3 Ways to Write Notes on a Book

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3 Ways to Write Notes on a Book
3 Ways to Write Notes on a Book
Anonim

Taking notes is a good way to organize the notions of what you are reading so that during the review you can quickly remember the general concepts, topics and themes of the text. Taking notes as you read also helps you understand the text more deeply, whether it's a novel or not. This article will teach you how to make the most of your reading!

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Part One: Before You Read

Step 1. Read the book covers

They will give you some background information on the author and the text, preparing you for reading.

  • Read the author's introduction, if any.

    Write down a Book Step 1 Bullet1
    Write down a Book Step 1 Bullet1

  • Check if there is a glossary, a map or some other tool to refer to while reading.

    Write down a Book Step 1 Bullet2
    Write down a Book Step 1 Bullet2
Write down a Book Step 2
Write down a Book Step 2

Step 2. Find a review or summary of the book

It will help you approach it with a thematic and analytical point of view. Determine if the book has political, social, and / or historical significance based on the opinions of critics or other readers.

If you're reading a novel, make sure the reviews don't ruin your story. Usually if there are any spoilers they are reported

Write down a Book Step 3
Write down a Book Step 3

Step 3. Determine your purpose

If you are reading the book for verification, for example, review the directions given to you. If you have a number of questions to answer, keep them handy. If you are reading a book for pleasure, think about what struck you at the beginning. What do you want to get from reading this text?

Write down a Book Step 4
Write down a Book Step 4

Step 4. Approach the book with an open mind

Remember that many authors purposely leave their works open for various interpretations, so take any preliminary information you've acquired with a grain of salt. This is especially important if you are reading a fictional work; not all works have a definitive "answer" or "meaning".

Having an open mind will help you see elements in the text that others have not seen, such as hidden symbols, references and deficiencies in the plot. Keep your eyes open

Method 2 of 3: Part Two: As You Read

Write down a Book Step 5
Write down a Book Step 5

Step 1. Outline key information

They include important people, ideas, events and / or terms. Use a highlighter in a color that doesn't distract you or is too dark to make the text unreadable.

If highlighters distract you, use a pen or pencil to underline important text

Write down a Book Step 6
Write down a Book Step 6

Step 2. Use parentheses to highlight important paragraphs or sections

If the text is too long to highlight, the brackets will tell you which parts should be reread in full.

Write down a Book Step 7
Write down a Book Step 7

Step 3. Write notes in the margins

If you choose to highlight or box a section, use a pencil or pen to write something meaningful in the margin so that you can quickly remember why you highlighted that particular part without rereading the entire chapter.

Write down a Book Step 8
Write down a Book Step 8

Step 4. Look for words you don't know

Keep a dictionary handy to look up words you don't understand. Write the definition in the margin so you don't forget it when you go to reread it.

If you have a computer, look for terms and concepts you don't understand

Write down a Book Step 9
Write down a Book Step 9

Step 5. Make an outline at the end of each chapter or section (optional)

To keep your memory fresh, try writing an outline at the end of each chapter that captures the important events, ideas, or concepts discussed in the chapter.

Method 3 of 3: Part Three: After Reading

Write down a Book Step 10
Write down a Book Step 10

Step 1. Do the task

If you are reading a book for school and have a task assigned, or a report, do it right after you finish reading the book, so the content will be fresh in your memory.

Write down a Book Step 11
Write down a Book Step 11

Step 2. Review your notes

Scroll through the book quickly, chapter by chapter, to refresh your memory. Review the underlined parts and the notes in the margin.

Write down a Book Step 12
Write down a Book Step 12

Step 3. Correct and / or add things you have forgotten

Take the book with you to school. If you find that you don't understand something and have written wrong notes, change them so that you don't get confused later.

Advice

  • If you want to take more detailed notes, use a separate notebook so the book doesn't get too messy. Put your notes in a safe place so you don't lose them.
  • Find a quiet place to read. Standing in front of the television or blaring music can be distracting and you may miss out on important elements of the text.
  • Read the footnotes, if any.

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