Note Making: Introduction
Rules
Only phrases
Main points, sub points and sub subpoints
Should number the points
Proper indentation
Title
4 to 6 abbreviation
Underline all abbreviations or short forms
Key for abbreviation
Compulsorily box it. Content must be inside
box
No short forms or abbreviations in summary
Note Making Format, Examples
I. How to make notes:
1. Read the passage carefully.
2. Give a heading to your work. The heading
will be based on the following considerations.
(i) What is the main idea of the passage?
(ii)Frame a heading based on the main idea.
(iii) Write it in the middle of the page.
3. Give subheadings
(i) How has the main idea been presented and
developed?
(ii)Are there two or three subordinate/associated
ideas? (iii) Frame subheadings
based on these.
4. Points are to be noted under each subheading.
Are there further details or points of the subtitles
that you wish to keep in these notes? These
are called points. Points may have subpoints.
5. All subheadings should be at a uniform
distance from the margin.
6. Indenting – Points should also be at the same
distance away from the margin.
7. Do not write complete sentences.
8. Abbreviations should be used.
II. Help with abbreviations:
1. Use standard abbreviations and symbols as
far as possible.
(i) Capitalise the first letters of the names of
states, countries, or organizations. For example:
UP, USA, UK, and UNO.
(ii) Common abbreviations
Sc. (for science), Mr, Mrs, Dr, govt, BSc, etc.
(iii) Common symbols such as i.e., e.g., Rx, /, ,
+ve, -ve, → (leading to) ↑ (rising), ↓ (falling), =,
>, <
(iv) Measurements and figures – 100′′, 100′, 100
kg, 100 mm, 100 mL.
2. Make your own abbreviations.
(i) Keep the main sounds of the words: edn
(education), program. (program).
(ii) It is an excellent practice to keep the first
few and the last letters of the word, such as
education –
edu’n, developing – dev’ing. Retain the suffix
so that later when you are going over the
notes, you may recall the complete form of the
word, for example, ed’nal (educational), prog
(progressive).
3. Take the following caution:
(i) Do not get overenthusiastic about
abbreviations.
(ii) You should not abbreviate every word.
(iii) One abbreviation in one point is enough.
(iv) As a general rule, the heading should not be
abbreviated.
(v) You may use abbreviations in
subheadings.
III. Your notes should look like this:
(i) Indenting is essential.
Note-Making Format
Notice that indenting, i.e. shifting from the
margin, has been used to clearly indicate
subheadings, points, and subpoints.
Subheadings, though separated by points, occur
below one another. Similarly, points and
subpoints should also come below one another.
Such use of indenting gives your notes a visual
character. You can see the main idea and its
various aspects at a glance.
Note-making is an informal exercise as it is
meant for your use only. You will not present a
formal document in note form. Notes will be
developed into a more formal piece of writing.
Since notes are informal and are meant for your
use only, you can abbreviate long words or use
accepted abbreviations and symbols.
Writing a summary: The summary is an
abstract of the passage. Expand your heading
and subheadings and write down the ideas
developed in the passage in the specified
word limit.
1. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow: [NCT 2018]
1. Flexibility and mobility are essential to
reduce the risk of injuries and generally feel
better. Living a nine-to-five desk life can be
demanding on health and wellness. Here is how
you can keep the most common problems at
bay.
2. Even if you are not exercising, you must
maintain the correct posture and sit at your desk
in the right way. It is essential that your chair is
placed correctly and your legs are not left
hanging. Proper alignment ensures that your
neck and back are not strained. Exercises and
abdominal crunches two to three times a week
can strengthen the core. It will help take the
pressure off your back and will make it easier to
maintain good posture. Chairs with a back that
support your upper back are preferable for those
who work long hours in front of screens.
3. Constant typing, writing reports, and
answering e-mails can exert your wrists, leading
to long-term damage. The frequency of your use
and how you position your wrists at your
keyboard can be a reason. The tell tale signs of
exertion would be a tingling sensation or
numbness. One should not ignore initial signs.
Make sure that you rest your wrist at regular
intervals. To relieve tension quickly, fold your
hands in a NAMASTE in front of your chest
with elbows moving out and lower your hands
till you feel a good stretch in your wrists. Also,
rotating your fists inside and outside relieves
strained wrists.
4. Since those who work on desks spend a lot of
time looking at a computer screen, they
risk straining their eyes. This may also lead to
dry eyes and fatigue. Poor eyesight is
the result of continued and improper exposure to
screens. Keeping the computer screen at an
optimal distance helps minimize strain on the
eyes. The screen shouldn’t be too close or too
far. To ease eye strain, use good lighting and
make it a point to look at a distance away from
your screen every twenty to thirty minutes.
(a) based on your reading of the above passage,
make notes on it using headings and
subheadings.
Use recognizable abbreviations and a format
you consider suitable. Also, supply a title to it.
(b) Write a summary of the passage in less
than 80 words using the notes made.
Answer:
(a) Health and Wellness for Desk users
1. Correct posture
1.1 Place chair correctly for neck and back
1.2 Don’t hang legs
1.3 Excises & abdominal crunches
1.4 Choose chairs with support from the upper
back
2. Maintaining wrist flexibility
2.1 the wrong position can cause wrist damage
and cause tingling
2.2. Relax wrists reg’ly in Namaste position and
stretch
2.3 Rotate wrists inside and outside.
3. Preventing eye strain
3.1 Eye strain can cause dry eyes and fatigue
3.2 Keep computer screen at an optimal distance
to prevent poor eyesight
3.3 Use good light’g
3.4 Look at a distant spot every 20-30 minutes.
Key to the Abbreviations Used
1. corr’ly – correctly
2. ex’cises – exercises
3. abdom’l – abdominal
4. damg – damage
5. reg’ly – regularly
6. light’g – lighting
(b) Summary
Title
Desk users risk losing flexibility, mobility, and
wellness due to long working hours.
A good selection of office chairs and proper
posture is essential for neck and back health.
Damage to the wrists can be prevented by
exercising them frequently. Eyes are also at risk
due to looking at the computer screen for a long.
Optimal distance from the screen will prevent
fatigue, dry eyes, and poor vision. Good lighting
is essential. One should look away from the
screen every 20-30 minutes.