Note Making Class 12 RBSE – Complete Guide, Format, Rules & Solved Passages (2025–26)

Quick Summary: Searching for note making class 12 RBSE? You’re in exactly the right place! This guide covers everything you need — the correct format, all the rules, common abbreviations, marks breakdown, and note making passages for class 12 with answers — all explained in a simple, student-friendly way. Let’s get full marks together! 🎯

1. What is Note Making? (And Why Does It Matter for RBSE Class 12?)

Hey there, Class 12 RBSE student! 👋

Let’s start with the basics — what exactly is note making?

Note making is the skill of reading a given passage carefully and then writing down the most important points in a short, organised, and easy-to-read format. Instead of copying the whole passage word for word, you pick out only the key ideas and present them using headings, subheadings, and abbreviations.

Think of it like this — if someone gives you a 300-word article about climate change, and you had to explain the main points to your friend in just 60 words using a structured list, that’s basically note making!

Why is it so important for RBSE Class 12 English?

The RBSE (Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education) Class 12 English paper is divided into three major sections: Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature. Note making falls under the Writing section, which carries significant marks in the 80-mark theory paper. It’s one of those topics where students who know the correct format and rules can score full marks every single time — without needing any special talent, just the right technique!

2. Note Making in RBSE Class 12 – Marks & Exam Pattern

Let’s quickly understand how note making fits into your RBSE Class 12 English exam:

So the note making + summary question is worth 8 marks in total. That’s a significant chunk — and the great news is that it is entirely format-based. If you know the rules and practice a few passages, you can score 8 out of 8 consistently.

Structure of the Note Making Question:

The question is typically asked in two parts:

(a) Read the following passage and make notes using headings and subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary (minimum four). Also give a suitable title. (5 marks)

(b) Write a summary of the above passage in not more than 80 words using the notes you have made. (3 marks)

The passage given is usually 200–250 words long and covers topics like health, science, technology, environment, education, or social issues.

3. The Golden Rules of Note Making Class 12 RBSE

Before you even pick up your pen, you need to know these rules cold. These are the non-negotiables of note making:

Rule 1 – Never Write in Full Sentences Notes must be written in phrases and keywords, not complete sentences. The examiner specifically checks this!

Rule 2 – Give a Suitable Title Every set of notes must begin with a clear, relevant title. It should reflect the main theme of the passage in as few words as possible.

Rule 3 – Use Headings and Subheadings You must have at least 4 main headings, and each heading should have relevant subpoints beneath it. Use proper numbering and indentation.

Rule 4 – Use Abbreviations (Minimum 4) Use at least four abbreviations in your notes. You must provide a Key to Abbreviations box at the end, listing all abbreviations used.

Rule 5 – Use Proper Indentation Subpoints must be indented (moved slightly to the right) under their main heading. Sub-subpoints are indented further. Proper indentation shows a clear hierarchy of ideas.

Rule 6 – Cover All Main Points Don’t leave out important ideas from the passage. The examiner will check whether you’ve captured all the key information.

Rule 7 – Do Not Include Examples Notes should capture the concepts, not the examples or illustrations given in the passage. Skip those!

Rule 8 – Do Not Add Your Own Ideas Notes are based strictly on the passage. Do not add any information or opinion that is not in the original text.

4. Note Making Format – Step by Step

Here is the standard note making format you should follow in your RBSE Class 12 exam:

TITLE: [Write the title in CAPITAL LETTERS, centred on the page]

Notes:

1. [First Main Heading]
   1.1 [Subpoint]
   1.2 [Subpoint]
       1.2.1 [Sub-subpoint, if needed]

2. [Second Main Heading]
   2.1 [Subpoint]
   2.2 [Subpoint]

3. [Third Main Heading]
   3.1 [Subpoint]
   3.2 [Subpoint]

4. [Fourth Main Heading]
   4.1 [Subpoint]
   4.2 [Subpoint]

+----------------------------------+
| Key to Abbreviations:            |
| abbr. 1 = full form              |
| abbr. 2 = full form              |
| abbr. 3 = full form              |
| abbr. 4 = full form              |
+----------------------------------+

Summary:
[Write your summary in 80 words or less, in complete sentences, as a single paragraph]

Simple, right? Let’s now look at each part in detail.

