Take Notes and Summarize Facts
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What you will learn
- 1Take notes from a source using bullet points
- 2Transform raw notes into a written summary using own words
- 3Identify key facts from a source
Mini Lesson
Note-taking and summarizing are two different but related research skills. When you take notes, you write short phrases and key facts from a source. When you summarize, you combine your notes into full sentences using your own words.
How to Take Notes
- Skim the text first to understand what it is about.
- Read carefully and underline or highlight important facts.
- Write each key fact as a short bullet point — do not copy full sentences.
- Use abbreviations to save time (e.g. "bc" for "because", "w/" for "with").
- Record the source title and page number next to each note.
How to Write a Summary
- Group your notes by topic or idea.
- Identify the main point that covers all your notes.
- Write an opening sentence that states the main idea.
- Add one or two supporting details from your notes.
- End with a closing sentence — never copy word-for-word from the source.
Note-Taking vs Summarizing
- Notes: short phrases, may include exact words, recorded while reading.
- Summary: full sentences, always in your own words, written after reading.
- Both: capture the main ideas; neither includes your opinions.
Words to know
notes
Short written reminders of facts you want to remember.
e.g. Her notes had only a few key words on each line.
summary
A short version of a longer text in your own words.
e.g. He wrote a summary of the chapter.
bullet point
A short item in a list, marked by a dot or dash.
e.g. Each bullet point is a single fact.
key fact
An important piece of information in a text.
e.g. "Bats are mammals" is a key fact about bats.
in your own words
Restating an idea using different words from the source.
e.g. Summaries should be written in your own words.
main idea
The most important point of a text.
e.g. The main idea of the article was that recycling helps the planet.
Tip: Good summary starters include "This text explains that...", "According to...", and "The main idea is...". Never begin with "I" when summarizing an informational text.
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