RAP StrategyRead one paragraph

Ask yourself, “what was the main idea?” and “what were the details?”

Put it in your own words

Requirements for a Paraphrase

1. Must contain a complete thought (subject, verb)

2. Must be totally accurate3. Must have new information4. Must make sense5. Must contain useful information6. Must be in your own words7. Only one general statement per

paragraph is allowed

Finding the Main Idea

Questions to ask: What is this paragraph about? What does it tell me about?

Places to look: Look in the 1st sentence of the

paragraph. Look for repetitions of the same word

or words in the whole paragraph.

Two Column Notes

How to take effective notes at Cheney Technical High School

Why We Take Notes

People forget as much as 80% of material they hear or read within just 24 hours.

Why We Take Notes

Taking notes on the important parts of what you read will help you remember it and will provide a less time consuming way to study.

Preparing to Take Two Column Notes

Step 1

On a blank piece of paper or in your notebook, fold over the right edge so that 1/3 of the paper makes a left-hand column and 2/3s makes a right-hand column.

Step 2

Use the left column to list Main Ideas for what you read.

Step 3

Use the right column to list Details that go with the Main Ideas.

Hints on Finding Main IdeaMain Idea Details

•Identify the topic or subject

•Find the topic sentence which is often the first sentence .

•The last sentence is often a summary of the topic or may introduce the next topic.

•Not all paragraphs have new Main Ideas.

Some paragraphs have implied Main Ideas that require more time to identify.

Hints on Finding Details

Main Idea Details

•Details Explain or Improve the Main Idea.

•Examples •Definitions •Comparisons •Contrasts •Facts •Reasons

2 Column Notes

Main Idea Details

•Additional Things to Do (or Not Do) When Taking Notes:

•Do not write complete sentences.

•Use abbreviations as you do for email, instant and text messaging .

•Write clearly .

•Leave space between sets of Main Ideas and Details for later additions .

How Can 2 Column Notes Be Used?Main Idea Details

•How to Use Two Column Notes After Taking Them

•As an outline for a summary by turning Main Ideas into topic sentences and adding key Details as support

•As a study sheet by folding the paper and turning Main Ideas into questions

•Use details to generate main ideas.

Other Uses

Main Idea Details

•Problem•Fact•Opinion•Hypothesis•Process•Stated•Prediction•Text

•Solution•Opinion•Proof•Proof•Steps•Inferred•Evidence•Self

THE END!