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In Step 2, we practiced reading questions and analyzing the questions to better understand what the question asks us to do (question form) and to identify what the question asks us to write about (question content.)
 * STEP 6: Taking Notes **
 * Allow 2-3 minutes to outline ideas during the test. **

In this step, we will look at the QUESTION FORM and write down ideas to answer the question. To help us organize a complete answer, we will use an OUTLINE.

An **OUTLINE** is an organized plan of our ideas. Organize your ideas for the body by listing the main points that you want to discuss. If you have time, also note details and examples that support each main point. Here is what a note outline might look like:
 * 1. Main idea **
 * details and examples **
 * 2. Main idea **
 * details and examples **
 * 3. Main idea **
 * details and examples **

In the iBT, the examiners will give you notepaper to use in the writing part of the test. After the test, this notepaper will be collected and shredded. The notes you make have no effect on your score.

It is important to USE the notepaper. In our experience, students who do not make notes before they write generally score lower than students who make notes. Your notes should be SHORT. Remember, they are only to help you organize your thoughts. Nobody else is going to read them.

Let’s look at an example! // A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position. // Analyze FORM: What does the question ask us to do?

MAJOR SUPPORT 1 Discuss the advantages. DETAIL: Advantages Example: MAJOR SUPPORT 2 Discuss the disadvantages. DETAIL: Disadvantages Example: MAJOR SUPPORT 3 State your opinion. DETAIL: -explain your position Example:

REMEMBER: You don’t have to tell the truth. For example, maybe you live in a community with a lot of factories, so the influence of another factory would be small and difficult to write about. If so, then simply write about a different community. Pretend that your community is very small and very few people live and/or work in your community. Therefore, a large factory would have a great influence on the community, and you could easily write about it.

WORKSPACE ACTIVITY: Notes from mtg with D: Activities: Scaffold activities to practice outlining. 6a. Select items to make the best outline. (Copy to MS.) 6b. Fill in the blanks. (Copy to MS.) 6b. Fill in a complete outline and send to tutor for feedback. 6a Identify the items for an outline. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

MAJOR SUPPORT: 1st reason people attend college DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: 2nd reason people attend college. DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: 3rd reason people attend college. DETAIL: Example:

Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

MAJOR SUPPORT: 1st reason that I prefer to learn with a teacher.. DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: 2nd reason that I prefer to learn with a teacher. DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: 3rd reason that I prefer to learn with a teacher. DETAIL: Example:

WORKSPACE ACTIVITY: 6b Fill in missing information. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example:

How do movies or television influence people’s behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example:

Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example:

WORKSPACE ACTIVITY: (Use the two forms already in workspace.)

6c Organize ideas into an outline form. MAJOR SUPPORT DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT 3 DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: MAJOR SUPPORT: DETAIL: Example: __
 * [COLDS/form finished and in workspace] **
 * [SUCCESS/form finished and in workspace.] **