Notetaking Basics note taking signal words and phrases

Note-taking Basics - note taking - signal words and phrases - abbreviations

NOTE TAKING Here a few hints fir taking notes: 1. Choose a format that is comfortable for you, but make sure that it is easy to see the difference between main ideas and details in your heading: Some ways to write headings: • Use capital letters: WHY NOTE TAKING IS IMPORTANT • Underline: Why note taking is important • Use a box: Why note taking is important • Put the headings in a circle in the center of a page with lines for details extending out: Why note taking is important

NOTE TAKING Continued Some ways to write details: • Indent below heading and use dashes: WHY NOTE TAKING IS IMPORTANT –we quickly forget what we hear –material is easier to remember • Indent below heading and use bullets: Why note taking is important • we quickly forget what we hear • material is easier to remember • Place in circles around main idea: we quickly forget what we hear material is easy to remember Why note taking is important

NOTE TAKING Continued 2. Don’t try to write everything you hear, word for word, as if you were taking dictation. 3. Become aware of when a speaker is using signal words that indicate where the lecture is going. 4. Use abbreviations to save time. Some example follow, but use whatever abbreviations you are familiar with. And when you hear long words, try to make up abbreviations.

ABBREVIATIONS Personal Shorthand. These are some commonly used abbreviations. If you wish, you can tear out or photocopy this list and tape it inside the cover of your binder or notebook. advantage adv in order to i. o. t. regarding re against vs individual indiv should be s/b and + information info significant signif and so forth etc important impt that is i. e. association assoc introduction intro therefore ∴

ABBREVIATIONS Continued because bec maximum max with w/ consequently ∴ necessary nec without w/o department dept organization org with regard to w. r. t. development devmt particular partic for example ex or eg politics pol government govt psychology psych

SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES Some Bell Phrases. Also known as “signal words” and “signal phrases, ” these indicate an important point that should be remembered. Additive words: these say, “Here more of the same coming up. It’s just as important as what we have already said. ” Equivalent words: They say, “It does what I have just said, but it does this too. ” Examples: also furthermore as well as likewise and in addition at the same similarity besides moreover equally important time further too

SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES Continued Amplification words: The author is saying, “I want to be sure that you understand my idea: so here’s a specific instance. ” Examples: as like for example (e. g. ) specifically for instance such as Qualifying words: These say, : Here is what we can expect. These are the conditions we are working under. ” Examples: although unless if whenever provided that

SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES Continued Alternative words: These point up, “Sometimes there is a choice; other times there isn’t. ” Repetitive words: They say, “I said it once, but I’m going to say it again in case you missed it the first time. ” Examples: either/or otherwise again that is (i. e. ) other than neither/nor in other word to repeat Cause-and-effect words: all this happened; now I’ll tell you why. ” Examples: accordingly since for this reason therefore because so hence thus consequently then

SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES Continued Contrast-and-change words: “So far I’ve given you only one side of the story; now let’s take a look at the other side. ” Examples: but on the contrary in spite of though conversely on the other hand instead of whereas despite rather than nevertheless yet even though regardless notwithstanding however still

SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES Continued Concession words: They say “Okay, we agree on this much. ” Emphasizing words: They say “Wake up and take notice!” Examples: accepting the data of course above all granted that indeed more important Time words: “Let’s keep the record straight on who said what and especially when. ” Examples: afterward presently before previously formerly subsequently now meanwhile ultimately

SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES Continued Order words: The author is saying “You keep your mind on reading; I’ll keep the numbers straight. ” Summarizing words: These say “I’ve said many things so far; let’s stop here and pull them together. ” Examples: finally next for these reason in conclusion first second in brief last then to sum up