Using

Note Cards

Each time a writer selects a quotation, paraphrase, or summary to be included in a research paper, the information should be recorded on a note (index) card. Note cards are useful because they

• provide greater ease when transferring the information to the rough drafts,
• allow the writer to organize and rearrange material into categories,
• and assist the writer when locating the sources for more information.

Each note card should contain

• source number and page number(s) [if applicable],
• outline code,
• quotation, paraphrase, or summary,
• and card number.

Sample Card

Click on numbers to review the descriptions.

1       3

2           4

1. Source and Page Numbers

• Record source card number here.
• If applicable, include the page number(s). This will expedite the internal citation(s).
• From the sample card, one can see that this information came from source card #1, page 93; therefore, if the author's name is Abbott, the internal citation would be

Mary Wollenstonecraft's poetry lacks the "usual self-righteous, sharp-edged, and moralist qualities" found in that of her contemporaries (Abbott 93).

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2. Outline Code

• Record the outline's topic and subtopic code here.
• From the sample card, one can see that the information will be inserted under topic III, subtopic F, minor detail 3 .

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3. Quotation, Paraphrase, or Summary

• To avoid plagiarism (and sloppiness), do NOT fill the card with extraneous information as in this non-example:

• The writer should include only one quotation, paraphrase, or summary per card. The idea is to provide the researcher with enough information to emphasize a single point.

Mary Wollenstonecraft's poetry lacks the "usual self-righteous, sharp-edged, and moralist qualities" found in that of her contemporaries (Abbott 93). Her works possess mellow tones and naturalistic expressions.

• The writer may wish to add comments further into the research, so each card should contain plenty of "extra space" as in the following example:

The underlined statement was later added by the writer.

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4. Card Number

• From the sample card, one can see that the writer has completed 58 note cards.

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