Cornell Notes Steps

Question 1

Using the structure of the reading, (what is bold, indented, titled, etc), identify the topic of the readings and place in the box at the very top.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identify Topic and Subtopics

Question 2

On your own, silently read the passage and underline/highlight words or short phrases (no more than 3-4 words) that jump out at you as important. Circle vocabulary words - both bold words and words you don’t understand.

Answer 2

Step 2: Read and Annotate

Question 3

Compile the highlighted phrases into new sentences. Put each of these sentences next to a bullet under the appropriate subtopic. Use as many vocabulary words and key phrases as you can in each of the bullets.

Answer 3

Step 3: Fill in the Subtopics

Question 4

Go back through the reading and transcribe each circled vocabulary word into the left-most column of your Cornell Notes organizer. Be sure to write a brief definition with each word. If there are words in the reading that you didn’t understand, besides the bold words, include those too.

Answer 4

Step 4: Extract Vocabulary

Question 5

In the bottom box, sum up your notes with a short paragraph. What is the most important information you could give to someone who knows nothing about this topic?

Answer 5

Step 5: Summing it all up