Additional Resources:

Organizational Pattern: Topical
Thesis Statement: You should use these techniques while taking lecture notes.

I. Sit in the front of the classroom.
II. Listen for key phrases and changes in your instructor’s voice.
III. Don’t try to write every word.

Org. Pattern: Problem/solution

I. Many students take notes poorly.

Thesis Statement: Students don’t review their work between classes.

II. “T” note-taking should be used by all students.
III. There would be many advantages to using “T” note-taking.

Org. Pattern: Problem/solution

I. Many students don’t review their notes.

Thesis Statement: Everyone should revisit their notes.

II. Revisit your notes within 24 hours of taking them.
III. Revisit all of your notes prior to each class session.

Organizational Pattern: Procedural
Thesis Statement: There are many advantages to using “T” note-taking.

I. First, it will improve your grades.
II. Second, it will improve your recall of the material.
III. Third, it will improve your time management skills.

Organizational Pattern: Topical
Thesis Statement: You should use the following lecture note review techniques.

I. Sit in the front of the classroom during lectures.
II. Cover one of the lecture note columns with a blank sheet of paper.
III. Review on an organized schedule.

Org. Pattern: Problem/Solution
Thesis Statements: Morton College students should improve their study skills.

I. They should take “T” notes during class lectures.
II. They should highlight all assigned reading.
III. They should revisit their notes.

Organizational Pattern: Topical
Thesis Statement: I’m going to tell you about the “T” note-taking system.

I. Necessary equipment
II. Classroom note-taking
III. Lecture note-taking
IV. Textbook note-taking
V. Revisiting your notes

Organizational Pattern: Causal
Thesis Statement: You should use the “T” note-taking system.

I. It is easy to learn.
II. Your lifelong recall of important concepts will improve.
III. You will get better grades.

Answers to What's Wrong exercise