Listening For Main Ideas

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to write down during a lecture. Here are a few tips that can help you listen for main ideas.

Write it down when the professor:

• Says it's important or repeats the information
• Writes information on the board or overhead
• Breaks down material into steps (any information important enough to explain thoroughly is important enough to record in your notes)
• Gives contrasts or pros and cons
• Changes vocal tone or volume--this often indicates excitment; information that a professor is excited about often ends up on tests

Signal words and phrases may also indicate that a professor is saying something you should remember. Some signal words and phrases are:

Introductory words-give a basic outline of what the day's lecture will cover.		Repeat words-rephrases and clarifies information
"Today we should discuss..." "After today you should be able to..."		"In other words..." "This simply means..." "In essence..."
Qualifying words-note exceptions to rules and clarify information		Test clues-alert you to possible test material.
"However..." "Nevertheless..."		"This is important..." "Remember this..." "You'll see this again..."
Cause and effect phrases-show relationships between ideas and events.		Summary words
"Therefore..." "As a result..."		"In a nutshell..." "To sum up..." "In conclusion..."
Contrast words-also show relationships between ideas and events.		Example words-explain and clarify information.
"On the other hand..." "By comparison..."		"To illustrate..." "For example..." "For instance..."