1. - note taking - signal words and phrases - abbreviations
Note-taking Basics
- note taking
- signal words and phrases
- abbreviations

2. Why note taking is important
Here are a few hints fir taking notes:
Choose a format that is comfortable for you, but make sure that it is easy
to see the difference between main ideas and details in your heading:
Some ways to write headings:
Use capital letters:
WHY NOTE TAKING IS IMPORTANT
Underline:
Why note taking is important
Use a box:
Put the headings in a circle in the center of a page with lines for
details extending out:
Why note taking is important
Why note taking is important

3. NOTE TAKING Continued Some ways to write details:
Indent below heading and use dashes:
WHY NOTE TAKING IS IMPORTANT
we quickly forget what we hear
material is easier to remember
Indent below heading and use bullets:
Place in circles around main idea:
Why note taking is important
we quickly forget what we hear
material is easy to remember
Why note taking is important

4. NOTE TAKING
Continued
Don’t try to write everything you hear, word for word, as if you were taking dictation.
3. Become aware of when a speaker is using signal words that indicate where the lecture is going.
4. Use abbreviations to save time. Some example follow, but use whatever abbreviations you are familiar with. And when you hear long words, try to make up abbreviations.

5. ABBREVIATIONS
Personal Shorthand. These are some commonly used abbreviations. If you wish, you can tear out or photocopy this list and tape it inside the cover of your binder or notebook.
advantage
adv
in order to
i.o.t.
regarding re
against vs
individual
indiv
should be
s/b
and +
information
info
significant
signif
and so forth
etc
important
impt
that is
i.e.
association
assoc
introduction
intro
therefore ∴

6. ABBREVIATIONS Continued because bec maximum max with w/ consequently ∴
necessary
nec
without
w/o
department
dept
organization
org
with regard to
w.r.t.
development
devmt
particular
partic
for example
ex or eg
politics
pol
government
govt
psychology
psych

7. SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Some Bell Phrases. Also known as “signal words” and “signal phrases,” these indicate an important point that should be remembered.
Additive words: these say, “Here more of the same coming up. It’s just as important as what we have already said.”
Examples:
also
furthermore
and
in addition
besides
moreover
further
too
Equivalent words: They say, “It does what I have just said, but it does this too.”
Examples:
as well as
likewise
at the same
similarity
equally important
time

8. SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Continued
Amplification words: The author is saying, “I want to be sure that you understand my idea: so here’s a specific instance.”
Examples: as
like
for example (e.g.)
specifically
for instance
such as
Qualifying words: These say, :Here is what we can expect. These are the conditions we are working under.”
Examples:
although
unless if
whenever
provided that

9. SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Continued
Alternative words: These point up, “Sometimes there is a choice; other times there isn’t.”
Examples:
either/or
otherwise
other than
neither/nor
Repetitive words: They say, “I said it once, but I’m going to say it again in case you missed it the first time.”
Examples:
again
that is (i.e.)
in other word
to repeat
Cause-and-effect words: all this has happened; now I’ll tell you why.”
Examples:
accordingly
since
for this reason
therefore
because so
hence
thus
consequently
then

10. SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Continued
Contrast-and-change words: “So far I’ve given you only one side of the story; now let’s take a look at the other side.”
Examples:
but
on the contrary
in spite of
though
conversely
on the other hand
instead of
whereas
despite
rather than
nevertheless
yet
even though
regardless
notwithstanding
however
still

11. SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Continued
Concession words: They say “Okay, we agree on this much.”
Examples:
accepting the data
of course
granted that
Emphasizing words: They say “Wake up and take notice!”
Examples:
above all
more important
indeed
Time words: “Let’s keep the record straight on who said what and especially when.”
Examples:
afterward
presently
before
previously
formerly
subsequently
now
meanwhile
ultimately

12. SIGNAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Continued
Order words: The author is saying “You keep your mind on reading; I’ll keep the numbers straight.”
Examples:
finally
next
first
second
last
then
Summarizing words: These say “I’ve said many things so far; let’s stop here and pull them together.”
Examples:
for these reason
in conclusion
in brief
to sum up