Draw a line down the middle of a white ruled 4- by 6-inch spiral bound index card. This divides the subject of your notes into two sections, forcing room for only key words and central facts. Repeat this step on each index card (utilizing fronts and backs) according to how many topics are in the subject.
Write the Roman numeral "I" on the top left side of the index card on the red line and the Roman numeral "II" on the other side of the line drawn down the middle. Each Roman numeral becomes the main idea or topic. When filling in the Roman numerals with central facts about the main subject, keep them in chronological order.
Fill in each line directly below the Roman numeral I, with a letter of the alphabet from A to Z on both sections of the index card. This is the area in which you will paraphrase with keywords the topic to convey the same meaning in different (and fewer) words. Key words help you remember the main ideas. Taking notes using at least three key words per line will assist in structuring a creative outline.