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Cornell Notes Method

Grades 5-12 · Concept Explainer

Key Points

  • ✓Divide your paper into three sections: Notes, Cues, and Summary.
  • ✓Write notes in the largest section during class or while reading.
  • ✓After class, write keywords or questions (cues) in the left-hand column.
  • ✓Write a short summary at the bottom of the page after class.
  • ✓Review your notes regularly by using the cues to quiz yourself.

The Cornell Notes method is a way to take notes that helps you learn and remember information better. It's like having a built-in study guide! You divide your paper into three sections: notes, cues, and summary. During class or while reading, you write your notes in the largest section. After class, you write keywords or questions (cues) in the left-hand column that remind you of the main ideas. Finally, you write a short summary at the bottom of the page to capture the main points. This method helps you actively engage with the material and makes reviewing much easier.

Worked Example

Let's say you're taking notes in history class about the American Revolution. The teacher is talking about the causes of the war.

  1. Step 1: In the 'Notes' section, write down the main points the teacher makes, such as 'Taxation without representation,' 'Boston Tea Party,' and 'Intolerable Acts'.
  2. Step 2: After class, in the 'Cues' section, write questions like 'Why were colonists angry about taxes?' or 'What was the Boston Tea Party?' next to the corresponding notes.
  3. Step 3: In the 'Summary' section at the bottom, write a sentence or two summarizing the causes of the American Revolution, such as 'The American Revolution was caused by unfair taxes and British policies that angered the colonists.'.

Answer: By following these steps, you've created a set of Cornell Notes that are easy to review and help you understand the causes of the American Revolution.

Try It Yourself

1. You are reading a chapter in your science textbook about the water cycle. Use the Cornell Notes method to take notes.

2. You are listening to a lecture on the different types of ecosystems. Use the Cornell Notes method to organize your notes, focusing on the characteristics of each ecosystem and their locations.

3. You are researching a complex historical event, such as World War II, using multiple sources (textbooks, articles, documentaries). Use the Cornell Notes method to synthesize information from these sources, focusing on the causes, major events, and consequences of the war.

Watch Out For These Mistakes

  • Not writing cues after taking notes, which makes it harder to review.
  • Writing too much in the summary section, making it less concise.
  • Not reviewing notes regularly, defeating the purpose of the method.