Cornell Note Taking

A method of note taking used when reading or viewing new material.

Steps in Cornell Note Taking1. Organize your paper, draw a

large, off centered capital I.

Steps in Cornell Note Taking

2. Write the topic, name and date

above the top line.

3. While reading or viewing the

material, take notes in the large portion

of the I.

Write topic, name, and date here.

Save this spot for the summary.

Notes and drawings will

go here.

Steps in Cornell Note Taking

4. After reading or viewing the new material and taking notes, use those notes to pull out:

• Main Ideas

• Key Points

• Important Dates

Write topic, name, and date here.

Save this spot for the summary.

Notes and drawings will

go here.

Main Ideas, key

points, and

important dates here

Steps in Cornell Note Taking5. The bottom section is for the summary. A summary is a few key sentences that sum up the key points and main ideas.

* Ask yourself, “If I was going to explain this to someone else, what would I say?”

Write topic, name, and date here.

Summary

Notes and drawings will

go here.

Main Ideas, key

points, and

important dates here

Steps in Cornell Note Taking6. Study for a test or quiz.

•Reread your notes in the right column.

•Focus on understanding the key ideas in the left column.

•The key ideas are the most important things – you are likely going to see them on a test.

Write topic, name, and date here.

Reread

Reread for examples

STUDY

Steps in Cornell Note Taking6. Study for a test or quiz.

•Reread your notes in the right column.

•Focus on understanding the key ideas in the left column.

•The key ideas are the most important things – you are likely going to see them on a test.

Write topic, name, and date here.

Reread

Reread for examples

STUDY