Delaware County Community College English 100

Writing from Reading Instructor: Peter Crooke

Taking Notes on an Essay or Fiction A Guide

Reading other essays is a great form of research.  Normally, you are looking for analysis in theses essays, although you might find some interesting facts.  When reading someone else's analysis, look for key terms and concepts.  Focus on only a few of each so that you don't become overwhelmed.  Do try to figure out what the author's main point is.  You will find that the key terms and concepts that you noticed are the author's subtopics building toward that main idea.  Don't forget to fill in the source information (author's name; title of article; source of article).  Print as many of these guide sheets as you think you will need

Author's Name:

Title of Article:

Source of Article:

Key Terms

Key Concepts

Author's main point (Thesis).  Try to state it in one complete sentence.  This will show that you understand it well.  Write it here.

Now what do you think?  Here is where you begin to write your own ideas.  Do you agree with the analysis?  What do the facts mean to you?  What were you thinking when you were read this essay?