How to Take Notes

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and confused while trying to take notes? Don't worry! This step by step guide will show you how to make organized notes that are pleasing to the eye and help with memorization for taking tests!

Supplies

You will need: one black pen, two pens of any color, a highlighter, any colored post it notes, and lined college ruled paper.

Step 1: Gather Your Pens

Get your pens and highlighters that are listed above. Keep in mind that blue is scientifically proven to help with memorization, so two different shades of blue might be a good option.

Step 2: Get Your Paper

Get however many pieces you think you will need of college ruled paper.

Step 3: Write Your Title

Write the title of your notes on the top line on the left side. This will help you keep your notes organized and easy to find.

Step 4: Write Your Name

Write your first and last name in the top right hand corner. This will be helpful if you lose your notes.

Step 5: Write Header #1

Write your first big topic header in all caps with your black pen. Next, highlight it.

Step 6: Write Key Words

Pick key words to help you memorize the most important information. Then, write your first word under your header in the lighter color and define it with your darker color.

Step 7: Go Into Detail

To go into more detail about a word/topic, use indented arrows in black pen and write your explanation in the lighter color pen.

Step 8: Repeat

Repeat the steps from before in the same order. Add more key words to your first header and then add more headers as needed.

Step 9: Add Memory Tricks

With your sticky notes, go back and add extra important information and memory tricks that you came up with yourself. This could be a play on words, an analogy, a drawing, something that reminds you of a TV show, or anything else you can think of that helps you memorize a specific definition. Write in black pen.

Step 10: Put Notes in Safe Place

Finally, put your notes away in a safe and organized space that you will be able to find them. A binder or folder is a perfect place, especially so you can keep them with your other notes from that same class/subject.

Step 11: Congratulations! You're Done!

Don't you feel test ready now?