The Secret Weapon in the Studying Struggle

You may have used it before. If so, you know how powerful it is. If it wasn’t – you probably did something wrong. In case you haven’t had a chance to hold this gun yet – you’ll be surprised how helpful it really is. Until now you, hopefully, are on the edge of your seat, dying to find out what I’m talking about.

(Here comes the drum-roll…)

And ZING!

(These were the cymbals.)

This weapon are your Notes!

(It’s the place for applause.)

Are you disappointed? You’ve done it for ages already? Well, if you have, and you’re 100% sure that you’re an expert in the field of note-taking – I’ll be happy to shake your hand and accept your advice. However, if you are not note-lover, keep reading to see, how beneficial and even fun notes might be.

Pro’s and Con’s of Note-Taking

First, let’s talk about Con’s. There aren’t any. No, seriously. The only way to make notes a bad thing is to take them badly. So, you’re the master here.

Pro’s are actually quite numerous. The process of taking notes makes you learn actively, as far as you combine a lot of activities at the same time: you listen to the speaker (auditory perception), write something down (engaging your motility), and inevitably read what you write (visual perception). That is just AMAZING! Don’t you agree?

Notes help you organize information more effectively. Not only on the paper or on the screen of your device, but in your brain! The research has shown, that students, who were taking notes, were much more likely to remember information in a week, after the lecture or talk was heard. So here’s your chance not to be a drain for information, but be able to analyze it and use it with benefit. What is more, you can keep track of the sources much easier, thus, reduce the chance of accidental plagiarizing of your work.

Listen to Your… Brain and Choose Perfect Note-Organizing Pattern

There is an infinite number of ways of taking notes. I mean, that each person individualizes the way of taking notes in a unique way. However, there are some basic models, that can easily be customized.

• Mind mapping – is a really cool one. It helps you organize your information in a way, where the elements and subtopics will be organized as a kind of spidergram. Nonetheless, each subtopic can have another subtopic! In the end you’ll see a mind map, which will resemble the map of the city. Just as with the city, you will find your way in the mass of information much easier.

• Note cards – these involve making a note, giving a citation of the source, and pointing out the key words, to see, what it is related to. This way you will get an easy access to all the sources, that you have to cite in the process of writing a paper, no matter what it is: an essay or any kind of research paper.

• Outlining – it’s the simplest way if taking notes. Use numbers, or signs to mark the bullet points. This way of note-taking is the easiest, nevertheless, if it works for you – why not? These are your notes and your brain. So use it in the most effective way for you personally.

Papersmaster.com and the wise owl is always ready to share the glimpses of wisdom. What is more, our helpful writers are willing to help you with any kind of writing assignment. However, taking notes is so useful and fun, that you actually should try doing it yourself! Don’t worry, be happy, take notes and follow our lead!