1

Taking Notes

Villanova Libraries

2

Note taking4 Step process

3

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”.

1

2

3

Make meaning of what you have readRead critically to identify the main points.Integrate your notes into your assignment 4

4

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.

5

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.

6

7

8

9

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

10

Sample paragraph

11

Extra hints on how to make notes

11

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.

12

La Trobe University 2006