5. How to Write a Title

The title is the first thing the examiner sees, and it sets the tone for your entire answer. Here’s how to get it right:

• The title should capture the main theme of the passage in 3–6 words
• Write it in CAPITAL LETTERS
• Place it at the top and centre of your note making answer
• Do NOT abbreviate the title
• The title should be a noun phrase, not a full sentence

Good Title Examples:

• ADVANTAGES OF EXERCISE
• IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
• BENEFITS OF READING
• EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON HEALTH
• THE ART OF EFFECTIVE LISTENING

Bad Title Examples (avoid these):

• “This passage talks about exercise” — too long, full sentence
• “Exercise” — too vague, just one word
• “Exer.” — never abbreviate the title

6. Headings and Subheadings – The Right Way

The headings and subheadings form the backbone of your notes. Here’s exactly how to handle them:

Main Headings (Level 1)

• Numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4…
• Each heading represents one major idea from the passage
• Written in short phrases (not full sentences)
• You may underline them for visual clarity

Subheadings (Level 2)

• Numbered as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3…
• These are supporting details or aspects under the main heading
• Indented under their parent heading

Sub-subheadings (Level 3)

• Numbered as 1.1.1, 1.1.2…
• Use these only when a subpoint has further breakdowns
• Indented further inward

Example:

2. EFFECTS OF POOR LISTENING
   2.1 Attention drifts from speaker
   2.2 Counter-arguments formed in mind
   2.3 Personal feelings override message
       2.3.1 Biased response
       2.3.2 Misunderstanding arises

7. Abbreviations in Note Making – Complete List

Abbreviations are a key component of note making class 12 RBSE. The examiner checks that you’ve used at least 4 recognisable abbreviations and listed them in the Key to Abbreviations box.

Standard Abbreviations You Can Use

Rules for Using Abbreviations

• Never abbreviate the title of the notes
• Ideally, abbreviate only once per heading — don’t overdo it
• Do not invent completely unrecognisable abbreviations
• Always list every abbreviation you use in the Key box
• Use a full stop after each abbreviation (e.g., “govt.” not “govt”)

8. How to Write a Summary (Precis)

The summary (or précis) carries 3 marks in the RBSE Class 12 English exam. Here’s how to write a perfect one:

Rules for Writing the Summary:

• Write in complete sentences (unlike the notes above, which use phrases)
• Keep it within 80 words (the word limit is strictly enforced)
• Use the notes you’ve already made as your base — don’t re-read the entire passage
• Write in third person and past tense wherever possible
• Organise it as a single paragraph — no bullet points
• Give it a short, appropriate heading or just write “Summary:”
• Cover all the main ideas from your notes, in a logical flow

Common Summary Mistakes to Avoid:

• Going over the word limit ❌
• Writing in bullet points instead of a paragraph ❌
• Adding personal opinions or new information ❌
• Simply copying sentences from the original passage ❌
• Missing out important points from your notes ❌

9. Note Making Passages for Class 12 with Answers – Solved Examples

Let’s now look at 3 fully solved note making passages for Class 12 with answers — exactly the kind of practice you need for RBSE board exams!

Passage 1: Effective Listening

Read the passage carefully:

Effective speaking depends on effective listening. It takes energy to concentrate on hearing and to understand what has been heard. Incompetent listeners fail in a number of ways. First, they may drift — their attention moves away from what the speaker is saying. Second, they may form counter-arguments to whatever the speaker says. Third, they compete rather than listen. Fourth, they filter out parts of the message that don’t fit their own thinking. Finally, they let personal feelings about the speaker override the message.

What can a listener do to be more effective? The first key is concentration. Good listeners concentrate on what the speaker is saying and avoid distractions. Second, they observe — watching the speaker’s body language and expressions. Third, they provide feedback to let the speaker know the message is received clearly. Active listening is a skill that improves relationships, reduces misunderstandings, and makes communication meaningful and productive.

Answer:

TITLE: THE ART OF EFFECTIVE LISTENING

Notes:

1. Effective lstng. depends on effective spkg. 1.1 Requires energy & concentration 1.2 Incompetent listeners fail due to: 1.2.1 Attention drifts 1.2.2 Counter-arguments formed 1.2.3 Personal feelings override msg.
2. Common listening failures 2.1 Drifting attention 2.2 Filtering parts of msg. 2.3 Competing instead of lstng.
3. Keys to effective lstng. 3.1 Concentration – avoid distractions 3.2 Observation – watch body lang. 3.3 Providing feedback
4. Benefits of active lstng. 4.1 Improves relationships 4.2 Reduces misunderstandings 4.3 Makes comm. meaningful & productive

