Third: Taking Notes
First you must read.Yes, read!
Read, read, read.
Then using index cards or preassigned note sheets take notes.
Notice the word "notes." It doesn't mean copy down every word, or word for word, or change a few words. It means read the information and then summarize what you read in your own words. This is not new, you've heard it before.
Try this:
1. Read
2. Stop, think if you what read will help your argument
3. Write down key words to help you later recall what you read
4. Get page numbers for citations
5. Get works cited information (author, title, publisher, city of publication, copyright date) from each source
Here are some links on taking notes: Hints for good note taking. More note taking help.
Did you get enough information?
If not, go back and do more research.
Now it's time to organize your notes and make an outline.
Fourth: Go to the Outlining help page.
Below is another good video from YouTube on notetaking even though it is on the college level.