In Class
Researching
Planning to Write
Research
Writing a Paper
Sources
Outlines
Skills
in Writing
Learn the basics
Writing Center
More information than you'll ever need
|
In
Class
-
Don't try to write down everything that's said — you'll miss a lot and
end up with unimportant details.
-
Try to focus on the main ideas. Write down anything that sounds important,
or anything you didn't know, or things you might forget.
-
Don't bother with complete sentences — they take too long to write.
-
Abbreviate, but not too much! You don't want to go over your notes the
night before an exam and realize you have no idea what you wrote!
-
Use your own words and not the teacher's.
-
Always, always put the date at the top of your pages so they'll stay organized.
-
Cursive writing is usually faster than printing, but if you tend to get
messy, printing is neater. You decide which you're more comfortable with.
-
If you have time after class, it's best to go over your notes and lengthen
your sentences, and go into greater detail while things are still fresh
in your mind. It may seem like a waste of time now, but when end-of-term
rolls around, you'll be thankful!
Researching
-
Write down important parts and interesting details.
-
Statistics are always good, but make sure you record the date in which
they were taken.
-
Never copy anything word for word. That way, it will be easier
to resist the urge to "borrow" a particularly well-written sentence here
and there.
-
When researching on the Internet, consider the source and take everything
with a grain of salt. Use your judgement when deciding whether "facts"
are true or opinions or lies. Remember that online as well as in print,
you can't believe everything you read.
-
Document sources! You'll need them later for your footnotes and bibliography
and you may want to visit sources twice.
|
|
beside it, to go directly to the Glossary
Page.