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:
- Your style/method of note taking should vary according to the material.
- Create a 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.
- For scientific/technical material:
- Copy important formulas, terms, etc.
- Recreate or write down the page number of important diagrams or figures for later reference