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Your sub-topic should be indented to the left to make it easy to distinguish it from the main topic. It’s important to get this part right because it will affect how organized your notes are.īelow each main topic, you write your sub-topics. Try and keep them few and far between too, as it’s easy to clutter your note outline. When using the outline notes method, you should start by outlining the main topics – which should be written on the left-hand side of the page you’re writing on. Everything is made so much easier when you have all you need already at hand! Getting prepared should be quite easy: all you need is a notebook or note app, pen, and somewhere quiet and convenient to work. Preparation is excellent for most scenarios, and learning how to outline notes is no exception. in lectures, etc), however, it can also be used by professionals in meetings and various other scenarios.Īs with other methods, it’s best if you follow a procedure for effective note-taking. The outline note-taking method is often favored by academics (i.e. Faster and easier for you to review notes.Clear note-taking structure that’s easy to follow.Using this method offers various advantages, including: The outline method also involves a further indent where you add thoughts or facts related to the main topic or sub-topic. The method involves outlining main topics, with subtopics indented to the right of the page. The outline note-taking method is a system that makes it easy for you to break down your notes into easily digestible chunks. What Is the Outline Method of Note-Taking? One solution to creating easy-to-read notes that help you get the information you need is to use the outline note method. Why? Because there is no structure! To outline notes on everything and anything will make it difficult to find points of interest or specific thoughts. Although thorough, this method can be problematic when you come to review your notes again. Many people will start scribbling down whatever they think is important. “If I have done great things it’s because I was standing in the closet of smart men taking notes and then publishing their ideas as my own.” - Isaac Newton Note-taking also enhances learning ( 1) and helps us make connections between topics.īut what if the note-taking format you use makes a big difference in how useful your notes are? For example, note-taking is also important because it helps to ensure we’re actively listening rather than wandering off elsewhere with our thoughts. However, our flawed memories are not the only reason why note-taking is important. Our memories don’t allow us to remember every detail of information we read or are told – so it’s important to outline notes.
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