Types of Note Cards

There are four different types of notes that you might write.

Paraphrase

    When you paraphrase a passage from your source, you put the author's text into your own words.

Summary

    A summary captures the author's point of view or argument. It could be anywhere from one or two sentences to a short paragraph.

Exact Quote

    An exact quote is when you copy word-for-word from another author's text.

Original Thought or Idea

    While reading another author, you might think of a response to him/her. You might make a connection between that author and someone else you have read. Or you might come up with a question for further study. These original ideas can be written on note cards so that you do not forget them.



Return to Tutorials Index



Return to Taking Research Notes



Return to Annotate Source



Go to Avoid Plagiarism