Sometimes, essays seem like they will be impossible to write. It helps to fi
Advanced Topic Note Taking
Topic Note-Taking Forms
These forms make taking notes on social studies, science, videos, lectures, or any textbook much easier. Some of the forms have space for drawing pictures or ‘doodling’ notes. Doodles help you visualize and remember what you have heard or read. Be sure to mark important information with a star or asterisk. Using colored pencils or markers also helps retain information.
If you are taking notes from a whole chapter of a textbook, use multiple copies of the forms and staple them together. Continue over multiple forms or sections if you run out of space.
Advanced Book Report
For more advanced book reports, a more in-depth analysis may be required. Look to these graphic organizers to help simplify and clarify a ‘more complicated’ book report.
Narrative/Sequential Paragraph
In the United States, we write paragraphs in a basic format. First, we tell you, the reader, what we are going to tell you (main idea or thesis). Then, we provide details that support the main idea. Finally, we restate what we told you (concluding or ‘wrap up’ statement).
Tip
Good writers use a variety of types of sentences in their paragraphs.
Narrative/Sequence Paragraph
This type of paragraph is a group of sentences that specify an order of events, using words like first, next, then, after that, and finally.
Basic American Paragraph
In the United States, we write paragraphs in a basic format. First we tell you, the reader, what we are going to tell you (main idea or thesis). Then, we provide details that support the main idea. Finally, we restate what we told you (concluding or ‘wrap up’ statement).
TIP
Good writers use a variety of types of sentences in their paragraphs.
Basic American Paragraph
This type of paragraph is a group of sentences that work together to support an idea. It includes a topic sentence, detail sentences and a concluding sentence.
Persuasive/ Argumentative Essay
Persuasive / Argumentative
Here are two graphic organizers to help outline your basic persuasive or argumentative essay. Start with a position or stance on a topic, write down specific reasoning or arguments, and provide evidence that validates your reasons. To strengthen your persuasive paragraph or essay, think of possible counter-arguments that you can invalidate with evidence.
Universal Organizers
Universal Organizers
These forms are more free-form, so they can be adapted for different uses. These can be used for note-taking, planning, or just organizing your thoughts and ideas. These forms can help you visualize and prioritize hard to resolve thoughts and ideas for project planning and more.
Storyboards
Storyboard
Storyboards are great for illustrating events in a sequence and are often used for planning the scenes in movies and commercials. They also work well for planning trips and telling stories about trips you have taken. In the large box, draw the scene, and with the lines below write down the notes that describe it.
Informational Note Taking
Star Note-Taking Form
This form is perfect for informational reading. Write the main idea of the story, paragraph, or experience (field trip, etc.) in the center. Then write five details about it, one on each point of the star. For example, if the topic is trees, write trees in the center and five facts about them on the points of the star. You can then use your completed form as a study guide or notes with which to write a paragraph about your topic.
Hint: For the Main Idea, think: This paragraph or story or selection tells me about _______________.
Details can include: number, size, dimensions, shape, direction, sensation, direction, color, action, time, setting, background, movement, sound, or answer the questions why or how.
These forms are best used for:
Informational, topic or subject-oriented material.
Example topics: space, trees, hieroglyphics, frogs, or baseball cards, etc.
Placing the main idea in the center of the star and five details that support or provide details about the main idea around the star.
Story Note Taking
Story Note-Taking Forms
Record what happens first, in the middle, and at the end of a story. Remember to include some of the details, such as where the story takes place, when the events in the story take place, and what action takes place.
These forms are best used for:
- Stories or narratives where there is a beginning, middle, and end.
- Biographical material.
- Sequencing events in a story or narrative.
- Choosing a favorite part of a story or narrative.
- Use the following guide words to help visualize a story: what, size, shape, number, color, where, when, background, movement, sound.