Types of note-taking
Two types of note-taking that are commonly used are linear note-taking and concept mapping.
Linear note-taking
- most frequently used
- main headings and subheadings appear down the page
- sections are often indented and numbered
Concept mapping
- visual diagram / map
- lends itself to the use of colour, space and imagination
- a visual representation of a holistic picture
No matter which method of note-taking you use, you must cite your source, i.e. you must reference your notes to avoid plagiarism. You need to reference your notes so that when it comes to writing another draft, you know the difference between 'your voice' and the voices of other authors. Your punctuation and citations must clearly show where 'your voice' begins and ends and where the authors' voices begin and end.
Train yourself now to always CITE YOUR SOURCE!