+------------------------------------------+
| Key to Abbreviations:                    |
| lstng. = listening                       |
| spkg.  = speaking                        |
| msg.   = message                         |
| lang.  = language                        |
| comm.  = communication                   |
+------------------------------------------+

Summary:

Effective listening is as important as effective speaking and requires great concentration and energy. Incompetent listeners failed in several ways — their attention drifted, they formed counter-arguments, filtered messages, and let personal feelings interfere. To listen effectively, one should concentrate, observe the speaker’s body language, and provide feedback. Practising active listening improved relationships, reduced misunderstandings, and made communication far more meaningful and productive for everyone involved. (Word count: 68)

Passage 2: The Common Cold

Read the passage carefully:

Despite all the research, everyone catches cold and most of us catch it frequently. Our failure to control one of the commonest ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of killing diseases like Typhus and Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult to solve.

It is known that a cold is caused by viral infections affecting the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs. The confusing variety of viruses makes research and remedy very difficult. Many typical colds in adults are caused by a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet many colds have no virus isolated as yet. The remedy for the cold still evades scientists. People with colds are advised rest, warm fluids, and vitamin C. Some over-the-counter medicines relieve symptoms but do not cure the infection. Prevention is considered better than cure — washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with infected persons remain the best strategies.

Answer:

TITLE: THE COMMON COLD – CAUSES, RESEARCH & PREVENTION

Notes:

1. Intro. – The common cold 1.1 Affects everyone frequently 1.2 Difficult to control despite med. advances 1.3 Contrast: complex surgeries possible, cold unresolved
2. Causes of common cold 2.1 Viral infections – lining of nose & lungs affected 2.2 Rhinoviruses – main cause in adults 2.3 Many colds – virus not yet isolated
3. Challenges in research 3.1 Confusing variety of viruses 3.2 Remedy still evades scientists
4. Treatment & prevention 4.1 Treatment: rest, warm fluids, Vit. C 4.2 OTC medicines – relieve symptoms only 4.3 Prevention: 4.3.1 Frequent handwashing 4.3.2 Avoiding contact w/ infected persons

+------------------------------------------+
| Key to Abbreviations:                    |
| intro. = introduction                    |
| med.   = medical                         |
| Vit.   = Vitamin                         |
| OTC    = over-the-counter                |
| w/     = with                            |
+------------------------------------------+

Summary:

Despite remarkable advances in medical science, the common cold remained one of the most difficult ailments to control. Colds were caused by viral infections, mainly rhinoviruses, affecting the nose and lungs. The variety of viruses made research challenging and no definitive remedy had been found. Scientists recommended rest, warm fluids, and Vitamin C for treatment, though over-the-counter medicines only relieved symptoms. Frequent handwashing and avoiding infected persons were considered the most effective preventive measures. (Word count: 75)

Passage 3: Procrastination

Read the passage carefully:

It’s 10 p.m. and Sam’s research paper is due the next morning. Two weeks ago, there was plenty of time. Last week, a football match on TV made studying difficult. Now it’s crunch time. Sam wonders, “Why do I keep doing this? Why haven’t I learned not to put things off?”

The word “procrastination” comes from the Latin “procrastinatus,” meaning to put forward until tomorrow. Psychologists define it as voluntarily delaying an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse-off for the delay. Studies show that procrastination is not laziness — it is often rooted in fear: fear of failure, perfectionism, or being judged. The more overwhelming a task seems, the more likely we are to delay it.

Overcoming procrastination requires breaking big tasks into smaller steps, setting realistic deadlines, and rewarding oneself after completing each step. Identifying and addressing the fear behind avoidance helps too. With consistent practice, anyone can become better at starting tasks on time and reducing stress significantly.

Answer:

TITLE: PROCRASTINATION – CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Notes:

1. What is procrastination? 1.1 Latin origin – “procrastinatus” (put forward till tomorrow) 1.2 Voluntary delay despite knowing negative consequences 1.3 Not the same as laziness
2. Causes of procrastination 2.1 Fear of failure 2.2 Perfectionism 2.3 Fear of being judged 2.4 Tasks feel overwhelming
3. Effects on the individual 3.1 Last-min. rush & stress 3.2 Poor quality of work 3.3 Repeated pattern of delay
4. Solutions to overcome procrastination 4.1 Break big tasks into smaller steps 4.2 Set realistic deadlines 4.3 Reward self after completing each step 4.4 Address underlying fears

+------------------------------------------+
| Key to Abbreviations:                    |
| min.   = minute                          |
| orig.  = origin                          |
| vol.   = voluntary                       |
| self   = oneself                         |
| consq. = consequences                    |
+------------------------------------------+

Summary:

Procrastination, derived from the Latin word meaning “to put off till tomorrow,” was defined as voluntarily delaying a task despite knowing the negative consequences. It was not laziness but was rooted in fear of failure, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed. Procrastination caused stress, last-minute rushes, and poor-quality work. To overcome it, students were advised to break tasks into smaller steps, set realistic deadlines, and reward themselves after completing each step while also addressing the underlying fear behind the delay. (Word count: 77)

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Note Making

Knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are the most common errors students make in note making class 12 RBSE — avoid these at all costs!

