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Tips for Taking Notes while Reading |
Taking notes on reading requires the same skills that apply to class notes:
observation, reading, and review. You should take notes on reading:
- When you need more extensive notes than you can write in the margin of
the text.
- When you are reading from a book that you cannot write in such as a borrowed book, library book, etc.
Methods to use:
- Outlining -- works best when the material you are reading is organized.
- Cornell method -- divide your note paper into three sections: notes in the
right column, key words and questions in the left column, and a summary at
the bottom of the page.
- Paragraph form -- summarize what you read in your own words and include important
terms.
- Mind maps -- diagrams/summaries of overlapping lecture and text material.
Suggestions:
- Style/method of note taking should vary according to the material.
- Short story or poem:
- Read the entire thing once without taking notes.
- Write down your immediate impressions.
- Reread the piece, taking notes on characters, plots, etc.
- Scientific/technical material:
- Copy important formulas, terms, etc.
- Recreate or write down the page number of important diagrams or figures.
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