Cheat Sheets

by Andre Montenegro

Awards assembly took place this week, and it left me wondering… How can I be sure to get an award the next time around? After some deep thinking, I realized that getting recognition for my efforts is going to mean that I put in my very best work. One of the ways I ensure that I understand my work is by creating “cheat sheets”. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not going to tell you how to cheat in an exam. Instead, I have learned in my class how to put together study notes that are very detailed that if I use it to study, I will indeed score top marks in my tests!

Take a look at this picture.

This is an example of a Science one-pager activity I did for class. We were studying a topic called “Exploring the Deep” in our Science Water Systems unit. My teacher asked us to look at the positive and negative effects of sinking battleships for recreational diving expeditions. I set out to create a visual note summary to answer the question. To begin with, I got a blank sheet of printing paper. Holding it in a portrait position helped me visualize how I wanted everything to be laid out. I decided to create a table showing the positive and negative effects of this practice. I enhanced the font of my titles making them bigger and in colour! Next, I wanted to add a visual aspect, so I inserted a boat that was going across my page horizontally indicating that it was sinking in the sea. Still, I was not pleased with my assignment. I found it was somehow missing something. So, I was determined to add a few colours behind the table I created which I believe, gave it the added touch it needed.

This assignment took a little while longer than I expected it would, but I was satisfied when it was completed. Not only did I research the material, but I was able to learn so much at the same time, and by creating this “cheat sheet” I have a tool that is easy to review.

I learned that success will never arrive unless I work for it. So take my advice and put some added effort into your schoolwork. Give these one pager cheat sheets a try! Remember, you are the only person that can prove you are worthy of getting that award that you always wished for. I believe in you!