Note cards
A. Use 4 x 6" or 5 x 7" cards for all notetaking.
B. Begin looking for general, background information.
C. Five cards per source (minimum).
D. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO READ ENTIRE BOOKS ON YOUR
SUBJECT!
E. Use the index and the table of contents to find
passages that you think will be helpful.
F. On the card:
Write the number of the corresponding bibliography card in the upper left hand corner
Write the exact page of the source on the bottom
G. Notetaking:
Take notes in your own words so that you do not "plagiarize" by accident.
Put only closely related ideas on one card
Try not to repeat facts.
Sometimes it is best to quote directly. Make sure you use quotation marks when:
1. rewording might lose the meaning of the original
2. it is necessary to see the original wording.
3. you disagree, but wish to include it
4. you quote a person directly
OTHER TIDBITS:
Be selective in your information gathering.
Take only notes you need. Make a separate card for each idea from each source.
Keep your topic in mind and collect only information that will help you.
AVOID PLAGIARISM! A PLAGIARIZED PAPER WILL RESULT IN FAILURE.