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Notes are handy for your own reference and memorization. Taking notes from a textbook will help you on your assignments and exams, and only takes a few minutes while you're reading along.

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Steps

  1. Take Notes from a Textbook Step 1.jpg
    1
    Understand the efficiency of memorization.
    • Brief words or phrases are easier to memorize.
    • Writing or reading your notes out loud will help you to memorize.
    • Be sure to remove redundant information.
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  2. Take Notes from a Textbook Step 2.jpg
    2
    Relate to what was emphasized in a class.
    • Think of questions you'll want answered or clarified.
  3. Take Notes from a Textbook Step 3.jpg
    3
    Scan over titles, subheadings and the first few sentences of each paragraph.
    • Focus on emboldened words.
    • Look for diagrams that summarize information.
    • Review the questions, at the end of a chapter, for important aspects.
  4. Take Notes from a Textbook Step 4.jpg
    4
    Dive into the text, keeping the above aspects in mind.
  5. Take Notes from a Textbook Step 5.jpg
    5
    Create an outline that incorporates your class notes.
    • Organize into sections.
    • Leave space to add future detail.
    • Use brief, descriptive phrases to trigger a concept.
  6. Take Notes from a Textbook Step 6.jpg
    6
    Accentuate your notes.
    • Circle, add a star or highlight key concepts with different colors of emphasis.
    • Create flow charts or illustrations.
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Tips

  • Copying every detail isn't important. Summarize the parts that you need to remember.
  • Bullet points are a great technique to use. Don't feel that you must write in full sentences, just write down the key information. This will help when it comes to looking over your notes and studying, as you won't be overwhelmed by text.
  • Keep your mind alert. Relax, stretch and take small breaks.
  • Budget your time. Concentrate and get things done.
  • Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. You'll never want to go over ten pages of notes, so try to condense it as much as possible.
  • Follow your teacher's guidance.

    • Take notes on ideas that are emphasized twice in class.
    • Take notes if a teacher uses a bold tone of voice.
  • Many computers provide outline tools. It's quick to add, delete or rearrange information.
  • Just write the important things. Summarize it.

Things You'll Need

  • Textbook
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Computer (Optional)
  • Motivation
  • Concentration
  • Pen

Related wikiHows

How to
Take Notes Using Boxes and Bullets

How to
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Article Info

Categories: Homework Skills

In other languages:

Français: Comment prendre des notes à partir d’un manuel scolaire, Español: Cómo tomar notas de un libro de texto, Deutsch: Sich Notizen aus einem Lehrbuch herausschreiben, Português: Como Tomar Notas de um Livro Didático, Italiano: Come Prendere Appunti da un Libro, Русский: делать пометки с учебника

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