Step 3: Reading and Making Notecards

A. Use 4” x 6” index cards for all notetaking.

  B. Keep them together with a rubberband.

 C. Use the Preliminary Outline provided as a guide to your research.

  D. Use the index of books to find passages that may be helpful.

  E. On the card:

•  Write the bibliography (Source) letter in the upper left hand corner.
•   Write the exact page of the source on the bottom.
•   Write the question answered or reference to the outline at the top.

Sample Notecard :

F. Note-taking:

•  One fact or idea per card (Many cards may answer the same question.)

•  Summarize, paraphrase, use your own words!

(Avoid Plagiarism!)

•  Use quotation marks for directly quoted material

•  Be selective in your information gathering.

•  Keep your thesis in mind and collect only information that supports your topic.