How to study efficiently: The Cornell Notes Method, by English with Emma · engVid on YouTube. 13 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Write the lecture or meeting title and the date in a strip across the top of the page.
Draw a vertical line about 2.5 inches (6 cm) from the left edge and a horizontal line about 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom.
Use the narrow left column for cues and the wide right column for your main notes.
During the talk, write key ideas, examples and terms in the right column in your own words.
Use short abbreviations and leave blank space between points so you can add details later.
After the talk, write questions, keywords or prompts in the left cue column for each main idea.
Cover the right column, read each cue, and say the answer or explanation aloud from memory.
Write a short summary of the page in the bottom strip using your own words.
Review the page within 24 hours and again before a test or follow-up meeting.
Tips and common mistakes
Write by hand if you can, because writing forces you to choose and organise ideas instead of copying every word.
Keep the cue column empty during the talk so you can add questions and keywords afterwards.
Use the same abbreviations each time so your notes stay quick to read.
Do not fill every line; white space makes the page easier to scan and review.
Questions
Do I have to use a printed Cornell template?
No. You can draw the cue column, notes area and summary strip on blank paper in less than a minute.
How much should I write in the notes column?
Write the main ideas, examples and key terms, not a word-for-word transcript. Leave space so you can add details later.
When should I review the page?
Review it the same day or within 24 hours, then again before a test or meeting follow-up.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
