Cheat Sheets

These quick-reference notes bring together the most important takeaways from each module in one place. Each cheat sheet highlights essential concepts and provides a glossary of key terms. They’re designed to make studying more efficient by giving you a condensed version of the material so you can review with confidence.

For the best accessibility experience, download the file as an OpenDocument Format (.odt) version using File menu →  Download menu within the Google Document version. For the most print friendly version, use the link to the pdf.

Module 1 Cheat Sheet: Success Skills – M1 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 2 Cheat Sheet: Reading Strategies – M2 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 3 Cheat Sheet: Writing Essentials – M3 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 4 Cheat Sheet: Writing in College – M4 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 5 Cheat Sheet: Grammar Essentials – M5 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 6 Cheat Sheet: The Writing Process – M6 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 7 Cheat Sheet: Revising and Proofreading – M7 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 8 Cheat Sheet: Analysis and Synthesis – M8 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 9 Cheat Sheet: Academic Argument – M9 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 10 Cheat Sheet: Finding and Evaluating Sources – M10 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 11 Cheat Sheet: Using and Citing Sources – M11 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Module 12 Cheat Sheet: Grammar Basics – M12 Google Doc Cheat Sheet

Spanish Versions

Spanish – Módulo 1

Spanish – Módulo 2

Spanish – Módulo 3

Spanish – Módulo 4

Spanish – Módulo 5

Spanish – Módulo 6

Spanish – Módulo 7

Spanish – Módulo 8

Spanish – Módulo 9

Spanish – Módulo 10

Spanish – Módulo 11

Spanish – Módulo 12

Guided Notes

These notes are designed to help you follow along with the material if you find that helpful. Use them as you listen to a class lecture or as you make your way through the Study Plan. You’re welcome to print these guided notes, modify them, or skim them while studying – it’s entirely up to you. They’re not about taking perfect notes or completing an assignment to turn in.  They will help you process and remember information so that you can later apply your knowledge and build on it.

Click to see suggestions about how to use guided notes.

Before Class: Use the 4R Method

1. Read: Select a manageable section of your assigned reading. Depending on your personal preference and time available, this could be one page, one set of Learn It pages, or one topic within the Study Plan.
2. Recall: Close the text and write key terms and concepts in your own words. This active process strengthens your understanding. It’s ok to leave blank spaces.
3. Review: Reopen the textbook and compare your notes, adding any missing information.
4. Repeat: Continue the process for each subsequent section until you have read, digested, and taken notes on all your assigned reading.

During Class: Bring your notes to every class session

• Add insights from lectures and discussions
• Note connections to examples
• Ask questions about concepts that need clarification

After Class: Revisit and Reflect

• Spend a few minutes reviewing your notes after class while it’s still fresh.
• Summarize main takeaways in your own words to strengthen your understanding.

These guided notes are Google Docs. To make a copy in your own Google Drive, click the link, and sign in to your own Google account. Then select the “File” drop down menu and click “Make a copy.” If you do not have a Google account, click the link, select the “File” drop down menu and click “Download” in your preferred file format.

Module 1 Guided Notes: Success Skills

Module 2 Guided Notes: Reading Strategies

Module 3 Guided Notes: Writing Essentials

Module 4 Guided Notes: Writing in College

Module 5 Guided Notes: Grammar Essentials

Module 6 Guided Notes: The Writing Process

Module 7 Guided Notes: Revising and Proofreading

Module 8 Guided Notes: Analysis and Synthesis

Module 9 Guided Notes: Academic Argument

Module 10 Guided Notes: Finding and Evaluating Sources

Module 11 Guided Notes: Using and Citing Sources

Module 12 Guided Notes: Grammar Basics

Helpful Links

• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – A comprehensive, free resource offering guidance on writing processes, grammar, research and citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago), rhetorical strategies, and more.
• Excelsior Online Writing Lab (OWL) – A free, interactive writing resource with sample essays, tutorials, and practice activities to guide you through the writing process and different types of academic papers.
• MLA Style Center – An online reference site for MLA style. Includes interactive templates, citation examples, formatting advice, quizzes, and editorial guidance.
• APA Style – The authoritative source for APA Style (7th edition), featuring tutorials, the APA Style Blog, sample papers, formatting guidance, and interactive learning materials.
• Google Scholar – A free search engine that helps you find scholarly articles, books, and research papers from reliable academic sources.
• Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary & Thesaurus – Reliable for vocabulary building, synonyms, and precise word choices.
• Project Gutenberg – Free access to thousands of classic texts that can be used as models for analysis or writing practice.