·      Use your computer notes the same as you would pen and paper notes. Paraphrase main ideas, use quotation marks for direct quotes or any words you are taking directly from the source. 

·      Be sure to clearly record the MLA citation information on your computer notes.

o       Cornell Notes 

 Organizing & Synthesizing …

• Before you begin writing, you’ll need to organize your notes.  This will help you create a more organized, cohesive outline and paper. 
   
  • Review your research question and read over your notes.
  • If you haven’t already developed a thesis statement, create one.

§      A thesis statement is a single sentence that explains the purpose of the paper.

·      A thesis statement is what your paper is going to prove.

·      A thesis statement reflects your point of view and the research you have conducted.

§      The thesis statement should appear somewhere in the introduction of the paper.

• Using an outline form, begin to arrange your information to answer your question or prove your thesis statement.
• Writing an outline will help you see if you have gaps or holes in your research. Are there areas of your research that are weak? Do you have sufficient evidence to support your thesis statement?

·      If you answer yes to either of these questions, you will need to do further research to strengthen these areas.