Taking effective notes is an important part of studying for school examinations. Here are some tips for taking notes that will help you prepare for your exams:

1. Listen carefully: Pay close attention to what your teacher is saying in class. Listen for key ideas, important definitions, and explanations of complex topics. 

2. Use abbreviations: When taking notes, use abbreviations and symbols to save time and space. This will help you to keep up with the pace of the lecture and take more complete notes. Develop a shorthand or abbreviation system that works for you. This can save time and make it easier to take notes quickly.

3. Be organized: Use headings and subheadings to organize your notes. This will make it easier for you to find specific information when you need it. Create a system for organizing your notes by subject, date, or topic, and stick to it. Use headings, bullet points, and numbering to make your notes easy to read and understand.

4. Highlight important information: Use a highlighter to mark key points, definitions, and examples. This will help you to quickly identify important information when reviewing your notes.

5. Review and revise: Review your notes regularly and make revisions as needed. This will help you to reinforce your understanding of the material and identify areas where you need more practice.

6. Use different colors: Use different colors for headings, subheadings, and main points. This will help you to remember information better and make your notes more visually appealing.

7. Don't write everything down: It's not necessary to write down every single thing that is said in class. Instead, focus on the main ideas, key concepts, and important details. This will help you stay engaged with the material and retain it better. Don't wait until the night before the exam to review your notes. Review them regularly throughout the semester to reinforce your understanding of the material.

8. Review your notes regularly: Don't wait until the night before the exam to review your notes. Review them regularly throughout the semester to reinforce your understanding of the material.

9. Consider using technology: Many students find it helpful to use digital note-taking tools such as Evernote, OneNote, or Google Docs. These tools can help you organize your notes, search for specific information, and access your notes from any device.

10. Ask questions: If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask questions in class. Clarifying your understanding of the material will help you take more effective notes.

11. Summarize: After class, take a few minutes to summarize your notes. This will help you to consolidate your understanding of the material and identify any areas where you need more clarification.

Remember that the key to effective note-taking is to be engaged and attentive in class, and to take the time to review and revise your notes regularly.

Good luck with your exams!