How to Take Cornell Notes

1. How to Take Cornell Notes

2. The Details Section • Write factual details. • Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? • Use bullets and put everything in your own words. • Put quotation marks around any material you quote directly. • Make notes complete for later understanding. • In other words, can you explain the ideas to a friend from your notes? • Don’t write down every word; be selective. • Skip lines between different ideas.

3. The “Questions” Column • On the left side of your paper, you’ll list important questions and main concepts that the details explain AFTER you’ve taken notes on the details. • Label main topics contained in your notes. • Form questions that can be answered from your notes. • Why are we writing the main questions after you take notes on the details?

4. The “Summary” Section • In 3-5 sentences, summarize your article. • Remember: A summary contains only the main ideas in your own words. • Jot down questions you may have to help you understand more about your topic. • What do you still want to know more about?

5. Sample: Cornell Notes about human cloning

6. Sample: Cornell Notes about human cloning • Summary: • According to this article, human cloning has many disadvantages. Research has proven that many animals either have died as a result, or are too difficult to even look at due to abnormalities. Humans are very emotional and may not be able to handle being a copy of their mother or father. Also, it’s important to think about the powerful leaders in our country that could take this advancement in technology and use it against the people for their own selfish purposes.