Marlborough High School

Six Steps to Successful Research Papers

On the Road Again . . . How do I take notes and organize my thoughts?

1 Topic Selection

2 Gathering Resources

3 Validating Websites

4 Taking Notes

5 Writing the Paper

6 Proofread & Edit

Assessment
Drive Home

Step 4 - Taking Notes

READ all 3 resources and record notes on 3 x 5 cards. Summarize information using your own words. Identify direct quotations and remember to site source and page number on the 3 x 5 cards.

Taking Notes

Save online graphics on disk or scan image graphics to be included in your PowerPoint presentation.

Using the flowchart symbols identified below and the Word drawing toolbar, design a flowchart in Word that organizes your notes and identifies topic flow.

Flowcharting Basics

Flowchart Symbols

Flowchart Example - Part I

Flowchart Example - Part 2

Word Drawing / Flowcharting Toolbar

Word Drawing Toolbar

Using Word's outline feature, write a detailed outline from the information on your 3 x 5 note cards and following your Word flowchart.

Microsoft Word Outline Feature

Preparing Outlines

E-mail your flowchart and outline to your instructor.