When writing notecards you must:

• Use index cards• Use ink except for label on card• Have one card for each item/idea• Write on one side of card• List the source … author, page

number• Label each card with an idea that it

represents• Include historic dates

Methods for taking notes

• Make sure notecard is self-contained• Be accurate …spelling, dates, page

#s, etc.• Indicate if note is summary,

paraphrase or quote• Maintain a balance of sources

Using Quotes – Accuracy

• Don’t misspell any words, names, etc.

• Don’t add or omit info in quote without noting additions/omissions–Use [brackets] for additions–Use … ellipsis for omissions–Use sic for misspellings in original

source

Using Quotes – When & Why?

• Quotes are a great way to add color to your paper.

• They are a great way to let the evidence speak for itself.

• When to use– The author of a text/article makes a great point or

judgment that really supports your paper.– Primary sources

• Example: Bismarck on German Unification: “Germany does not look to Prussia’s Liberalism, but to her power.”

Paraphrase v. Summary• Paraphrase is a short interpretation of a short

passage, paragraph or quote– good for an important idea– Example: paraphrase Karl Marx’s idea of class

consciousness or Darwin’s theory of natural selection

• Summary is an interpretation of a longer passage, chapter, etc.– Summarize facts, data or the author’s description

of an event or person– Example: Summarize key aspects of Napoleonic

code or the decisions made at the Council of Trent

Note Card Format

Content Label (in Pencil)InformationSignificant, SpecificAnalysis, Interpretation, or EvaluationInfo. evidence, expert testimonyInfo. that makes connections, cause/effectContext of informationType of info. (P, Q, S)

InitialsSource, P.#

Sample Note Card

Intervention in Panama

Roosevelt authorized cable, giving US troops authority to prevent Colombian troops from interfering.

Nov. 3, 1903

P

RN Morris (Theodore Rex), 290