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Response

Here are some possible advantages and disadvantages:

Listed notes

Advantages

  • Can be very clear
  • Divided well, they can be added to at will
  • Can help to emphasise points to keep clear
  • Useful when there is a clear structure

Disadvantages

  • Can be boring to look at and hard to read
  • Risk of repeating what is read

Spray notes

Advantages

  • Fun to do
  • Easy and quick to make and add to order they are in
  • Visual impression - can be very easy to understand and remember
  • Not fixed in any order filled
  • Links are made obvious
  • Less likely to write too much
  • Interesting to look at
  • Link new and existing knowledge

Disadvantages

  • May be hard to decide what order they are in
  • What if you run out of space?
  • Hard to expand once space is filled.

Most people find that each style has its own advantages in particular circumstances. You could use spray notes when planning writing, but sequential ones if taking notes from reading. You should choose the style or styles that you feel happy with.

Remember

Whichever method you adopt, a good idea is to use coloured pens, highlighters or pictures to help you organise and remember your note.

Back to Note Taking.

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