Topic 3 – Part A Study skills – Note taking & summary writing Ref : Pinner, chpt. 7 pp 75 – 80, chpt. 8 pp 84 – 85; Gwen Mar – prepared notes for COM 501 : Academic Referencing: Using Harvard Citation Style

Note taking & Summary writing Saves time and increases the effectiveness of study. Good note -focus thinking, speeds up the process of learning. Permanent record of course requirement. Provides raw material for assessments – facts and figures. Summarizes ideas and arguments. Understand material.

Effective Note-taking Use headings and subheadings. Use abbreviations and symbols. Use key words that state essential information. Paraphrase the words of the speaker- paraphrase. Use a clear structure – introduction, body and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to write your notes. Group related ideas together under one heading. Notes should be edited soon after writing.

Some examples Introduction – intro Between – b/w Because – b/c Example – e.g. Introduction – intro Between – b/w Because – b/c To indicate an increase - ↑ To indicate a decrease - ↓ Conclusion – concl. Do not abbreviate each and every word, just common and long words or you will not be able to understand your notes.

Noting the main idea Three ways of identifying main ideas when cues not provided 1. By a process of elimination identify details, examples – so they will not be mistaken for main ideas, give examples.

(i) “main idea – example ”method A point is first made, then clarified 2. Identify the order in which the information is presented – most common order: (i) “main idea – example ”method A point is first made, then clarified (ii) “example - main idea method” – the main idea is introduced with cues, give examples Or some other words to indicate that all examples were given to prove a point

Make a tentative guess at which is the main idea, then check your guess whether the idea is supported by the details presented. Do not assume – you have to be sure that the main idea has supporting ideas.

Noting the Details from a dictation or a lecture Listen for the details so you can take accurate, relevant and appropriate notes. Separate facts from opinions. Facts - statements of actuality, such as dates, formulae and names, where applicable. Opinions –personal interpretations of facts. Stick as close to the original information and meaning as far as possible.

Note taking methods 1. Outline notes Outline notes indicate relationships between pieces of information. The main topic is as a label or name rather than a completed idea. Letter and number notation makes outline clear.

e.g. Outline notes What do these drawings consist of? Triangles – title of outline Look for divisions – large, small, red, grey. Outline could be set out as shown below: Triangles A. large B. small 1. grey 2. red & blue Or 1. grey 2. red 1.1 large 2.1 small 1.2 small

2. Numbering System - Decimal Style This is a logical, easy-to-use style favored in most scientific and technical publications. It makes it simpler to refer quickly to a specific topic. 1.0 - Main Idea 1 1.1 - Supporting Idea 1 1.11 - Detail 1.2 - Supporting Idea 2 1.21 - Detail 2.0 - Main Idea 2 2.1 - Supporting Idea 1 2.11 - Detail 2.2 - Supporting Idea 2 2.21 - Detail

3. Diagrammatical Layout Title Main Idea Supporting Idea 1 Supporting Idea 2 Supporting Idea 3   Examples & detail Examples & detail Examples & detail

Diagrammatic Layout is particularly useful for future recall it represents graphically the essential relationship between the main ideas and supporting ideas. The main disadvantage of this method is the space it requires

e.g. Diagram method Note Taking https://www.google.com/#q=note+taking+Diagrams

4. Mind Maps the subtopics cluster around it. The main topic is positioned at the center and the subtopics cluster around it. Less important information extend further out in branches.

Summary Writing 1. Summary is a condensed version of a larger reading. (condensed – reduced in length) ¼ length of the original. 2. Gives basic ideas of the original reading – basically what the author wants to communicate. 3. Summary is usually paraphrased (use of own/other words)

How to produce a summary? 1. Read the article to be summarized and be sure you understand it. 2. Outline the article. Note the major points – use your note taking method. 3. Write a first draft of the summary using the notes you have taken without looking at the article. 4. Always use paraphrase/own words when writing a summary. Do not copy phrases or sentences from the original. 5. Target your first draft for approximately 1/4 the length of the original.

The features of a summary 1.Start summary with a title 2.Check with your outline and original to make sure you have covered the important points. 3.Never put any of your own ideas, opinions, or interpretations into the summary. 4. Write using "summarizing language." Periodically remind your reader that this is a summary using phrases such as the article claims, the author suggests, etc. 6.Keep summary short. 7. Write usually one paragraph only in COM301 course. 8.Use own wording. No direct lifting.