Mostaganem University
Faculty of Exact Sciences and Computer Science
Department of Computer Science H. Belabiod
M1: ISI, IA, Resys
Scientific English (2024-2025)
Note-Taking
1) Note-taking Methods:
There are five basic methods of note-taking.
1-1) The Outline Method:
One of the foremost easiest and intuitive ways of note-taking is the outline method, in
which notes are turned into a hierarchy of information, offering an exceedingly organized and
logical flow of content.
Title the most address topics on the far left of the page.
Include subtopics underneath each topic, intending them farther towards the
right.
Expand on each subtopic with notes, intended even farther to the right.
Example:
1- Essay
1-1- Elements of Essay
1-1-1 Introductory §
1-1-1-1- General statements (hook)
1-1-1-2- Thesis statement (outline)
1-1-2 Body §
1-1-3 Concluding §
1-2- Types of Essays
1-2-1 process
1-2-2 cause/ Effect
1-2-3 opinion
1-2-4 comparison/ Contrast
1-2) The Cornell Method:
Another popular note-taking method is the Cornell method created by Cornell
university’s professor Walter Pauk himself.
Draw an upside-dawn T on the page.
Use the left-side to cue Key words.
Use the right-side to expand on each key word with notes.
Use the bottom space for the summary.
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Example:
Essay
Key words Notes
Essay Several § long
Thesis statement Last sentence of the intro §
Summary:
1-3) The Charting Method:
The third effective method is called the charting method in which:
Write the title of the topic at the very top of the page.
Determine how many categories your topic covers.
Draw a table in which each column is labelled by a relevant key word/ category.
Record relevant notes under the appropriate category.
Example:
Essay
Length Elements Types
Intro Body Conc P C/E O C/C
General
Several § long statement
(hook)
Thesis
Statement
(outline)
1-4) The Mapping Method:
Often referred to as “Mind Maps”. As the name suggests, mapping is a visual note-
taking style which offers a better understanding of how themes and topics are related to each
other.
Write the main topic at the top of the map.
Break down your topic into sub topics.
Create a branch for each sub topic that derives from the previous topic.
Keep dividing subtopics outward as you move further down the page.
Add related notes under each topic
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Example:
Essay
Elements Types
Intro Body Conc P C/E O C/C
G Th
1-5) The Sentence Method:
The sentence method is the simplest method by far, in which every new thought/topic
is written on a separate numbered line.
Example:
Essay
1. An essay is several § long.
2. An essay comprises three elements, namely intro §, body §, & conc
§.
3. An essay has four types: p, c/e, o, c/c.
2) Things to consider when taking notes:
1. The finest note-taking strategy depends on the amount of time you have, type of
content you’re dealing with, and your learning style.
2. It is sufficient to apply a variety of not-taking methods, as not all methods are
conducive to all types of content.
3. Notes are often written quickly, so keep them simple.
4. Don’t write full sentences; leave out articles (a, an, the) and prepositions (to, of,
etc.)
5. Do not crowd your notes.
6. Underline or highlight the important details
7. Use symbols (§, <, =, +) to save time.
8. Use abbreviations or make up your own for your subject area.