• Mistake 1: Writing in full sentences Notes should use short phrases only. Writing full sentences will cost you marks.
• Mistake 2: Skipping the Key to Abbreviations box Many students use abbreviations but forget to write the key box at the bottom. Never skip it!
• Mistake 3: Using fewer than 4 abbreviations The minimum requirement is 4. Aim for 5–6 for safety.
• Mistake 4: Not using proper indentation If your notes look like a single flat list instead of a structured hierarchy, you’ll lose format marks.
• Mistake 5: Forgetting the Title The title is 1 mark by itself in most marking schemes. Never skip it.
• Mistake 6: Summary in bullet points The summary must be in complete sentences, as a proper paragraph — not a list.
• Mistake 7: Summary exceeding 80 words The word limit is strict. Count your words and trim if needed.
• Mistake 8: Adding personal opinions Notes and summaries must be based on the passage only. Your opinion doesn’t belong here.

11. Preparation Tips for Note Making in RBSE Exam

Here are some proven strategies to master note making class 12 RBSE and score full 8 marks:

Tip 1 – Practice Daily Read one English article or editorial daily and make notes on it using the correct format. Even 10 minutes a day makes a huge difference over a month.

Tip 2 – Build Your Abbreviations Bank Keep a running list of common abbreviations you can use across any topic. Have at least 30–40 abbreviations memorised.

Tip 3 – Time Yourself In the exam, you should ideally spend no more than 12–15 minutes on the full note making + summary question. Practice with a timer at home.

Tip 4 – Solve Previous Year RBSE Papers Look for RBSE English previous year question papers and specifically practice the note making questions from those papers. You’ll notice patterns in the types of passages asked.

Tip 5 – Focus on Structure, Not Just Content Even if you’re not 100% sure about the content of the passage, a well-structured answer with proper format, correct abbreviations, and a clear title will still score high.

Tip 6 – Read the Passage Twice First read: get the overall theme. Second read: underline key points. Then write your notes — don’t rush into writing after just one reading.

Tip 7 – Write the Summary Last Always write the notes first and then use those notes to write the summary. Never try to summarise directly from the passage.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is note making in Class 12 RBSE English? Note making is a writing skill tested in the RBSE Class 12 English exam where students read a given passage and write the key ideas in an organised format using headings, subheadings, and abbreviations. It is worth 5 marks, and the accompanying summary is worth 3 marks.

Q2. How many marks is note making for in RBSE Class 12? Note making is worth 5 marks and the summary/précis is worth 3 marks, making the total 8 marks for this question in the RBSE Class 12 English paper.

Q3. How many abbreviations are required in note making Class 12 RBSE? A minimum of 4 abbreviations are required. Always list all abbreviations you use in a Key to Abbreviations box at the end of your notes.

Q4. What is the word limit for the summary in note making Class 12 RBSE? The summary should be written in not more than 80 words. Stick strictly to this limit.

Q5. Should the title be abbreviated in note making? No! The heading or title should never be abbreviated. Write it in full, in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Q6. Can I write the summary in bullet points? No! The summary must be written in complete sentences as a single, flowing paragraph. Bullet points are not acceptable for the summary.

Final Thoughts

And that’s your complete guide to note making class 12 RBSE! 🎉

Let’s quickly recap the most important things:

• Note making = 5 marks, Summary = 3 marks → Total: 8 marks
• Always use a proper title, headings, subheadings, and abbreviations
• Minimum 4 abbreviations — always include a Key box
• Summary must be in a paragraph of no more than 80 words
• Practice the solved passages in this article and then try more on your own

The best part about note making is that it’s 100% learnable. Once you know the format and practise it a few times, it becomes one of your most reliable scoring topics in the RBSE Class 12 English exam.

Now close this tab, open your notebook, and practise writing notes on any article you can find. The more you practice, the faster and better you’ll get. You’ve totally got this! 💪