How to Make Study Source Cards

Direct Answer

Make study source cards by recording the source first, then sorting each note into quote, paraphrase, question, or check. Quote is for exact short wording. Paraphrase is your own explanation. Question is what you still need to ask or test. Check is for missing page numbers, source details, or assignment rules.

Practical Steps

The lazy version is one row per useful idea, not a perfect database. Keep the source locator visible before you draft from it.

• Write the source title, page, slide, timestamp, or URL note
• Choose quote only for exact wording you may need later
• Use paraphrase for your own summary of the idea
• Use question for prompts that could become discussion or practice
• Use check when author, date, page, source fit, or assignment rules are unclear
• Review check rows before writing the final draft

Example

A source card row should preserve the locator and the reason you kept the note.

Textbook chapter 4 | paraphrase | causes of migration in own words
Primary letter page 12 | quote | one short phrase with page marker
Map caption | question | ask how it supports claim
Website article | check | verify author and date

Limits

Source cards are study organization help, not citation, copyright, tutoring, grading, or academic integrity advice. Follow the required style guide, teacher instructions, source access rules, and assignment policy.

Common Mistakes

One mistake is copying long passages and calling them notes. Another is writing a good idea without the page or source marker. If the note cannot lead you back to the source, it belongs in check until fixed.