Focused Note-Taking Self Quiz

Do you preview the chapter before reading to get an overview of how the author has organized the text?

• YES

• NO

Do you read in an environment that is free of distractions (no television, music, text messages, computer interruptions, etc.)?

• YES

• NO

Do you think while you read? (You should be actively working to construct meaning and understand as you read.)

• YES

• NO

When taking notes on paper, do you leave white space in your notes so you can add more information or make connections later?

• YES

• NO

Do you abbreviate whenever possible?

• YES

• NO

Do you avoid writing complete sentences in your notes, focusing instead on phrases, words, or pictures?

• YES

• NO

Do your notes reflect the organization of the chapter? Do you write the names of sections?

• YES

• NO

Can a person looking at your notes distinguish main ideas from supporting details?

• YES

• NO

Do you try to see the big ideas in the reading? Are you thinking about how the author organized the chapter, why the author included specific information, how ideas compare and contrast, etc.?

• YES

• NO

Are you categorizing the information or grouping the information by theme (i.e., social, political, economic; causes, effects) as you read?

• YES

• NO