1. Taking Notes
Villanova Libraries
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2. Note taking
3 Step process
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3. Carefully read and understand
Before you take notes read through the information first. 1
Make meaning of what you have read
Read critically to identify the main points. 2
Take notes
Summarise and paraphrase and indicate direct “quotes”. 3
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4. Improve the layout of your notes
Use a
Use headings to
define main numbering Use indenting
points, and sub- system to separate to illustrate how
headings to show headings and sub- information is linked.
supporting evidence. headings.
Leave extra space to make Organise your notes,
notes easier to read at a later include the source, page
date, particularly between numbers and re-read on
points. completion to ensure clarity.
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5. Three effective note taking layout
methods
Linear or Use headings, sub-headings, indentation and
outline numbering. Use symbols to show relationships
between the ideas.
notes
Diagram or
Place the main concept at the centre, link
concept associated ideas (sub-headings).
map notes
Notes by Highlight the author’s main point. Mark and number
marking the main ideas in the topic sentences. Underline
important supporting detail. Do not over mark.
the text 5

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9. Incorporating notes into your
assignment
The 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
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10. Sample paragraph
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11. Extra hints on how to make notes
Use a column in your
Before you start – note taking to
include your Always record page
record all details of
reflections – how numbers as you take
the source for your you will use this notes.
bibliography. information,
additional ideas.
Do not try to read all the
information. Be an active reader:
review, predict, use Use inverted commas for
contents/index, read chapter direct quotes – avoid
titles, subheadings, topic sentences plagiarism.
and last sentences, conclusions and
summaries.
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12. La Trobe University 2006
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