NOTE MAKING

What is Note-Making?

 Definition: Note-making is the process of summarizing a given passage or text in a

concise, organized format, capturing key points, main ideas, and supporting details.
 Purpose:
o Condenses lengthy information for quick revision.
o Improves understanding and retention of content.
o Develops skills in identifying essential information and omitting irrelevant
details.
o Useful for academic preparation and exams.
 Difference from Note-Taking:
o Note-Taking: Writing down information as you hear or read it, often verbatim
(e.g., during a lecture).
o Note-Making: Actively processing and summarizing information in your own
words after reading or understanding the content.

Key Features of Note-Making (CBSE Guidelines)

1. Word Limit: Notes should be concise, typically one-third of the original passage’s
length (e.g., a 300-word passage should be summarized in ~100 words).
2. Format: CBSE requires a specific structure:
o Title: A brief, relevant heading for the notes.
o Main Headings: Key ideas or sections of the passage (use numbers like 1, 2,
3).
o Subheadings: Supporting details under each main heading (use decimals like
1.1, 1.2).
o Sub-subheadings (if needed): Further details (use letters like a, b, or Roman
numerals i, ii).
o Indentation: Clear hierarchy using proper spacing for headings and
subheadings.
3. Content:
o Include main ideas, facts, and essential details.
o Exclude examples, anecdotes, lengthy explanations, or repetitive information.
o Use your own words (paraphrase) to demonstrate understanding.
4. Language:
o Use short, clear phrases instead of complete sentences.
o Avoid personal opinions or extra information not in the passage.
o Use abbreviations and symbols to save space (see below).
5. Marks Distribution (CBSE Class 11 English Core):
o Total: 5 marks (3 for notes + 2 for summary, if asked).
o Notes: Title (1 mark), Content (2 marks).
o Summary (if required): 2 marks for concise expression and accuracy.
Techniques for Effective Note-Making

1. Read Actively:
o Skim the passage first to understand its main idea.
o Read carefully to identify key points and supporting details.
o Underline or highlight important information during practice.
2. Organize Logically:
o Group related ideas under main headings.
o Use a clear hierarchy (main heading → subheading → sub-subheading).
3. Use Abbreviations and Symbols:
o Common abbreviations: e.g. (for example), i.e. (that is), govt. (government),
edu. (education), dev. (development).
o Symbols: & (and), % (percent), → (leads to), ↑ (increase), ↓ (decrease), =
(equals).
o Create personal abbreviations but ensure they’re understandable (CBSE allows
standard or logical abbreviations).
4. Paraphrase:
o Rewrite ideas in your own words to avoid copying the passage verbatim.
o Use synonyms and simplified phrasing.
5. Be Concise:
o Eliminate unnecessary words, examples, or descriptive language.
o Focus on facts and core ideas.
6. Review:
o Check for completeness (all key points included).
o Ensure clarity and proper formatting.

CBSE Note-Making Format

Title
1. Main Heading
1.1 Subheading
1.2 Subheading
a. Sub-subheading
b. Sub-subheading
2. Main Heading
2.1 Subheading
2.2 Subheading
Key to Abbreviations: (List abbreviations used, e.g., govt. = government, &
= and)
Optional Summary (if asked): A brief paragraph (50-60 words) summarizing the notes in
complete sentences.

Steps to Make Notes

1. Read the Passage: Understand the main idea and structure.

2. Identify Key Points: Focus on topic sentences, conclusions, or repeated ideas.
3. Draft a Title: Write a short, relevant title reflecting the passage’s theme.
4. Organize Notes:
o Divide into main headings based on paragraphs or themes.
o Add subheadings for supporting details.
5. Use Abbreviations: Shorten words logically to save space.
6. Write Notes: Use phrases, not sentences, and follow the format.
7. List Abbreviations: Include a key for any abbreviations used.
8. Write Summary (if required): Condense the notes into a short paragraph.

Solved Example

Passage (approx. 300 words):

The importance of physical exercise cannot be overstated. Regular exercise improves

physical health by strengthening the heart, muscles, and bones. It helps in maintaining a
healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. According to
studies, 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week can significantly enhance one’s
lifespan. Exercise also boosts mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by
releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. People who exercise regularly
report better sleep quality and higher energy levels.

Moreover, exercise fosters social connections. Group activities like yoga classes, team sports,
or gym sessions provide opportunities to interact with others, building a sense of community.
Schools and workplaces are increasingly promoting exercise through sports events and fitness
programs to encourage teamwork and productivity. However, modern lifestyles, with long
hours of sitting and screen time, pose challenges. Many people struggle to find time or
motivation for exercise. Simple changes, like walking to school or taking stairs instead of
elevators, can make a difference.

To promote exercise, governments and organizations are taking steps. Public parks, cycling
tracks, and free fitness campaigns are being introduced. Schools are incorporating physical
education into their curricula to instill healthy habits early. Despite these efforts, awareness
about the benefits of exercise remains low in some communities, and more education is
needed.

Question: Make notes on the passage and provide a key to abbreviations used. Write a
summary in 50-60 words.
Benefits & Promotion of Physical Exercise
1. Physical Health Benefits
1.1 Strengthens heart, muscles, bones
1.2 Maintains healthy wt., ↓ obesity, diabetes, heart diseases
1.3 30 min. mod. exer. 5x/wk → ↑ lifespan
2. Mental Health Benefits
2.1 ↓ stress, anxiety, depression via endorphins
2.2 Improves sleep qual. & energy levels
3. Social Benefits
3.1 Group act. (yoga, sports) → social connections
3.2 Sch. & workplaces promote exer. for teamwork, prod.
4. Challenges
4.1 Sedentary lifestyles, ↑ screen time
4.2 Lack of time/motivation
4.3 Sol.: walk, take stairs
5. Promotion Efforts
5.1 Govt. & org.: parks, cycling tracks, free campaigns
5.2 Sch. include phys. edu.
5.3 Need for ↑ awareness

Key to Abbreviations:
wt. = weight, ↓ = reduces, min. = minutes, mod. = moderate, exer. =
exercise, wk = week, ↑ = increases, qual. = quality, act. = activities,
sch. = schools, prod. = productivity, sol. = solution, govt. = government,
org. = organizations, phys. = physical, edu. = education

Summary: Regular physical exercise enhances physical health by strengthening the body and
reducing disease risks, while also improving mental health through stress relief and better
sleep. It fosters social bonds via group activities. Despite challenges like sedentary lifestyles,
governments and schools promote exercise through facilities and education, though more
awareness is needed.