5 Note - Taking MISTAKES most students make, by Batoolkidiary on YouTube. 5 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Read or listen to one section first without writing anything. Get the main idea before you pick up your pen.
Close the book or slides and write the main idea in your own words. If you cannot explain it simply, read the section again.
Add only the key points that support the main idea. Skip full sentences copied from the text and skip examples you already understand.
Use short bullet points and one idea per line. Leave space between points so you can add details later.
Mark words you do not understand with a question mark. Look them up and write a short definition beside them.
Group related points under a clear heading for each topic or chapter. Keep the same heading style across all your subjects.
Add a short summary of three to five lines at the end of each topic. This becomes your quick revision sheet before exams.
Review your notes within a day and fill any gaps from the book. Then test yourself by covering the notes and saying the points aloud.
Tips and common mistakes
Copying whole paragraphs feels productive but does not help you remember, so write in your own words.
Keep one notebook or folder per subject so you can find topics fast during revision.
Use highlighters only for key terms, not whole pages, or the colour stops helping.
If your notes are messy, rewrite only the headings and key points, not the full page.
Questions
Should I take notes while reading or after?
Read a short section first, then write notes from memory. This forces you to understand the material instead of copying it.
How long should my notes be?
Aim for a page or less per topic. If notes run long, cut examples and keep only the points you would need in an exam.
Do digital notes work as well as paper?
Yes, if you keep them organised with clear headings and review them. The method matters more than the tool.
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.
