Guide to Scientific WritingIntroduction
Hints on Taking Notes on Articles and How to Use Them
Unlike writing in English or history, scientific writing almost never contains quotes. Instead, scientists need to show they have researched the proper background information and can interpret the results in a correct context. The following are steps to help you paraphrase:
- Read, or at least skim the entire article. This will help you pick out what information is most important for your study. If any part of the article is unclear, you can ask your instructor or TA to clarify it.
- Make sure the information you choose to use is based on the results of the article, not the article's introduction.
- If there is useful information, write down the reference in the same format you will use in your literature cited.
- Go back to the article and jot down notes on the important information.
- Do not just highlight sentences or write down the exact words. If you do, you will likely end up plagiarizing the material. Instead, jot down brief notes, 1-5 words that describe each major point.
- Go do something else, or work on another part of the lab report. This will help you clear your mind of the phrasing the authors’ used.
Come back, look only at your short notes, and then compile them into a sentence or two describing the idea. Make sure you cite the article in one of the sentences, usually the first sentence where you reference the article.
The Library has compiled some excellent resources to help you with this - NOTE: This will open a new window.