After determining what the structure of the text is and what format to take notes in, you need to decide what's important. This can be a difficult task because we want to think that the whole source is important, otherwise, why would someone write it all down? Well, the difference between your notes and the source is very important. Look at the chart below. You may recognize it as a Comparison Format from step 4. It is comparing notes to sources. It will give you some idea of what needs to be in your notes and what doesn't.
The Source |
Same or Different? |
Notes from a Source |
| Has complete sentences | Different
|
Has key words, and phrases |
| Uses paragraphs | Different
|
Uses bullets, lists, bubbles and words |
| Has a logical order | Same
|
Has a logical order |
| Tries to make sense to all readers | Different
|
Designed to work for YOU! |
| May include
author's opinions and comments
|
Different
|
Usually skips over stories, comments, and opinions of the author. Focus on KEY information. |
|
|
|
|
