When you are ready to begin taking notes, consider the following steps. 1. Review your source cards.
2. Which ones are more likely to have useful information? -- evidence you can quote to show causes for your topic, effects for your topic, or both.
3. Start with one source. Scan the index and table of contents looking for pages that might contain useful evidence. For articles, scan the title, any subheads, and the first sentences of paragraphs.
4. When you find the first piece of useful text, take out an index card.
5. Label the card in the upper right with the "letter" of that source. Write a number beside it for each new card. Ex: A3
6. Locate and scan the text in the source.
7. Write a headline for your notes on the top line.
8. Skip a line.
9. Using " " marks, write the relevant information on your card.
10. Don't forget to write the page number where you found the evidence.
11. Do not try to cram too much on one card.
12. Two to four sentence are long enough for one single card.
2. Which ones are more likely to have useful information? -- evidence you can quote to show causes for your topic, effects for your topic, or both.
3. Start with one source. Scan the index and table of contents looking for pages that might contain useful evidence. For articles, scan the title, any subheads, and the first sentences of paragraphs.
4. When you find the first piece of useful text, take out an index card.
5. Label the card in the upper right with the "letter" of that source. Write a number beside it for each new card. Ex: A3
6. Locate and scan the text in the source.
7. Write a headline for your notes on the top line.
8. Skip a line.
9. Using " " marks, write the relevant information on your card.
10. Don't forget to write the page number where you found the evidence.
11. Do not try to cram too much on one card.
12. Two to four sentence are long enough for one single card.