Cheat sheet

[Bozo]

You need the cheat sheet for the theory related stuff. Especially if you wanna be scoring high i.e. above 90%. Need good definitions.

[Lasercookie]

You need the cheat sheet for the theory related stuff. Especially if you wanna be scoring high i.e. above 90%. Need good definitions.

I wouldn't say that you "need" the cheat sheet, I think you'll find that you probably already know these "good definitions" off the top of your head. If you don't currently, once you get to the 8th or so trial exam - you probably will.

That said, the cheat sheet is something you might as well put together. The obvious thing is to not copy stuff directly from your cheat sheet just because there are "good definitions" on it. Also remember that you don't need to give excessive detail when excessive detail is not asked for.

[paulsterio]

With the cheat sheet, use something you're used to, like I use a generic one, because it has everything I need on it, and I've been using it for all my sacs and practice exams, so I'm used to it and I locate things quickly and I know where everything is, so it's about being used to what you have, don't make a cheatsheet the night before your exam, make one early (if you intend to make one) and use it during the course of your practice exams.

Btw, the cheatsheet shouldn't be something you rely upon! it's a tool for you to use you should understand concepts rather than copy explanations off your cheat sheet

[jimbothebest]

True to the above comment, I reckon it's better to make a summary sheet when you start doing practice exams, so you become familiar with it and can easily find for example the formula you're looking for easily. In the end you won't really use it too much, but I think it also acts as a good safety net when you go into the exam - if you have a brain fade then it can calm your nerves to know you have what you need written down beside you.
And wordy definitions I think are a must - look up past paper examiner's reports and record the theory questions you keep getting wrong or aren't sure of the correct wording for the answer, chances are there will be a theory question similar to ones you are doing now so this should help.

[Cinnah]

And wordy definitions I think are a must

Though, my physics teacher actually marks papers, and she's said:
All explanation answers in CLEAR dot points, markers like that
and don't be too wordy. Some explanations can be done mathematically, and sometimes only take one line and a Q.E.D.
She's said that you lose marks if you contradict yourself, which can happen sometimes in a long explanation, so it's better to be short and effective.

But yeah, summaries on the sheets is encouraged, but simple ones with actual information and not ready made answers.
Make sure it's easy to manipulate into the questions. Avoid stock answers, because under exam pressure, you don't want to lose marks for relevance when you're basically saying the right thing in the wrong way.

[Lasercookie]

All explanation answers in CLEAR dot points, markers like that
and don't be too wordy. Some explanations can be done mathematically, and sometimes only take one line and a Q.E.D.
She's said that you lose marks if you contradict yourself, which can happen sometimes in a long explanation, so it's better to be short and effective.

Yeah I've been told something similar as well - try to keep to using dot points and keep it concise as possible (approx ~one point per mark and nothing extra should be needed)

[HarveyD]

does that mean full answers aren't required?

[Bozo]

As long as you cover the main points, it can be dot point yes.

[paulsterio]

does that mean full answers aren't required?

Put it in dot points, but make sure your dot points are still proper sentences.
For example, if I were asked why a high voltage is used in power transmission I would say:
- Because power is constant and P = V x I, a high voltage means a low transmission current.
- Power loss in the lines is given by P = I^2 x R where R is the resistance of the lines
- By lowering I, we lower the power loss
- Hence, using a high voltage is more desirable