazing animals.
5 Use Concept
Maps
With a concept map, you are creating a visual setup that
helps to explain the relationships between concepts and the main topic.
Would you use a concept map?
What do you like about this method of note-taking?
What are the cons of this method?
6 Use
Abbreviations
Abbreviations are shortened words:
‘e.g.’ for ‘for example’, ‘info.’ instead of
‘information’. If you shorten a word,
put a full stop at the end of it to show it is an abbreviation.
Symbols: &, +, =, %, $,@.
As long as you understand them, you can make up your own symbols.
As long as you understand them, you can make up your own symbols.
7 Some
Golden Rules
·
Write clearly and accurately
·
Always leave a wide margin
·
Write using plenty of space
·
Structure your notes simply and clearly
·
Use headings and sub-headings
·
Use coloured pens consistently
·
Use bullet points – dotted, numbered or lettered
·
Make a note of titles and authors of evidence
sited
