Complete this problem to test your note-taking skills. Ask a friend to read a short story or article aloud to you. Prepare yourself to listen and take notes. When you finish your notes, use this checklist: Did you prepare yourself for listening by clearing your mind of situations which would keep you from focusing? Did you show courtesy to your friend when he read to you? Did you understand the problem or issue presented? Did the story or article create mental pictures? Did you find the main supporting ideas? Did you discover the conclusion or final decision? Tell the story to your friend to show how well you listened. You may use your notes. Ask your friend to tell you if your notes were thorough. If you need more practice, have your friends read another story and go through the same procedures. Type the notes in the space below and show your teacher the story or article from which your notes came.