2. Step 1: Print
Having a paper copy of your sources is always a
good idea.
You have it to fall back on if you can’t find it later.
You can mark it up and make notes on it.
3. Step 2: Chunk the Text
Check out the format.
How is the source organized?
Are there subheadings? Bold text?
Number paragraphs.
Label parts of the source.
Group paragraphs together to determine parts of the
article.
4. Step 3: Read and
Underline/Highlight/Circle
Read with a pen/highlighter in your hand.
Underline/highlight anything that helps you
answer your question.
5. Step 4: Make Notes
Left margin: Summary
What is the author saying?
Put important points in your own words.
Right margin: Dig deeper
Ask questions about the text.
Think about what the writer is doing (describing,
illustrating, etc.)
6. Step 5: Take Notes
Begin to organize your thoughts as a result of
reading your articles/Web sites.
What matters?
What can you say in response to what you’ve read?
