Chapter 12 – Note Making

CHAPTER 12 – NOTE MAKING

1. What is Note Making?

A note is a brief record of information or ideas. It helps us remember important points, prepare for examinations, take part in discussions and debates, and deliver lectures or speeches.

Note making is the skill of recording relevant information in a short, organised and meaningful form. It helps us save time and remember important details.

2. Features of Good Notes

  1. Notes should be brief.
  2. Notes should generally be written in the third person.
  3. Only important details should be included.
  4. Illustrations, lengthy explanations and diagrams should be avoided.
  5. Full sentences should not be used; phrases and words are preferred.
  6. Information should be presented in a logical sequence.

3. Format of Note Making

Notes can be arranged under three levels:

  • Title/Main Heading: Expresses the central idea of the passage.
  • Subheadings: Represented by small letters such as (a), (b), (c).
  • Sub-subheadings: Represented by Roman numerals such as (i), (ii), (iii).

4. Use of Abbreviations

Abbreviations help make notes shorter and easier to revise. Common abbreviations can be used, and suitable short forms can also be created.

Examples from the textbook:

Word Abbreviation
ProgrammePgme
PrincipalPr.
SecondarySec.
EducationalEdu’nal

Other examples:

Word Abbreviation
TemperatureTemp.
GovernmentGovt.
NumberNo.
ResponsibilityResp.
InformationInfo.

5. Steps to Make Notes

  1. Read the passage carefully.
  2. Understand its theme and subject.
  3. Identify what the passage is mainly about.
  4. Find the main ideas and important supporting details.
  5. Give a suitable title, headings and subheadings.
  6. Use a proper layout.
  7. Use recognisable abbreviations wherever possible.

6. Sample Passages

The textbook provides five sample passages. The first two are reproduced below with their note-making structure and abbreviations.

Sample Passage 1

Original exercise instruction:
1. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Disposal of Plastic Waste

Model Notes

  1. Disposal of Plastic Waste
    • (a) Gasification
      • (i) Gasification of PVC/chlorinated plastic at lower temperature.
      • (ii) Raising temperature to remove chlorine.
      • (iii) Difficulty in controlling combustion temperature and unburned gases.
    • (b) Recycling
      • (i) A useful method of waste management.
      • (ii) Does not provide a complete solution.
      • (iii) About 40% of plastic waste recycled in India.
  2. Problems of Recycling
    • (a) Limited recycling cycles; plastic becomes unfit for reuse after repeated recycling.
    • (b) Plastic ultimately ends up in landfills.
    • (c) Different fillers and additives make sorting difficult.
    • (d) Sorting is expensive.

Abbreviations:

  • Temp. – Temperature
  • Soln. – Solution
  • PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

Note: The textbook’s printed model notes are shorter. The version above makes a few important details clearer while retaining the same central ideas.

Sample Passage 2

Original exercise instruction:
2. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Newman’s Experiments on Gravity on the Moon and Mars

Model Notes

  1. Newman’s Experiment
    • (a) Underwater treadmill at NASA Research Center, Iowa.
    • (b) Designed by aerospace engineer Dava Newman.
    • (c) Four years of observing scuba divers.
    • (d) Simulation of walking on the Moon and Mars.
  2. Use of Weights
    • (a) Weights attached to divers.
    • (b) Divers lowered into water tank and onto treadmill.
    • (c) Weights adjusted to simulate lunar and Martian gravity.
  3. Newman’s Findings
    • (a) Moon
      • (i) Lower gravity.
      • (ii) Divers struggled to maintain balance.
      • (iii) Awkward walking.
    • (b) Mars
      • (i) Greater traction and stability.
      • (ii) Easier walking at 1.5 mph.
      • (iii) Longer and smoother strides.
      • (iv) Less oxygen required.

