Taking Notes for Research

• Whether you are reading, listening to a speaker, or watching a movie, taking notes will help you remember what you read, hear, or see. Good notes will help you remember much more than what you actually write down. The following guidelines tell you important things to remember when taking notes.

Guidelines for Taking Notes

• 1. Don’t copy what you read. Summarize your main ideas in your mind, and restate them in your own words.

• 2. Use quotation marks to give credit for someone’s exact words.

• 3. Write only key words and phrases, not entire sentences.

• 4. Below each main idea, list the details that support it.

• 5. Keep careful records of the sources you are using.

A note card about Robert E. Lee from an encyclopedia is shown.

• Lee’s early life– Born Jan.19, 1807– Father was “Light- Horse Harry” Lee– Grew up in Alexandria, Virginia– Attended West Point– Graduated 2nd in class in 1829

Collier’s Encyclopedia, 1999 Volume 14, page 440.

Historical accomplishment:

– Events leading up to the accomplishment– Accomplishment- what was it?– What happened after the accomplishment?

Interesting Facts:

• 3 facts