2. Types of Notes Formats
There are 3 main notes formats that can
be used. The three note-making
strategies are:
1-Linear notes
2-Column notes
3-Pattern notes
3. What works best for you?
It is important to understand what kind of
notes should you make and how many?
What do your notes look like? What works
best for you will depend on:
1. The way your memory and mind work.
2. The type of text.
3. What you want to use the notes for.
4. Linear notes
Linear notes is the most common format of
note-making:
1. The notes should be brief, dynamic,
memorable and structured.
2. They focus on the main ideas in
headings and sub-headings.
3. They use abbreviations & key words.
4. Underlining, colouring, and highlighting.
5. Chronological, reflect logically the
argument and points made
in the order they were made.
6. Organises material effectively
5. Example 1
Details of lecture, book or article.
Wide left hand margin. A. MAJOR TOPIC
Approximately one third of your Key point
page. supporting point.
This allows you to add material supporting point.
either supporting point.
during the lecture.
when reviewing your Key Point
notes. supporting point.
supporting point.
when doing other research. supporting point.
B. MAJOR TOPIC
6. Column notes
Column notes are another formats of note-
making that group information according to its
type and then arrange it in columns.
The number of columns depends upon the type
of information being dealt with.
In the simplest versions the main ideas, headings
or subheadings are listed in the left hand column
and details and explanations are listed in the
right hand column.
More complex models use three columns, which
allow you to record the main notes in the middle
column.
You then try to keyword the main points of your
notes in the left hand column and record your
comments, questions, opinions etc in the right
hand column.
8. Pattern notes
Taking notes in a patterned format , or creating
mind maps, helps you to think creatively about a
particular subject.
In the pattern images, colours, symbols, arrows
and capital letters can be used to help to convey
meaning by showing the relationship between
concepts and meaning, and highlighting key points.
Mind maps are “brain patterns” to reflect how the
brain works, and can help it to handle more than
one idea at once.
They are also useful for sorting out ideas after
“brainstorming” sessions and in particular for
planning essays and exam revision.
A useful tool to help you with the brainstorming
process, and the recording of ideas,
10. Task
Which type of notes do you think is
most effective and why?
Which is least effective and why?
Choose one of the articles that will be
given by your tutor.
Think of one of the types of notes you
will use for this text and explain why.
