American University, Academic Support Center, Writing Lab, updated 2009
Step 6: Start Taking Notes
After you have gathered your materials and prepare a working outline, you can start to
take notes. Write your notes on index cards (either 3x5" or 4x6") being sure to include
only one note on each card. Each note should relate in some way to one of the topics on
your working outline. Label each card with the appropriate topic; then you can easily
organize your note cards later when you begin to prepare the final outline of your paper.
Each note card should also include the title of the source of information and the page
number to use later for footnoting. This is very important because you must cite all
material even if you have not used the exact words of the text. Be sure to write the note
in your own words; use direct quotes only when the information is worded in a
particularly unusual way. To avoid overlooking any material, write on only one side of
each card--if the note requires more space, use another card and label it accordingly.
Read the passage below and the sample note card that follows it. Pay particular attention
to the paraphrasing that summarizes the content of the passage and the other items
included on the card.
Thesis: Man's attempts to create a healthier and more prosperous life often have
unforeseen detrimental effects upon the very environment he hopes to improve.
Ecology and Its Implications
In Malaysia recently, in an effort to kill off mosquitoes, American technologists sprayed
woods and swamplands with DDT. Result? Cockroaches, which ate poisoned mosquitoes
were slowed in their reactions that they could be eaten by a variety of tree-climbing
lizards, which in turn could be eaten by cats, which promptly died of insecticide
poisoning. The cats having died, the rat population began to increase; as rats multiplied,
so did fleas: hence the rapid spread of bubonic plague in Malaysia. But that is not all. The
tree-climbing lizards, having died, could no longer eat an insect that consumed the straw
thatching of the natives' huts. So, as Malaysians died of the plague, their roofs literally
caved in above their heads.
Peter A. Gunter. The Living Wilderness. Spring 1970
Sample notecard:
title of reference
note in your own words: unforeseen detrimental effects
"Ecol. & Its Implications"
Living Wilderness. Spr. '70, p. 31
Recently the use of DDT in Malaysia, originally intended to kill mosquitoes, started a
chain reaction of events leading to bubonic plaque and the actual collapse of Malaysian's
huts.
topic from working outline
page number