ACE NOTE-TAKING TECHNIQUES OF NAATI-CCL
For the NAATI CCL, the ability to take notes is crucial since you only listen to each dialogue segment once. The objective is not to transcribe every word but to quickly and precisely capture the essential meaning.
Let’s talk about the best Note-Taking Techniques for NAATI CCL Test:
1. Write Keywords, Not Full Sentences:
Try to write keywords instead of writing whole sentences.
You need to stay Focus on:
- Names
- Dates
- Numbers
- Places
- Medical/legal/business terms
- Negatives (“not”, “don’t”, “unable”)
- Actions and decisions
Example:
Instead of writing:
“I need to go to the doctor tomorrow because my leg is paining.”
Write:
Dr tmrw → leg paining
This will help you to memorize the full information and save you time.
2. Use symbols and shortcuts:
Try to use symbols and shortcuts while making notes.
Create your own abbreviations and use them.
I’ll share some common symbols that can help you take notes more quickly and efficiently.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ↑ | Increase |
| ↓ | Decrease |
| → | Leads to / Go to |
| ≠ | Not equal / Not |
| b/w | Between |
| ? | Question |
| $ | Money |
| @ | At |
Some Useful NAATI Abbreviations:
| Short Form | Meaning |
|---|---|
| dr | Doctor |
| med | Medicine |
| gov | Government |
| uni | University |
| req | Request |
| dept | Department |
3. Divide Your Page Properly:
Draw a line to divide the sheet into separate sections.
To do this on your actual sheet, draw a vertical line down the middle to create two columns, or a horizontal line across the page to create two sections, depending on your preference. This helps organize your notes clearly.
| ENGLISH | LOTE |
|---|
This is a very effective technique:
- Left side → English
- Right side → LOTE language
Or:
- One line per speaker
Example:
English speaker: When are you coming?
| Speaker | Notes |
|---|---|
| E | When comng? |
| LOTE | On Fri 4pm |
This avoids confusion during interpreting.
4. Focus on structure:
If you remember the structure, you’ll be able to rewrite the sentences naturally later.
5. Use Vertical Layout:
Write vertically instead of extending your notes in long horizontal lines.
Not recommended:
meeting tomorrow my best friend because it’s her birthday
Highly recommended:
- mtg tmrw
- bst frnd
- her Bday
It is easier and faster to read during interpretation.
KEY PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE NAATI NOTE-TAKING
- Highlight important information such as phone numbers, addresses, dates, times, amounts, etc.
- Consistently use the same symbols so your brain can quickly identify them.
- Practice writing, memorizing, and understanding the meaning all at once.
- Your notes are not about grammar, neat handwriting, or full sentences. They are simply “reminders” to help you recall information.
FREQUENT ERRORS IN NAATI NOTE-TAKING
- Trying to write down everything
- Constantly looking at your notes instead of listening
- Avoiding the use of abbreviations
- Forgetting to note negatives or numbers
- Getting anxious over missing a single word
- Using overly complex symbols that are hard to remember
