English 202 Fall 2004 - Research Writing
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Note Taking
 

General Overview:

Always start by noting Source Information (author, title, publication type and details) and record page numbers.  Keep your theme or "working question" in mind, to help you sort out important from less significant details.

 
Choose at least 1 method of notetaking from the first three (1-3); then also evaluate the source (4). (You may find it useful to adopt a standard code for distinguishing summary, paraphrase, quotation and evaluative comment.)
  1. Summary - [[Restate in your own words, noting basic concepts but not exact (or near) phrases or sentences]].
  2. Paraphrase - Close restatement, capturing the general information in similar or identical language.
  3. Quotation - "Exact repetition of words, phrases, and sentences from the original."
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  4. Evaluation - >>Comments, judgements, and questions about the source and information it presents.<<

 
See Example

Exercise:

Consider this article by Barbara Ehrenreich, following up on Nickel and Dimed. Post a sample page of typed notes to WEBCT. Be sure to think about what mix of methods (1-4) is most appropriate.

Refer to the Owl Guidelines for MLA citation if you like.

 
Courses | Sherwood |IUP English | IUP
Last Updated: 09 December, 2008