Abbreviations:

  • Er. – Engineer
  • Mph. – Miles per hour
  • Qukr. – Quicker

SAMPLE PASSAGES

3. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Environmental Problems and Pollution

  1. Pollution and Development
    1. Different causes of pollution:
      1. Industrialization
      2. Increasing number of vehicles and electronic devices
      3. Economic growth and development
  2. Pollution in Poor Countries
    1. More prominent in poor countries
    2. India and Bangladesh compared with developed countries
    3. Number of industries not the only deciding factor
    4. Few factories may cause greater pollution than many large industries
  3. Factors Responsible for Minimizing Pollution
    1. Proper planning and inspection by Govt.
    2. Control of harmful gases and toxic waste
    3. Monitoring and implementation of laws
    4. Control of deforestation and human greed
  4. Measures to Deal with Pollution
    1. Public education and awareness
    2. Plantation of trees
      1. Reduction in carbon ratio
      2. Release of oxygen
    3. Reduced use of fossil fuels
    4. Use of alternative energy sources
    5. Recycling and reuse of products
    6. Effective enforcement of laws

Abbreviations:

  • No. – Number
  • Govt. – Government
  • vs. – Versus

4. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Child Abuse: Causes and Preventions

  1. Child Abuse
    1. Agents: Parents, teachers, elders and close relations
    2. Forms: Beating, maltreatment and severe punishment
    3. Effects: Permanent physical and mental disabilities
  2. Causes of Child Abuse
    1. Parents’ neglect
      1. Misunderstanding children’s needs
      2. Poverty and lack of care
      3. Unemployment, especially of the father
    2. Children become outlets for parents’ anger
    3. Drug and alcohol addiction of parents
  3. Protection of Children
    1. Strict laws to protect children’s rights
    2. Punishment for abusive parents
    3. Provision of helplines
      1. Children can report abuse
      2. Teachers and neighbours can also report cases
    4. Public awareness
      1. Establishment of special agencies
      2. Education about child rights
    5. Role of media in educating parents
    6. Effective school programmes

Abbreviations:

  • Prov. – Provision
  • Resp. – Responsibility
  • Pub. – Public

5. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Importance of English Language and Its Challenges

  1. English as a Global Language
    1. Useful for international travel
    2. Language of science and business
    3. Research papers, journals and conference papers published in English
  2. Scope and Importance of English
    1. Migration of students
      1. Higher studies abroad
      2. International language benchmarks and testing systems
    2. Improved global communication
    3. Exchange of information
    4. Facilitation of international trade
  3. Challenges in Learning English
    1. Differences in written expressions of languages
    2. Difficulty for people whose native language is very different
    3. Need to learn English as an additional language
    4. English speakers have an advantage over non-English speakers

Abbreviations:

  • Lang. – Language
  • Syst. – System
  • Diff. – Different
  • Sci. – Science
  • Add. – Additional
  • Busi. – Business
  • Exp. – Expressions
  • B-marks – Benchmarks

PASSAGES FOR PRACTICE

6. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Social Media: Uses and Misuses

  1. Impact and Uses of Social Media
    1. Millions of users worldwide
    2. Popular platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
    3. Connects friends and family
    4. Provides latest information and updates
  2. Responsible Use of Social Media
    1. Use social media judiciously
    2. Children need guidance
      1. Parents and teachers must teach proper use
      2. Young users need careful supervision
  3. Risks and Misuse
    1. Addictive effects
      1. Frequent checking of phones
      2. Posting pictures and updating status as daily habits
    2. Misuse of personal details and photographs
    3. Criminals and anti-social elements may misuse information
    4. False information and unverified posts
    5. Unknown persons may pose risks
    6. Spread of religious fanaticism and hatred
  4. Positive and Productive Use
    1. Use time and effort productively
    2. Connect people rather than isolate them
    3. Promote harmony and love

Abbreviations:

  • Soc. – Social
  • Resp. – Responsible / Responsibility
  • Info. – Information
  • Prod. – Productively

7. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Importance and Design of Windows

  1. Importance of Windows
    1. Windows give character to a house
    2. Style, finish and proportions affect the appearance
    3. Changes influence both interior and exterior
  2. Traditional Types of Windows
    1. Four-panel casement windows
      1. Common until the seventeenth century
      2. Opened like doors on butt hinges
      3. Irregular glass added to their character
    2. Sash windows
      1. Common in Britain and America
      2. Usually opened vertically
      3. Horizontal-sliding type suited wide, low frames
  3. Traditional Decorative Features
    1. Mullions divided windows into sections
    2. Leaded lights and Georgian fan-lights
    3. Wooden mullions provided dignified proportions
    4. Fine art of fenestration declining
  4. Problems with Modern Changes
    1. Modern replacements often damage the character of houses
    2. Double-glazing and metal-frame windows criticised
    3. Blocking windows or glazed doors reduces interior light
    4. Path of light should be considered before removal

