How to take notes: tips to make you a successful student English 9A

Why take notes? Helps you remember (brain research links writing things down to memory recall) Helps you concentrate in class Helps you prepare for tests (gives you clues on what will be on test) Gives you additional information that may not be in your textbook

How to take notes Be selective- don’t write down every word (you often won’t have enough time) Translate ideas- NOT TERMS- into your own words Organize your notes (by outlining, by theme, making a list, etc.)

How to take notes Write in colors (highlighters are yellow because studies show you remember things in yellow more than black/blue) Use shorthand only if you know what it means (&, etc., approx., w/) Use margins to write key ideas or to draw attention to important things with mini drawings or symbols (ex. An arrow, bubble, big exclamation point)

How to create an outline Outlines are a great way to organize your notes. The format is easier than you probably think. Here’s how: I. Main idea A. Major point or information about main idea a. Subpoint about idea supporting detail for subpoint “a” b. Next subpoint about main idea “I” II. Main idea #2 A. Major point about main idea #2