What note taking method will I use? Does my information relate to my working thesis?

1. What note taking method will I use? Does my information relate to my working thesis? Have I avoided plagiarism? How will I organize my notes? Do I have to submit a first draft along with my final copy? Am I making connections between ideas? Considerations

2. Heading/Subheading method Notes by source Note cards Highlighting photocopies or print outs Cutting and pasting directly into Microsoft Word is NOT taking notes Note Taking Methods

3. Begin with the source that gives an overview of the topic. Scan; look for clues with headings, subheadings, vocab., highlighted terms. Use a graphic organizer. Use point form. Put things in your own words to avoid plagiarism. Copy quotations as is and take down the bibliographic info. Do not copy something you don’t understand. Note Taking Hints

4. Using a quotation or sentence word for word without citing the source Paraphrasing another’s ideas, style or language without acknowledging the source Submitting an essay written by someone else Using diagrams, charts, graphics, video/audio clips without acknowledgement Types of Plagiarism

5. Before you begin taking notes, jot down bibliographic information including: author title editor publisher place and year of publication page numbers URL Date you accessed a site A Working Bibliography

6. Create an Outline • Use headings (based on the subpoints of your thesis) for important ideas and group information under these headings • A good outline will show relationships between the facts and will come to a conclusion • An outline will help plan your paragraphs when you write the paper

7. Don’t put it off. Start writing without concern for grammar or sentence construction; get ideas down. It is not crucial to begin with your introductory paragraph. Start putting the info together under the headings on your outline. Don’t simply recopy your notes or your paper will sound choppy. Process and organize your notes. Be sure to indicate which material will need to be cited. Write on only one side of the paper and be sure to number your pages. Write on every second line to make editing easier. Use transitions which link one idea to the next. Begin with your strongest point and move down to weaker points Writing the first draft

8. It is best to let the first draft sit for a day before you go back to it. Read the text aloud to someone else to see if it makes sense. Move things around so like ideas are grouped for best effect It may be necessary to do further research to fill gaps in your argument. Ask yourself if your ideas flow logically (Have you used transitions?). Have you avoided “padding” your paper with repetitive info? Do you have specific support for general ideas? Revise the first draft

9. Check for Spelling Capitalization Grammar Parallel structure Sentence structure Sentence variety Tense shifts Usage Editing your Paper

10. Write your final draft • It should be typewritten and double spaced on one side of the paper. • Leave margins of 1” or more around the edges. • All pages EXCEPT the “works cited” should be numbered. • There should be no white-out on the text. • Follow the directions of your teacher in regards to a title page.