1. Direct Quotes:
* Important Definitions: When a speaker or text provides a precise definition of a key concept or term.
* Expert Opinions: When an authority figure offers a unique or significant perspective on a topic.
* Supporting Evidence: When a quote directly backs up your own argument or analysis.
* Key Statements: When someone makes a statement that is particularly memorable, insightful, or controversial.
2. Specific Details:
* Numbers and Statistics: When exact figures are crucial for understanding a point.
* Dates and Times: When precise temporal information is essential.
* Technical Terminology: When specific jargon or technical terms are needed for accuracy.
3. Legal or Formal Documents:
* Contracts: When recording the exact wording of legal documents.
* Regulations: When capturing precise regulations or guidelines.
* Official Statements: When documenting official pronouncements or policy statements.
4. Personal Reflections or Thoughts:
* Journaling: When you want to preserve your own thoughts and feelings in their original form.
* Creative Writing: When capturing raw ideas and inspiration.
5. When you are unsure:
* If you are uncertain about the importance of something, it is better to copy it verbatim. You can always edit it later.
Tips for Verbatim Copying:
* Use quotation marks to clearly indicate the copied text.
* Record the source of the information (e.g., author, speaker, document).
* Note the date and time of the source, if relevant.
When to Paraphrase or Summarize:
* When the specific wording is not essential to understanding the idea.
* When you need to condense a large amount of information.
* When you are trying to synthesize multiple sources.
Remember that copying verbatim should be used selectively. Too much verbatim copying can make your notes cluttered and difficult to understand.