There are three basic types of notes that you may use:

• Paraphrasing repeats the idea from the source, but in different words.  Most of your notes should be paraphrasing. A good rule of thumb is to use this form of note taking at all times unless you have a  good reason to summarize or quote your source.

• Summarizing, like paraphrasing, repeats the source's idea in different words.  The difference is that a summary also condenses the idea.  In other words, it says the same thing in fewer words. Use this method when the source is too long to be succinctly quoted or paraphrased. For example, you may read a ten page chapter and summarize the key points in a few lines.

• Direct Quotes repeat the words of the source exactly.  Use direct quotes when the source material is especially well-stated or when the exact wording is important historically, legally, or is a definition.  Direct quotes should be used sparingly.  When a quote is less than four lines, put quotation marks around it and simply incorporate it into the text of your paper.  When a quote is four or more lines, indent it ten spaces and do not use quotation marks.