Note-taking While Listening

Do not write everything

Trying to copy complete sentences usually means falling behind.

Instead, record:

• keywords
• main ideas
• important examples
• names
• dates
• numbers
• relationships between ideas

For example, instead of:

The speaker argues that public transport should receive greater government investment because it reduces congestion and pollution.

You might write:

public transport → more govt investment

reasons: ↓ traffic + ↓ pollution

The notes contain the important meaning without reproducing every word.

Use abbreviations

Useful abbreviations can save time.

Examples:

• gov = government
• env = environment
• info = information
• ppl = people
• approx. = approximately

You can also create your own as long as you understand them later.

Use symbols

Useful symbols include:

• → leads to / results in
• ↑ increase
• ↓ decrease
• + advantage / positive
• – disadvantage / negative
• ≠ different
• = equals / means

Example:

↑ car use → ↑ pollution

Show structure

Organise your notes so you can see relationships.

For example:

• Causes of stress
• workload
• lack of sleep
• exams
• Effects
• concentration ↓
• anxiety ↑

Structure makes the notes easier to use later.

Leave space

If you miss something, leave a gap and continue listening.

Do not stop following the speaker because you are trying to remember one detail.

You may be able to fill the gap later.

Spoken information:

One major reason young people use social media is to maintain friendships. However, researchers have also raised concerns about the effect of excessive use on sleep.

Possible notes:

Why young ppl use SM:

maintain friendships

BUT excessive use → sleep concerns

These notes preserve the relationship between the ideas.

1. Write down the topic before listening if you know it.
2. Focus on keywords rather than full sentences.
3. Use abbreviations and symbols.
4. Indicate examples and supporting details.
5. Show contrasts and cause-effect relationships.
6. Leave gaps when necessary and keep listening.
7. Review and organise the notes immediately afterwards.

Mistake: Writing every word.

Better: Record meaning, not transcription.

Mistake: Spending too long making notes neat during the audio.

Better: Prioritise listening. Organise the notes afterwards.

Mistake: Writing isolated words without showing relationships.

Better: Use headings, arrows and indentation.

Mistake: Stopping after missing one detail.

Better: Leave space and continue listening.

You hear:

Although electric cars reduce emissions while driving, producing their batteries can have significant environmental effects.

Which note is most useful?

• A. Although electric cars reduce emissions while driving, producing their batteries can have significant environmental effects.
• B. cars
• C. EVs: ↓ driving emissions BUT battery production → env impact
• D. electric environmental batteries

Answer: C. It records the main contrast efficiently without copying the entire sentence.

• Notes should capture meaning, not every word.
• Use keywords, abbreviations and symbols.
• Show relationships between ideas.
• Do not sacrifice listening in order to produce perfect notes.
• Review notes soon after listening.