Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the Cornell note-taking method and how to apply it to writing a well-structured essay. The student will learn how to identify and create topic sentences, introductions, and conclusions while effectively using highlighting and annotations to enhance their writing and comprehension skills.

Materials and Prep

• Paper for note-taking
• Pen or pencil
• Highlighter
• Access to a sample essay or text for analysis

Before the lesson, ensure the student is familiar with basic essay structure and has a general idea of what a topic sentence, introduction, and conclusion are. Review the Cornell note-taking format, which includes a main section for notes, a cue column for keywords or questions, and a summary section at the bottom.

Activities

1. Cornell Note-Taking Practice: Begin by introducing the Cornell note-taking method. Have the student read a short article or text, and as they read, they will take notes in the Cornell format. Encourage them to use the cue column for key ideas and questions.

2. Highlighting Key Ideas: After taking notes, have the student highlight important sentences or phrases in their notes. Discuss why these points are significant and how they contribute to the overall understanding of the text.

3. Essay Structure Workshop: Guide the student in identifying examples of topic sentences, introductions, and conclusions from the text. Then, have them draft their own topic sentence and outline an introduction and conclusion for an essay on a topic of their choice.

4. Peer Review and Feedback: If possible, have the student share their topic sentence and essay outline with a family member or friend for feedback. Encourage them to use annotations to mark areas that need improvement or clarification.

Talking Points

• "The Cornell note-taking method helps organize information clearly and effectively. It allows you to engage with the material actively."
• "Highlighting is a powerful tool. It helps you focus on key ideas and makes it easier to review your notes later."
• "A strong topic sentence sets the stage for your entire paragraph. It should clearly convey the main idea you want to discuss."
• "An introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide context for your essay. Think of it as a roadmap for what’s to come."
• "The conclusion wraps up your essay and reinforces your main points. It's your last chance to leave an impression on the reader."
• "Annotations are like conversations with the text. They help you engage with the material and deepen your understanding."