Note Taking 101

While you are listening to a professor's lecture, are you having trouble taking notes? There is no need to feel frustrated.
A good note-taking process is quite easy. All you need is a notebook and something to write with, and with these, you will have the basic tools you need.

Make good decisions about what to include in your notes. For example, you should write what a professor puts on the board, or shows on a projection screen. It is usually important information.

While you are listening to the lecture, you will notice that the professor uses signal words and phrases. So when you hear "the most important reason" or "the main reason", always pay attention and add that information to your lecture notes.

You will need to develop a system of symbols and abbreviations to increase your note-taking speed. For example, you can use "w / wo" to mean "with / without". You can also use "+ / -" when you want to indicate positive or negative Ideas, like pros and cons, before and after, etc.

Before going to your next class, be sure to review your notes and ask your teacher any questions that you have. With this note-taking system, you will be more confident in class and better prepared for your next exam.

(This is my answer to the "Try it out" practice in Longman Academic Writing Series Number 3, page 116)