A Few Guidelines for Taking Good Reading Notes:

• Look carefully at the Section Title - after you've read the section you should have at least basic knowledge on the topic
• Some students find it helpful to look at the section review questions (at the end of the section) before they start reading to help tune in to the most important concepts
  
• Use the section headings and set a goal for yourself, such as "What are the two or three most important concepts discussed in this section?"
• Use the visuals (pictures, graphs, maps, etc.) to help expand your knowledge and check your understanding.  If you're looking at a picture and thinking "why the heck did they put that in here?" chances are you don't really understand the section
  
• Remember that the goal is not to recopy the section, it is to take notes on the most important ideas/concepts.  Depending on the size of your handwriting, you should have 3/4 to 1 1/2 pages of notes for every 4 pages of reading.
• Keep your reading notes organized with your class notes - they will be very helpfuil in preparing for exams!