TAKING

NOTES • Develop your own shorthand

• Circle questions to ask later

• Note best quotes

• Note facts to check

By J

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n S

. Q

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USE YOUR PHONE TO RECORD • Go to Google Play and download:

Easy Voice Recorder by Digipom, or

Sound Recorder by Needom Studio.

• Make sure phone battery is charged and practice

operating the app.

By H

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Da

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DEVELOP YOUR SHORTHAND (pg. 44)

TIPS ON TAKING NOTES • Write down key phrases and figures.

• EXCEPT: write down key quotes in full.

• ASK sources to talk more slowly and repeat key

quotes.

• Use first syllables to stand for entire word. For

example, gov for government, econ for economy

• Omit articles (the, a) and prepositions (to, in)

EXCEPT in key quotes.

• Circle questions you need to ask the source.

• Mark facts you need to check later.

• Note key quotes with the minute:second on the

recorder’s counter when they occur. By John S. Quarterman

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

By Damian Kettlewell

Note what your source is wearing, what his

surroundings are, what he had for lunch.