Abbreviations:

  • Trad. – Traditional
  • Mod. – Modern
  • Ext. – Exterior
  • Int. – Interior

8. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Tactics and Strategy in Negotiation

  1. Difference between Tactics and Strategy
    1. Tactics
      1. Small-scale and short-term issues
      2. Interim decisions and immediate actions
    2. Strategy
      1. Large-scale and long-term issues
      2. Final outcomes and objectives
  2. Example of a Journey
    1. Strategic decisions
      1. Starting point and destination
      2. Mode of travel
      3. Time of journey
    2. Tactical decisions
      1. Route and terrain
      2. Traffic conditions
      3. Interaction with people en route
  3. Successful Negotiation
    1. Consider both tactics and strategy
    2. Choose them carefully according to desired outcomes
    3. Use them effectively
    4. Common interests provide an added advantage
  4. Benefits of a Good Strategy
    1. Mutually beneficial agreements
    2. Satisfaction of all parties
    3. Requires trust and willingness to:
      1. Share ideas
      2. Make adjustments

Abbreviations:

  • Strat. – Strategy
  • Tact. – Tactics
  • Neg. – Negotiation
  • Mut. – Mutual / Mutually

9. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Knowledge and Self-Learning

  1. Source of Knowledge
    1. Knowledge comes from the human mind
    2. Newton discovered gravitation through his mind
    3. The universe’s knowledge exists within the mind
    4. External world provides suggestions and opportunities
  2. Importance of Self-Learning
    1. No one can be taught everything by another person
    2. Every individual must learn independently
    3. External teacher awakens the internal ability to learn
    4. Child develops his own understanding and abilities
  3. Role of Teachers and Parents
    1. Guide children rather than force them
    2. Help children progress in their own way
    3. Avoid criticism and discouraging remarks
    4. Harsh words may affect children’s confidence
  4. Value of Encouragement
    1. Kind words and encouragement
    2. Build confidence
    3. Help children improve gradually

Abbreviations:

  • Indiv. – Individual
  • Ext. – External
  • Dev. – Develop / Development
  • Enc. – Encouragement

10. Read the following passage carefully and make notes using suitable abbreviations.

Title: Energy Conservation in Street Lighting

  1. Energy Conservation Technologies
    1. Energy conservation in street lighting is a new concept
    2. Technologies used are not new
    3. Already tested in industrial and medical applications
    4. Reliable technologies can save electrical energy
  2. Need for Measurement and Verification
    1. Strong procedures required before implementation
    2. Baseline energy consumption must be recorded
    3. Without a baseline, savings cannot be properly measured
  3. Problems in Karnataka Projects
    1. No baseline of energy consumption
    2. Difficult to verify recorded savings
    3. Projects covered only part of the town/city
    4. Maximum coverage: about 20% of total city lamps
    5. Difficult to separate and analyse electricity bills
  4. Billing Issues
    1. Irregular billing by electricity companies
    2. Municipal billing patterns require modifications

Abbreviations:

  • Tech. – Technology / Technologies
  • Cons. – Conservation / Consumption
  • Impl. – Implementation
  • Verif. – Verification
  • Govt. – Government

CHAPTER SUMMARY

Note Making is the process of presenting important information from a passage in a brief, organised and systematic form. Good notes help us remember facts, prepare for examinations, plan our ideas and participate in discussions.

While making notes, remember these important points:

  1. Read the passage carefully and understand its central idea.
  2. Give a suitable title to the notes.
  3. Divide the information into main headings, subheadings and sub-subheadings.
  4. Use numbers, alphabets and Roman numerals in a proper sequence.
  5. Write brief phrases instead of complete sentences.
  6. Include only important information.
  7. Use suitable and recognisable abbreviations.
  8. Maintain a logical sequence and neat presentation.

Remember: Good notes are brief, clear, meaningful and well organised. Regular practice makes Note Making easier and more effective.

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