How to Make a Key-Words Cheat Sheet for Better Study Focus

Ever feel like a question is written in code? You're not alone. Often, it's not the big nouns or verbs that matter most—it's the small 'key words' that tell you exactly what to do. Creating a key-words cheat sheet is your secret weapon for decoding confusing questions and tackling assignments with confidence. Let's break down how to build this simple yet powerful study tool.

Spot the Key Words

Key words are tiny signposts that guide your next move. These small but mighty words act like secret agents in a sentence—quiet, unassuming, and very bossy about what happens next. When you're reading a question or instruction, train your eye to spot these crucial clues.

Start by looking at your textbooks, worksheets, or exam questions. Circle or highlight words that seem to tell you what action to take. Common examples include:

• Math words: 'more than', 'less than', 'in all', 'altogether'
• Sequence words: 'before', 'after', 'next', 'first', 'last', 'finally'
• Space words: 'above', 'below', 'over', 'under', 'next to', 'beside'

These little words carry the biggest clues. Once you start noticing them, you'll realise they've been hiding in plain sight all along.

Organise by Type

Now that you've spotted your key words, it's time to sort them into categories. Grab a fresh sheet of paper or open a document on your device. Create three clear sections with headings: 'Math', 'Sequence', and 'Space'.

This organisation makes your cheat sheet instantly useful. When you're working on a maths problem, you'll know exactly where to look. When you're following multi-step instructions, your sequence section becomes your guide. By grouping similar words together, you're creating a mental filing system that your brain can access quickly under pressure.

Build Your Sheet

Time to populate your cheat sheet with examples. Under 'Math', list words like 'more than', 'less than', 'difference', 'total', and 'in all'. These tell you which operation to use. Under 'Sequence', add 'before', 'after', 'next', 'then', and 'finally'—words that reveal the order to follow. In your 'Space' section, include 'above', 'below', 'beside', 'between', and 'underneath'—words that tell you where to look or move.

Keep this as a living document. As you encounter new key words in your studies, add them to the appropriate section. Some students find it helpful to note what each word means in their own words. For example, 'in all' = add everything together.

Decode with Confidence

With your personal key-words chart complete, you'll spend less time guessing and more time doing. Keep this cheat sheet on your desk where it's always within reach. When you get stuck on a question, reread the sentence slowly and look for those small words—they often carry the instructions you need.

Over time, you'll memorise the most common ones, and your chart becomes a confidence booster rather than a crutch. The goal is beautifully simple: let small words open big doors to understanding. This is particularly valuable for neurodivergent learners who benefit from clear, systematic approaches to breaking down complex information.

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