Note-taking is very important for this paper, especially for the Data File-related tasks.

Here are some general recommendations about how to take notes.

1. Do not try to write down every word as this is impossible to do.
2. Listen actively. Try to think and understand what the speaker is saying before you write it down.
3. Order your notes carefully and leave spaces between the points you are making. If you are given a note sheet with headings, use the headings to help you.
4. Use common abbreviations and develop a system of abbreviating words that you can use for less common words.
5. Leave out words such as articles (i.e. 'a', 'an', 'the'), common verbs (i.e. 'be', 'have', 'go', etc) and use numbers (e.g. 1, 2, 3) instead of words.
6. Write neatly. There is no point writing something down if you cannot read it later.

Here are some different ways of abbreviating words.

1. Use only the first syllable of a word.
   prac = practice
   ex = exercise
2. Use the first syllable and the first letter of the second syllable.
   classr = classroom
   subj = subject
3. Leave out some vowels. Use enough consonants to leave a 'skeleton' of the word behind.
   exm = exam
   cmra = camera
4. Form the plural of a symbol or abbreviation by adding 's'.
   $s = dollars
   egs = examples
5. Use 'g' to represent 'ing' endings.
   wlkg = walking
   drnkg = drinking
6. Use special abbreviations.
   w/o = without
   pp = pages
7. Using 'text message' abbreviations.
   u = you
   b4 = before
   l8 = late
   ♥ = love