# Cornell Notes > The classic two-column Cornell note-taking template with a cues column, notes column, and summary box. Includes a pre-filled AP Biology example and 4 blank pages ready to print. Source: https://buildpdfs.com/templates/cornell-notes Category: Education The classic two-column Cornell note-taking template with a cues column, notes column, and summary box. Includes a pre-filled AP Biology example and 4 blank pages ready to print. ## What's included - Pre-filled example page with AP Biology: Cellular Respiration notes - Narrow cues/questions column (left) + wide notes column (right) - Summary section at the bottom of every page - Course, topic, and date header fields on each page - 4 blank Cornell pages ready to print or fill digitally ## Sample content Academic Note-Taking System ### Cornell _Notes_ The two-column method for active learning — separate your cues from your notes, then distill it all in a summary below. Cornell University Method Developed by Walter Pauk, 1950 5 Pages AP Biology Cornell Notes Course: AP Biology Topic: Cellular Respiration Date: March 17, 2026 Cues & Questions What is the overall equation for cellular respiration? What are the 3 main stages? Where does each occur? Glycolysis — net ATP yield? What is the role of the electron transport chain? Final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration? Aerobic vs. anaerobic ATP yield comparison? Notes Overview C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + \~30–32 ATP. Energy stored in glucose bonds is transferred to ATP for all cellular work. Stage 1 — Glycolysis (Cytoplasm) * Splits glucose (6C) into 2 pyruvate (3C) molecules * Gross yield: 4 ATP; **Net: 2 ATP** (2 consumed to begin) * Produces 2 NADH — carries electrons to ETC * Does NOT require oxygen; occurs in aerobic and anaerobic Stage 2 — Krebs Cycle (Mitochondrial Matrix) * Pyruvate → Acetyl-CoA (loses 1 CO₂), enters matrix * Each turn: 1 ATP, 3 NADH, 1 FADH₂ produced * Two turns per glucose → **2 ATP**, 6 NADH, 2 FADH₂ total * CO₂ released as waste (exhaled) Stage 3 — Electron Transport Chain (Inner Membrane) * NADH & FADH₂ donate electrons → pump H⁺ across membrane * H⁺ flow through ATP synthase → produces \~26–28 ATP * Final acceptor: **O₂** → combines with H⁺ → H₂O * Anaerobic fermentation: only 2 ATP total (no ETC) Summary Cellular respiration converts glucose to ATP via glycolysis (cytoplasm, 2 ATP), the Krebs cycle (matrix, 2 ATP), and the electron transport chain (inner membrane, \~28 ATP). Aerobic respiration yields \~30–32 ATP; anaerobic yields only 2. Cornell Notes Course: Topic: Date: Cues & Questions Notes Summary Cornell Notes Course: Topic: Date: Cues & Questions Notes Summary Cornell Notes Course: Topic: Date: Cues & Questions Notes Summary ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the Cornell note-taking method? The Cornell method divides each page into a narrow "cues" column on the left for questions and keywords, a wide "notes" column on the right for main content, and a summary box at the bottom. Studies show it significantly improves recall and comprehension over linear notes. ### How do I use a Cornell notes template? During class or reading, fill the right notes column. Afterward, write questions or keywords in the left cue column that correspond to your notes. Finally, write a 2–3 sentence summary at the bottom without looking at your notes. ### What is the correct size for the Cornell cue column? The standard Cornell format uses a 2.5 inch cue column and a 6 inch notes column on US letter paper, with a 2 inch summary box at the bottom of the page. ### Is this Cornell notes template free? Yes — completely free. Download it, print it, or customize it with AI on BuildPDFs to match your subject and color preferences. ## Related reading - [How to use the Cornell note-taking method](https://buildpdfs.com/guides/how-to-use-cornell-notes) [Use this template](https://buildpdfs.com/signup?templateId=cornell-notes) — free, no credit card required.