Handout LIst for Key Concepts

Note:  All of this is written in note form.   When taking notes in class, it is important to try to find shortened ways to write the important information.   When taking notes on reading assignments, sometimes it makes more sense to use complete sentences to record notes.   Complete sentences will be easier to understand later, once the original context is forgotten.



A reading plan- Once a text is previewed, a purpose is determined, and prior knowledge is reviewed, a reading plan is made.   The reading plan is a set amount of time to devote to the text and a list of techniques that will be used.
             Example: When reading Harry Potter for pleasure, I'll read fast and make no markings.
             Example: When studying a BIO 101 chapter, I'll devote a few minutes per page.  I will also  
             make lots of notes in the text, including confusing passages to ask about in class.


Previewing a text- What to Look At
             Headings and Subheadings
             Visual Aids
             Bold Words
             Introductions
             Questions after the reading

Adjusting reading speed
          "Don't read Harry Potter and a Bio 101 text the same speed"
           Adjust based on background knowledge and purpose for reading

Prior Knowledge- The glue for new information, a signal for making a reading plan.

Outlining
            For a writing project, it is called a graphic organizer.
            For a reading, choose whether to use a formal or informal
                       A formal version includes all key information like Cliffs Notes.
                       An informal version is more like a summary.
Paraphrasing
           "Putting things in your own words helps insure comprehension and memory."
            This can cause problems if your paraphrase is too far from the source.
 Questions
          Using a variety of question types
          Using a variety of question difficulties
          Using them as a tool for creating interest, for enhancing memory, for creating context
          
Summarizing
          Be sure to start with the author, title, and main idea.
          Don't retell the story, summarize it!

Inferences
         Example- One panel comics
         Example- Many jokes

         "Professional writers often demand their readers make inferences."
         Daily living example- flirting often requires one person to make an inference about the true                  intent of the other.

Fact Vs Opinion
The Four Easy Revision Methods
Reviewing for a Test
Textbook Marking
        Highlighting- Between 15 percent and 25 percent.  Don't make it an arm exercise!
        Annotating- A better technique.  It is hard to annotate without thinking


Prewriting/Discovery
        Narrowing topics- Some stories/topics take one minute.  Some stories take 10 minutes.
        Considering thesis statements
        Gathering specific details

        At least 10 minutes!
        "Your first thought is probably your worst thought."
Organization and Structure in Writing
         "A predictable organization is a trade off between being clear and being boring.   Once you                  master the simple form, try to mix it up."
Thesis Writing
          Is it debatable, clear, and properly placed?    Remember that process essays and informative                 essays have slightly different types of thesis statements.

Drafting a paper
Revising a paper
Noting Patterns of Error in Your Own Writing
Evaluating Sources
Surfing the Web faster and getting better results
Topic Sentences-  The Magic Trick to Prevent Going Off Topic
Context Clues- Understanding Unfamiliar Words
Context Clues - Making educated guesses on test questions
When To Use "Your Own Words" and When to Avoid Them