Examples of the types of notes you should take. Example number one. Ask questions of the text. This will help you focus your attention on what’s unclear in the reading or help you hone your response to it. Example number two. Summarize key points. Rewriting the text's main ideas in your own words will help ensure you understand them. Example number three. Outline parts of the text that help you understand its organization: background information, main points, counterargument, conclusion, and so on. Warning. Remember that notes are meant to help you find and recall information from the text quickly and easily. The clearer your notes, the more helpful they will be.