Download - Take notes
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Taking Notes
Villanova Libraries
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Note taking3 Step process
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Carefully read and understandBefore you take notes read through the information first.
Make meaning of what you have readRead critically to identify the main points.
Take notesSummarise and paraphrase and indicate direct “quotes”.
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Improve the layout of your notes
Leave extra space to make notes easier to read at a later date, particularly
between points.
Use
headings to define main
points, and sub-headings to show
supporting evidence.
Use a
numbering system to
separate headings and sub-headings.
Use
indenting to illustrate how information is
linked.
Organise your notes, include the source, page numbers and re-read on completion to ensure
clarity.
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Three effective note taking layout methods
Linear or outline
notesDiagram
or concept
map notes
Notes by marking the text
Use headings, sub-headings, indentation and numbering. Use symbols to show relationships between the ideas.
Place the main concept at the centre, link associated ideas (sub-headings).
Highlight the author’s main point. Mark and number the main ideas in the topic sentences. Underline important supporting detail. Do not over mark.
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Incorporating notes into your assignmentThe main reason why you will be taking notes is to:• Interpret and understand what you are
reading• Incorporate relevant information into
the body of your assignment as supporting evidence
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Sample paragraph
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Extra hints on how to make notes
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Do not try to read all the information. Be an active
reader: review, predict, use contents/index, read chapter
titles, subheadings, topic sentences and last sentences, conclusions and summaries.
Before you start – record all details of the source for
your bibliography.
Use a column in your note taking to include your
reflections – how you will use this
information, additional ideas.
Always record page numbers
as you take notes.
Use inverted commas for direct quotes – avoid
plagiarism.
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La Trobe University 2006