Annotating and note-taking are both techniques used to engage with and understand information, but they have distinct characteristics and purposes:
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Annotating:
- Involves adding comments, explanations, or personal insights directly to a text (such as a book, article, or PDF).
- Typically includes highlighting, underlining, or writing marginal notes that clarify or expand on the material.
- Aims to deepen understanding and make connections to the content while interacting with the text itself.
- Often used as a way to prepare for discussions, writing assignments, or further study.
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Note-Taking:
- Refers to the process of transcribing or summarizing information from lectures, readings, or discussions in a separate format (like notebooks or digital tools).
- Generally includes organized outlines, bulleted lists, or diagrams rather than direct interaction with the original text.
- Focuses on capturing key ideas, concepts, and facts in a way that makes them easier to review later.
- Used for studying, review, and consolidation of information.
In summary, annotating is about interacting with a specific text, while note-taking is about summarizing and organizing information independently for later reference.