how to take notes like an Oxford student | master any book, by The IO PREP on YouTube. 14 min 41 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 41 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Read the assigned chapter or section once before you make notes. Mark the beginning, middle and end so you know how the text is built.
Choose one note-taking model and stick to it. A simple outline with headings for plot, people, quotes and themes works for most books.
Create a backbone page: list the key events in order, one line each. Add page numbers so you can find the evidence later.
Draw a character map with the main people in the centre and lines to their relationships. Write one trait and one motive beside each name.
Start a quotes bank with the exact words, page number and speaker. Keep only quotes you can use for an argument or theme.
List two or three themes and put the evidence under each one. Link each quote or event to a theme in a short phrase.
Review your notes the next day and add links between characters, quotes and themes. Write one sentence that answers a likely essay question.
Condense each page into a one-page summary you can revise from. Use your own words and leave space to add new ideas.
Tips and common mistakes
Write page numbers beside every quote so you can check it later.
Keep one page per section instead of mixing plot, quotes and themes together.
Use your own words for the backbone and theme notes, but copy quotes exactly.
Review your notes within 24 hours to fix gaps while the reading is fresh.
Questions
Do I need to read the whole book before taking notes?
No. You can take notes chapter by chapter, then update your backbone, character map, quotes and themes as you go.
Should I use paper or a notes app?
Either works. Paper is good for character maps, while an app makes quotes and page references easier to search.
How long should each note set be?
Aim for one page per section: a short backbone, a simple map, a quote bank and theme notes. Keep it short enough to revise.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
