Cornell Notes

How do I take useful notes?

Write

• The large box is for writing notes from reading and listening.
• Spread out your notes on the paper – skip at least on line between ideas.
• Don’t use complete sentences.
• Use understandable abbreviation, whenever possible.
• Develop your own shorthand, such as using & for the word and.

Review and Clarify

• Review the notes at the end of class or as soon as possible after class.
• Write main ideas, key points, or questions in the left column.

Summarize

• Write a summary of the main ideas in the bottom section.

Practice Taking Notes

• Taking notes is hard work!
• Keep trying – don’t give up!
• Ask Ms. Au if you have questions.

How to Study Your Notes

• Reread your notes in the right column.
• Spend most of your time studying the ideas in the left column and the summary at the bottom.  These are the most important ideas and will probably include most of the information that will be tested.