Note-Taking Techniques
This note-taking method uses two vertical columns to organize information from reading and listening sources.
the two-column method?
This term refers to combining information from multiple sources into a coherent whole.
synthesizing
Avoid doing this with large chunks of text from the original sources in your response.
copying or direct quoting
Paraphrase this sentence: "The advent of social media has fundamentally altered the landscape of human communication."
How people interact with each other has been dramatically reshaped by the rise of online social platforms."
This visual note-taking technique involves creating a diagram with a central concept and branching ideas.
mind mapping?
When synthesizing information, this writing technique is used to express ideas from the original sources in your own words.
paraphrasing?
This common mistake occurs when a writer fails to clearly show how ideas from different sources relate to each other.
lack of synthesis
Paraphrase this sentence using generalization: "The study examined the effects of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium on bone health."
"The research investigated how various nutrients impact skeletal strength."
What do you call this n note-taking: (↑, ↓, &, @)
abbreviatio and symbols
This organizational method for synthesizing involves addressing each main point from different sources in separate paragraphs.
point-by-point method
This pitfall involves focusing too much on one source (either the reading or the listening) at the expense of the other.
unbalanced coverage of sources
Paraphrase this sentence by changing the voice: "Scientists have discovered a new species of deep-sea fish."
"A previously unknown type of fish dwelling in the ocean's depths has been identified by researchers."
This strategy involves writing down only the main ideas and key supporting details, not every word.
selective note-taking
When synthesizing, this type of words or phrases are used to show relationships between ideas from different sources.
transitional words or phrases? (e.g., "however," "in contrast," "similarly")
This mistake happens when a writer overuses certain transitional phrases or sentence structures, leading to repetitive writing.
lack of variety in language use
Paraphrase this sentence by splitting it into two: "Despite initial skepticism, the novel approach to renewable energy has gained widespread acceptance among industry experts."
"The innovative renewable energy method was met with doubt at first. However, it has now been widely endorsed by professionals in the field."
This cognitive process, essential for effective note-taking, involves mentally organizing and interpreting information as you receive it.
active listening
This critical thinking skill, essential for effective synthesizing, involves identifying similarities and differences between ideas from different sources.
comparing and contrasting
This advanced mistake happens when a writer accurately reports individual points from the sources but fails to capture the overall argument or main idea.
missing the forest for the trees or failing to convey the big picture
Paraphrase this sentence by reframing the perspective: "The government's new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% over the next decade."
"In ten years' time, if the recently implemented governmental plan succeeds, the nation will see nearly a third less carbon released into the atmosphere."