Note-takingNote-taking

By Linda ValleyBy Linda Valley

ImportantImportant

• Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.

• Most important considerations in note-taking are accuracy and honesty.

Locate keywords and related wordsLocate keywords and related words

• in the table of contents, index, headings, subheadings, and captions

• generate a short list of related words for the questions

SkimmingSkimming• Requires the reader to read quickly and look for

main ideas or supporting details in a paragraph

• Read the first and last paragraph of sections for summaries of the content

• Read the last sentences of paragraphs to gain an impression of the topic

4 Note-taking Types4 Note-taking Types

• Citation: A reference to a book, article, web page, etc.

• Summary: A short version of the original which highlights major points

• Paraphrase: Restating someone else’s ideas in your own words.

• Quotation: “Word for word”

Summarizing vs ParaphrasingSummarizing vs Paraphrasing

• In both instances, you are restating someone else's ideas in your own words. What's the difference?

The most important thing to The most important thing to rememberremember

• Whether you are summarizing or paraphrasing, is that you must not borrow too much from your original source. You must use your own words and your own phrasing.

• If you do not change enough of the vocabulary and sentence structure of the original passage, you have plagiarized.

ParaphrasingParaphrasing

• 1. When you are at the note-taking stage, make a note of the author's basic point. Don’t use full sentences.

• 4. Make sure to include the page number of the original passage so that you can make a proper reference later on.

Time to write your paperTime to write your paper

1. Convert the ideas from your notes into full sentences.

2. Provide a reference.

3. Go back to the original to ensure that (a) your paraphrase is accurate and (b) you have truly said things in your own words.

How do I summarize?How do I summarize?

• Absorb the meaning of a passage and then put the most important elements it in your own words

• A summary is shorter than a paraphrase.

How do I Quote?How do I Quote?

• Signal that a quotation is coming--generally the author's name and/or a reference to the work

• Use quotation marks “”

Ms. Valley writes in her book titled Research, “Not plagiarizing is most important to ones future.”