Statements, although short, carry much more meaning than topics. Do not attempt to write too much. Organize your notes as you write. Two outstanding features of poor notes are that the speaker's vocabulary is copied and there is a great lack of organization. Listen attentively to distinguish between essentials and non-essentials.
Essentials are the facts or theories of the matter being discussed.
Explanations are next in important, sometimes essential. The non-essential materials are introductory statements, illustrations, transitional paragraphs, etc.