The document provides instructions on how to take effective notes using index cards for research. Key points include organizing notes by subject on index cards, writing facts in your own words while citing the source and page number, and including the author's name. An example index card is shown with notes summarizing a fact about Greek myths from a source, along with the page number, author, and subject for organizing the notes. Index cards are suggested as an effective way to organize research notes for writing a paper and presentation.