Writing notes

Notes can be made on paper, or typed into a computer, in any fashion which suits your purpose or learning style. Any method of notemaking from lectures can be adapted for use here too, but remember to select significant information rather than just copy it out.

The card system

This is a very effective recording and writing strategy for assignment preparation. Record your notes (from texts, and also your own ideas) on small index cards. Use one card to an idea or quotation. Once you have gathered sufficient information and written a plan, the cards can be arranged to correspond to the structure of your essay. With your sequence of cards beside you, it is a relatively simple process to write up your essay.

Sample note card:

Recording your sources

When you make notes from texts, be sure to indicate which words are paraphrased from the author and which are direct quotations (always put inverted commas around quotations). In both cases, record the author’s name and relevant page number each time you write down an idea. If you forget to do this, you will not be able to document your work, and you may be accused of plagiarism.

The bibliographical details of the whole text must also be recorded (author’s name, date of publication, title, publisher, place of publication). As you take notes, you can record the details of each text on a separate page of references, progressively assembled as you research. They can also be recorded on index cards, so that you build up a file of references which can easily be typed up as a reference list at the end of your assignment. If you are using the card system for all your notes, it is a good idea to use a different coloured set of cards for your reference list.

Sample reference card:

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