How To Make Notes on Various Subjects (TIPS)

On request from Ayush, a dedicated reader, here’s a more-than-late post on how to make notes for various subjects. Check it out. It’ll help even if you’re not in ICSE Class 10.

 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own notes:

Making notes in class:

* Read the chapter beforehand, i.e. before it has been taught in class, so that you are aware of technical terms and the basic concept. This will make it easier for you to quickly grasp the topic that the teacher is teaching.

* Listen attentively to what the teacher says during class. Even a minor detail here and there can prove beneficial. Sometimes, the textbooks may not have everything written in clear, simple language. Hence, by noting down as much as you can by listening attentively to your teacher, you will not only remember the topic, but it will also be easier for you to recollect small details when revising the topic later.

* Always practice writing your notes in shorthand to save time. You may make up your own abbreviations. For example, I use “w/” for “with; “w/o” for “without”; a downward arrow to indicate reduction or decrease; “gvt” for “government”, etc. Shorthand comes into use especially for technical terms or words that are repeatedly used.

* Write your notes in points as much as you can. Draw a flow chart or a tree diagram to get your ideas in place. Such visual aids will help you recall the content of the topic when revising and you will find it easier to remember when writing the content in points.

* Try to include examples given by the teacher while writing notes in class. Examples make it easier and simpler to understand the topic and in case you forget the details of the same, you can go through the example to brush up your knowledge.

* Don’t spend time noting down definitions or other technical terms that are bound to be given in the textbook. Concentrate more on detail and make your notes such that the chapter becomes easier for you to learn in the future. However, if you have the time, you may of course, note down definitions, etc.

 

Making notes from your textbook:

* Divide the chapter into parts and read the parts one by one.

* While reading one part, keep on underlining relevant points. Leave out unnecessary detail. However, do note that not all detail is unnecessary. Make sure you read the content with concentration to avoid missing out on important detail.

* After having thoroughly read one part, start making your notes.

* While making notes, include the following:

* Definitions – Mark them with an asterisk

* Potential questions that may be asked and a proper answer for the same

* Names and dates that may be asked

* Flow charts, tree diagrams, etc. that may help you to compress the content into digestible points

* Any precautions that you feel you might need to take in case certain questions are asked,

For example, while drawing the diagram of an eye, you have to be sure to mention which part includes the vitreous humor and which part, the aqueous humor.

* If you are referring to another textbook at the same time, note down important things that may be given in one textbook but not in another, so that you do not have to refer to both books again during revision.

* Make note of numerous terms that can be used to denote the same thing. I prefer to mark these terms as  “also known as” ones.

* Draw relevant diagrams and schedules wherever required –  especially in Biology, Physics, and Economics/Economic Applications. Make sure you label them properly as well.

 

So far, these are the main things that come into mind. If I come across other such tips that may help you in preparing your own notes, I will make sure to update this post. Do keep the above things in mind. Hope they help you as much as they have helped me!

 

Keep visiting and keep yourself updated! Good luck! 🙂

 

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NOTE: An updated version of this post is available on Quora in answer to the question, “How can we make notes for Class 10?”

 

 

Also see:

How to Prepare for ICSE Class 10 (TIPS)

Hindi: How to Improve Your Essays (TIPS – Part 2)

How to Write Your ICSE Board Exam Papers (TIPS)