How to Take Notes From Text

 

1. Quickwrite Ð In 30 seconds, write everything you know about the topic.
2. Skim/Skan Ð In 52 seconds, skim and scan the section that you to learn Ð then write a quick summary of what you think the section is about (1-2 sentences).
3. Careful Scan Ð Carefully scan all bolded words, headings and subheadings.  Examine pictures/charts/maps/graphs by:
1. Look at picture/chart/map/graph
2. Read the caption of picture/chart/map/graph
3. Look at picture/chart/map/graph again
4. Turn to the end of the chapter and read the summary of this section to be read.  Examine any questions to be answered at the end of the section.
5. Make Vocabulary Cards for the section to read
1. On blank side of card Ð write the vocabulary word
2. On the lined side of the card write

                                                     i.     Textbook definition

                                                      ii.     Common sense definition

                                                        iii.     Notation of the section and page number where the word is first mentioned

6. Visual Cues Ð Examine each visual (picture/chart/map/graph) in the section and write a brief one sentence summary of each visual.
7. Close Reading Ð Begin reading the section.  After every three or four paragraphs (less if needed) take important notes or one sentence summaries.  Remember that you already have notes on all the vocabulary words and visuals.  Add vocabulary into summary as needed.  Close reading notes should be taken in Cornell Notetaking format.
8. Review each page of notes for 30 seconds each page.  Each night or study session. Review vocabulary daily.