If you write too much information when taking notes, the best way to cut down is to focus your note taking. But focus is not the only way to put your notes on a diet. Omitting unnecessary words also saves ink.

Here's the deal for overeager note takers:

• If you quote a source, write every word and punctuation mark exactly as it appears in the text. However, if part of the quotation is irrelevant, you may leave it out. Place three dots in the text to show that words are missing. If you drop words at the end of a sentence, place four dots — one extra for the period at the end of the sentence.
• If you aren't quoting the exact words, drop the unimportant stuff. Remember: You still need to cite the source!
• Avoid repetition. When you review your notes prior to writing, you may discover that you've jotted down the name of Picasso's first blue period painting nine times, once for each source the fact appeared in. Quickly review your notes whenever you begin to read a new source. Unless you have a terrible memory, the name of Picasso's first blue period painting should be familiar to you. A quick glance back tells you that you don't have to write it again.