Note Taking (NAATI-friendly)
Efficient notes help preserve meaning under time pressure. Use fast, readable cues that support accurate, fluent delivery (not full sentences).
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Note Taking (NAATI-friendly)
What to capture (high-value items)
- Who + role: caller, receptionist, patient, officer, parent
- Numbers: dates, times, amounts, addresses, phone/ID
- Intent + action: request, advice, complaint, permission, obligation
- Polarity/conditions: negation, if/when/unless, exceptions
- Key entities: names, agencies, services, places
- Constraints: urgency, deadlines, eligibility, documents, costs
Fast, scannable structure
- Two columns: Speaker A (left), Speaker B (right)
- One line = one idea; leave a small gap between ideas
- Keywords only; no full sentences or grammar filler
- Arrows for logic: cause -> effect; option A vs B
- Circle numbers; underline decisions or outcomes
- Layout you can scan in 1-2 seconds
Symbol set that works under pressure
- -> therefore; <- because
- != / ! not/critical; ? unsure/confirm
- w/ with; w/o without; + add; - minus
- inc/dec increase/decrease; approx. about
- repeat/call back; deadline/appointment
- [] documents required; $ cost/payment
Bilingual vs. neutral notes
- Prefer language-neutral abbreviations to reduce interference
- Use glosses you can recall in both languages
- If a term exists only in one language, mark it and convey meaning clearly
Timing and delivery synergy
- Aim to begin within ~3-5 seconds after a segment
- Chunk your response to match your note lines
- Glance at notes, but speak to the mic (not the page)
- If you miss a detail, keep flow; add a brief repair later
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Writing full sentences (you will fall behind)
- Switching layouts mid-test (keep A/B columns constant)
- Illegible scribbles (use clear symbols and digits)
- Over-noting adjectives (prioritize meaning-carrying items)
- Staring at notes while speaking (hurts delivery)
Quick drills (5-7 minutes)
- Numbers sprint: note only numbers; retell
- Role-action map: roles + verbs only; retell
- Negation/condition hunt: mark not/if/when; retell both versions
- 30-sec preview: pre-write symbol key likely to appear
- Self-review: each note line maps to a conveyed idea
Setup checklist (home test)
- Landscape sheet with A/B columns; smooth-ink pen
- Top-right: date/time and dialogue ID
- Left margin for numbers; right margin for to-dos
- Spare sheet ready; follow post-test note disposal rules
NAATI-style highlights
- 3-line skeleton per segment: Who | What | Action (+ When/Where/Why)
- Numbers in the left margin; say them back verbatim
- Mark negation/conditions clearly (!, if/when) - high-impact errors
- Use [ ] as a live checklist (docs/steps) while you deliver
- Strike through items once conveyed to avoid recycling old info
- If stuck, deliver safe meaning from your notes - do not stall
A/B note layout (example)
Detailed symbol set + examples
Example sentence on top; below it, how to capture it in notes.
Example: Because the application was late, the fee increased to $110.
Notes: <- late app | fee inc -> $110
Symbols: <- because; inc increase; -> therefore
Example: It is not covered; urgent payment is required today.
Notes: != covered; ! pay today
Symbols: != not; ! urgent/critical
Example: Bring the form with your ID and two photos.
Notes: bring form w/ ID + 2 photos
Symbols: w/ with; + add
Example: Cost may increase to about $200 if delayed.
Notes: cost inc -> approx $200 if delayed
Symbols: inc increase; approx about; -> therefore/result
Example: Submit the documents by 5pm on 12/08.
Notes: [ ] docs -> deadline 5pm 12/08
Symbols: [ ] documents; -> link to outcome/deadline
Example: Please call back tomorrow morning.
Notes: repeat/call back -> tmrw AM
Symbols: repeat/call back as cue; AM for morning
Example: If you don't pay, the application will be cancelled.
Notes: if ! pay -> cancel app
Symbols: if condition; ! negation/critical; -> consequence
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