Six examples of ways to

take notes

1. POINT or DASH FORM: • As you read, condense the information into short points.  

Remove unnecessary words and ideas, then write down only what you need to remember the details.  For example,

Canada’s Cree

language of Manitoba Cree derived from the Algonquian linguistic family

Canada's largest native group

inhabited area south of Hudson Bay and James Bay, now Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba

some moved to "buffalo territory" and became Plains Cree

also: Woodland Cree, Swampy Cree

 

2. WEB DIAGRAM:  • Put the title in the centre of the page and web out the main 

ideas from the centre, using lines.  You should have a line for each paragraph, and each line should have branches.  For example:

3. OUTLINES: • This is similar to 

point form except the information the information is organized into categories, according to the paragraphs.  Make a heading for each paragraph, and list the information below the heading in point form.  For example:

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

  I.  Description

large members of deer family

broad hoofs

 

 II.  Behaviour

social animals living in herds

driven by mosquitoes and flies to coastal areas in mid-summer

 

III.  Diet

grasses, sedges, flowering plants, horsetails, leaves of willows in spring

well adapted to winter: reduce food intake and lower metabolic rate

eat lichens in winter

4. STUDY GUIDE:  • These notes are formed 

as quiz-like questions and answers.  Use who, what, when, where, how, and why as the basis for your questions.  Put the questions on the left side of the paper and answers on the right side.  This can be folded along the line for a quick review of terms or details.  Here's an example:

Where does the name Cree come from?

Canada’s Cree

- French fur traders called the people "Kristineaux," adapted from a name the people called themselves 

Who is Douglas Cardinal?

-  Cree architect.  Designed the Space Science Centre in Edmonton. 

Who is George Littlechild?

- Artist; exciting use of colour.  Member of the Plains Cree Nation.  Bachelor of Fine Arts.  - Lives in Vancouver. 

Who was Poundmaker?

- Cree Chief who signed Treaty 6 in 1876 and 1881. 

5. TWO-COLUMN NOTES:  • This style is similar to the Study Guide format above.  The left 

hand column takes up one-third of the page.  Put key words or sub-topics or diagrams in the left-hand column.  Put details, information, explanations, etc., in the right hand column.  For example:

6. The Combo

• Use a Template  that involves elements from all of the other note taking formats.

General Guidelines for Taking Notes:• Always include a title and the date you made the notes.• Use a highlighter, a different  colour , or underline really

important concepts or information .• Develop your own shorthand:  Use symbols such as &, 

#,  and  Δ  to show cause-and-effect; word contractions such as w/in for within and b/c for because, etc.  Use them often enough to remember what they are when you review your notes.

• Add diagrams or other visual "tools" wherever appropriate.• "customize" your style of notes to the content you are 

dealing with: each note-taking style works well but your material will determine which one is best for the learning purpose.