Resources and ideas for developing better note-taking skills from readings for academic work.

1. Taking Notes from Readings
Today we will look at:
- reasons for note-taking
- deciding on the relevance of a reading
- steps in the note-taking process
- different formats to use
- reading critically
- a text to practice
- suitable iPad apps

2. Why do we take notes from a reading?
What happens if our notes are not suitable?

3. The Reading Techniques
Step 1a: Pre-Reading to predict the content.
- title
- abstract or summary
- headings or
subheadings
- pictures or diagrams
- make a prediction
- think about what you already
know on this topic

4. Step 1b: Reading
- read the whole article once without stopping
- underline or highlight any unfamiliar words or expressions
- read quickly
- use your eyes only
Write one or two sentences stating the ‘gist’ or overall meaning of
the article.

5. Step 2: Summarise for understanding
- read each paragraph two or three times
- check you understand it and the main idea
- close or cover the article
- write a one sentence summary of the paragraph

6. Step 3: Clarify
- work out any words or expressions you do not understand
- try to do so from the context (those parts surrounding the
word or expression)
How?
- use an English-English dictionary
- try working it out from the context (better)
words that
mean the same
expressions that
explain the meaning
expressions either opposite or
contrasting with the word

7. Step 4: Ask Questions
Who?
What?
Why?
When?
Where?
How?
about the text
Think about writing down your questions and the answers.

8. Extended Reading Skills
1. Do you agree with the points made?
2. Why do you agree or disagree?
3. Is your opinion based on knowledge of the issue?
Is there anything that could be used for the assignment
(essay) question?
5. Does it help you think of ways to develop your ideas for
the assignment?
4.

9. Reading Critically
To read critically means not judging a text
until you have:
- understood the message being put forward
- evaluated the evidence supporting that message
- evaluated the writer's perspective.
If you read uncritically you may accept texts and
arguments which are flawed, biased and subjectively
written.

10. NOTE-TAKING: Getting Organised
1. Keep them together in a safe place e.g. a folder.
2. Write down or photocopy the publication details.
3. Include page numbers when taking notes.
4. Make sure you include sufficient details.
5. Only note important points in your summaries.

16. Page 1
Page 2

26. Prepared by Gregory Quinlivan,
Language Support Teacher,
AMK Campus of JCU Singapore