Study guide templates

Which template to use

Cornell notes

Take notes in the wide right-hand column during class. Afterwards, write a question or keyword in the left column for each chunk of notes, and a short summary at the bottom. To review, cover the right side and answer the questions on the left out loud. It's the best template if you want one system for both note-taking and studying.

Concept chart

One row per term: what it means in your own words, and an example or why it matters. Writing the example is the part that makes it stick, so don't skip it. Good for biology, history, economics and any subject with a lot of vocabulary.

Question and answer

Turn each heading of the chapter into a question your teacher could ask, then write the answer. Fold the page down the middle so you can only see the questions, answer them, and tick the ones you got right. Study the unticked ones again the next day.

One-page chapter review

For the night before a test: the big idea in one sentence, the key terms, the facts and formulas you need to memorize, how the chapter connects to earlier ones, and the questions you think will be on the test. If it doesn't fit on one page, you haven't found the big idea yet.

Tips for a study guide that works

• Write it by hand and in your own words. Copying the textbook word for word feels productive but you'll remember little of it.
• Start a few days before the test. Make the guide early, then use it to test yourself on two or three different days.
• Test yourself, don't reread. Cover the answers and try to recall them. Retrieval practice beats rereading for long-term memory.

For the full method, see how to make a study guide. To practice with questions, paste your notes into Quiz me or make flashcards.