Making a cheat sheet depends upon fitting relevant information into the space allowed.
Creating a cheat sheet for a test is a variation on the "open book" style exam some teachers prefer to administer. Cheat sheets relieve student anxieties about taking the test, and cleverly encourage the student to study class material by placing the student in the position of an editor deciding what should be included in the limited space available. Several tools and strategies exist for creating and making the most of a cheat sheet.
Instructions
Creation
1. Review class notes and relevant portions of your textbook. Decide what material is worth recording on the cheat sheet by asking yourself if you are likely to remember the information if it is not included. Complex information containing symbols, numbers or multiple steps such as mathematical formulas and chemical equations should be added to the sheet. Historical dates and place names are also good candidates for inclusion.
2. Obtain the correct size of paper as specified by the teacher. Some might allow the use of an 8.5-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper, for example, while others might permit a 3-inch by 5-inch note card. Refer to your class syllabus or any assignment handouts for details.
3. Use a fine ballpoint pen to transfer the information from your notes and textbook to the sheet. Write neatly enough that you will be able to read it again later. Avoid using a pencil to add information to the cheat sheet, since smudging is more likely to result. Take advantage of all the "white space" on the sheet to maximize the amount of material you can fit into the area available.
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