How to take notes

Record

Notes are a shortened version of some information.

You should choose only the main points from the original.

Don't try to record all of the source materials.

Show the difference between the main points and any examples.

Clarity

Listen, read, or watch closely, thinking carefully about the subject.

Decide which parts will be most useful.

Convert the original material into your own words.

This will help you to remember it at a later date.

Materials

Always use loose-leaf A4 size paper.

Use a new set of pages for each new subject.

Your notes should fit easily alongside other materials.

Don't use small reporter's notepads (unless you are on a visit).

Layout

Write as clearly as possible, and follow the guidelines for good page layout.

Leave spaces between each topic.

Use a system of numbered points. This helps to keep one point distinct from another.

Don't use continuous writing. Don't write in complete sentences. Don't string points together.

Write on one side of page only.

Brevity

You can write incomplete sentences. These are notes - not finished writing.

Miss out any words which are not important. Use abbreviations wherever possible.

You can also use mathematical symbols such as

+ = < & >

Use diagrams, graphs, or pictures where possible.
Some people devise their own personal code of abbreviations and signs.

Structure

Use headings and sub-headings for separate sections.

Use letters, numbers, or indentation to identify individual items.

Keep the items separate: this makes them easier to see.

Many people have good visual memory. Clear layout helps recall of details.

Sources

Always make a full note of the original.

Author - Title - Publisher - Date - Page

Note the full catalogue number of library books.

All this could save you a lot of time later.

Storage

Keep notes in a loose-leaf binder or a pocket file.

Use coloured dividers to keep sections separate.

The loose-leaf method allows you to add new notes without trouble.

You can also re-write pages, and add diagrams or pictures.

Some people prefer small index cards of the kind used by libraries.

You can also compress your notes onto index cards for revision.

Keep things separate, with clear labels for easy recall.

Books

Never write notes in library books.

Any notes in the book disappear once it is returned to the library.

Comments in your own books may be of use for essay writing or revision.

Don't underline every line in a paragraph.

If a section is significant, label the subject with a title.

Two or three words in the margin are more useful, because they offer a summary of the issue.