LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout

© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

Warm-up Activity
Instructions: Read the following questions and discuss your ideas.
1. What is a note?
2. Why do we need to take note?
3. What do we use a note for?

Activity 1: What is a good note?

Instruction: Read the notes below. Discuss how you understand the information in the notes.
Also discuss the differences between the two notes and state your preference (Which note do
you like more? Why?).

Example A

Extrasensory perception
1) Definition: means of perceiving without use of sense organs.
2) Three kinds:
a. Telepathy: sending messages
b. Clairvoyance: forecasting the future
c. Psychokinesis: perceiving events external to situation
3) Current status:
a. No current research to support or refute
b. A few psychologists say impossible (Editor: A few = a limited number; few =
not many)

Example B

Types of notes

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LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout
© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

There are two main types of notes: linear and patterned notes.

 A linear note normally lists topics or headings clearly. The topics are arranged in a linear
order. Under each topic, related information is also listed linearly.
 A patterned note is more visual and dynamic. The main topic is usually put in the centre.
Then, related information can be linked to the main topic. Good examples of patterned
notes are mind maps and spider diagrams.

Therefore,
Note A is _____________________________________________
Note B is _____________________________________________

Listening and Note-taking

Tips:
 Have a clear purpose: you know what you are listening for
 Recognise main ideas: note important information or key words and concepts
 Select what is relevant: do not write down everything that is said
 Have a system for recording information that works for you: use the type of notes that
you are comfortable with
 Make your note short: write phrases not sentences (don’t worry about grammar). Use
abbreviation or symbols.

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LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout
© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

Activity 2: Listening and Note-taking

Instructions: Listen to the passage (1.50 from Unit 9). There are two people discussing a CV of a
job applicant. Take notes about information and qualifications of the applicant.

My notes:

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LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout
© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

Activity 3: Whose note is the best?

Instructions: Swap your notes with your classmates and evaluate their notes using the scale
below.

1. hard to read & 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1. easy to read &

understand understand

2. too detailed 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. short = concise

3. poorly organized 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3. well-organized

4. no abbreviations 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4. well-abbreviated

5. not easy to see 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5. important ideas

important points stand out clearly

Suggestions for your friends:

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LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout
© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

Paragraph Writing

What is a paragraph?

Paragraphs are comprised of sentences, but not random sentences. A paragraph is a group
of sentences organized around a central topic. In fact, the most important rule of paragraph
writing is to focus on one idea. A solidly written paragraph takes its readers on a clear path,
without detours.

How to write a good paragraph

In order to write a good paragraph, students need to understand the four essential elements
of paragraph writing and how each element contributes to the whole. The four elements
essential to good paragraph writing are: unity, order, coherence, and completeness.

1. Element #1: Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence. Every paragraph
has one single, controlling idea that is expressed in its topic sentence, which is typically
the first sentence of the paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea, with
the supporting sentences providing detail and discussion. In order to write a good topic
sentence, think about your theme and all the points you want to make. Decide which
point drives the rest, and then write it as your topic sentence.
2. Element #2: Order. Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences.
Whether you choose chronological order, order of importance, or another logical
presentation of detail, a solid paragraph always has a definite organization. In a well-
ordered paragraph, the reader follows along easily, aided by the pattern you’ve
established. Order helps the reader grasp your meaning and avoid confusion.
3. Element #3: Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing
understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other and
work together as a whole. One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition
words. These words create bridges from one sentence to the next. You can use transition
words that show order (first, second, third); spatial relationships (above, below) or logic
(furthermore, in addition, in fact). Also, in writing a paragraph, using a consistent verb
tense and point of view are important ingredients for coherency.
4. Element #4: Completeness. Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed. If all
sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea, then your paragraph is
complete. If there are not enough sentences or enough information to prove your thesis,
then the paragraph is incomplete. Usually three supporting sentences, in addition to a
topic sentence and concluding sentence, are needed for a paragraph to be complete.

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LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout
© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

The concluding sentence or last sentence of the paragraph should summarize your main
idea by reinforcing your topic sentence.

(Adapted from https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/paragraph-writing-secrets/)

After you have a note, you can use your note as a guideline for writing a paragraph. That is
you arrange all the important information you have in your note into a good paragraph.

Example:
Note
Main Idea: Most pets teach children valuable lessons.
Supporting details:
1. Dogs  responsible
2. Cats  responsibility + independence
3. Rabbits  having babies
4. Snakes, rats, fish and gerbils  cleanliness + proper bathing habits

Paragraph
Most pets teach children valuable lessons. First, dogs can teach children to be
responsible. Next, cats can also teach about responsibility and independence. Then, rabbits
show children about having lots of babies. Last, snakes, rats, fish and gerbils can be good
examples of cleanliness and proper bathing habits. Therefore, children can learn some
valuable lessons from their pets.

Activity 4: Writing a Paragraph

Instructions: Based on your note from Activity 2 (page 3), write a paragraph covering all the
main points about that job applicant.

Jason Park is a job applicant whose information and qualifications were discussed. ___________

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LNG 103: English for Workplace Communication Student’s Handout
© SoLA, KMUTT Note-taking and Paragraph Writing

__________________________________________________________________________________________
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These are all of his information and qualifications.