Today is rung 5 of 11 on this topic
Researching and taking notes in your own words
Can do: Finds information from two sources, notes it in their own words, and says where it came from.
Why it matters
It's where plagiarism habits are set. Note-taking in their own words is also a comprehension check that copying entirely bypasses.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Copies sentences straight off the page or screen, often without understanding them.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Read them a fact. "Now write it down without using my words."
Solid looks like: Same meaning, different wording.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Close the Tab
- 1Read one paragraph, then close the book or the tab.
- 2Write what they remember, in their own words. Closing it is the whole trick.
- 3Reopen and check for accuracy — not for wording.
- 4Note the source next to each fact: title and author, that's enough at nine.
- 5Compare the two sources and find one thing they disagree on.
If it's too hard
One source, three facts.
If it's too easy
Three sources, and note where each fact came from so the paragraph can be traced.
Say this
"Close it first. If you can't say it without looking, you haven't understood it yet."