STEP FOUR: Which Format?

Once you have determined how the text is structured you can choose a corresponding note taking format.  

Key to the Chart

If you have Inspirations on the computer you are using, you can download a template to type on by clicking this symbol. Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in!
If you do not have Inspirations on the computer you are using but would like to see a picture of the format which you can print off, click this symbol. Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it!
In the right column you can see an example of one filled out by clicking this symbol. Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE

  Choose a format from the chart below.   

Type of Structure

Purpose

How Should I take notes for this?

Available Formats

Chronological

Information is presented in order of TIME.  This can be going forward in time or backward.

Use a Chronology format to put events in order like a timeline.

Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in! Chronology format
Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it! Chronology format
Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE Mr. Bailey's Life

1,2,3…

Procedural

Information is presented in an order to produce a product or end results through steps.

Use a Procedure format to put steps in order and to show the outcome or result.

Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in! Procedure format 
Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it! Procedure format 
Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE  Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Concept/Example

A general idea, term or concept is presented and described with specific examples of it given.

Use a Concept Map format or Outline. Put the Concept on top and the specific examples underneath.  The more specific items get indented to the right more.

Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in! Concept Map
Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it! Concept Map
Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE Democracy Concept Map

Þ  

Cause/Effect

The information is showing a relationship between something and what it resulted in (a cause and effect relationship).

Use a Cause/Effect Format.  List the cause on the left of the page and the effect or effects to the right of it.  Connect with an arrow that describes how the effect happened.

Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in! Cause/Effect Format
Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it! Cause/Effect Format
Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE Drinking & Driving

Descriptive

Gives a description of a person, place or thing.

Use a Description Format.  In the middle, say what is being described and then around the outside, write the descriptive words.

Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in! Description Format
Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it! Description Format
Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE Describe an Orange

Comparative

Used to present two or more things (ideas, people, groups, places, things) side by side to show differences or similarities.

Use a Comparison Format.  In the left column, goes the first thing being compared.  The second goes in the right column.  The descriptions go underneath each and then you should label the characteristic going across.

Click here to get an Inspirations File to Type in! Comparison Format
Click here for a picture of the format so you can print it! Comparison Format
Click here to see the format filled out with an EXAMPLE Comparing Apples and Oranges...*
* who says you can't compare apples and oranges!?

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