By Notes2u
There’s an old saying: “Two heads are better than one.” It’s true for brainstorming ideas, solving problems, and yes, even for tackling schoolwork. But there’s another truth that floats around high school halls: “Don’t use other people’s notes — make your own!” While the advice might come from a good place, it’s not as black-and-white as it seems. At Notes2u, we believe in striking a balance: using other people’s resources to enhance your learning while still engaging critically and making the material your own.
So why do other people’s resources matter so much? Let’s dive into how they can help you broaden your horizons, boost your learning, and save you from unnecessary stress. Using notes and essays that you buy from other people is one of the best ways to improve your marks.
If you’ve ever had two teachers explain the same concept differently (and been really confused about which one to listen to during the exam), you know how much perspective matters. One might lean on diagrams, while the other swears by detailed explanations. This diversity is what makes learning rich—because no single person holds the key to understanding everything.
Using other people’s resources is like getting a ticket to view the world through their eyes. Different notes, essays, and study guides reflect unique interpretations and approaches to the same material. They can help you:
Sure, your teacher might tell you not to rely on others, but let’s be real: life is a group project.
Here’s where the magic happens: your brain is most engaged when it has to do something with new information. Copying someone else’s notes word-for-word? Not helpful. But reading them, thinking about them, and then reworking them in your own words? That’s where the learning sticks.
Think of it like this:
When you integrate ideas from multiple resources, you’re training your brain to critically assess, interpret, and organise information. You’re not just passively consuming knowledge—you’re actively creating your own understanding of it.
Children learn (and have tons of fun) by imitating! And, let’s face it - the modern world is all about imitation - whether it’s pretending stuff’s really that deep while writing an essay, or learning how to make small talk and a sales pitch to teachers or peers. Adults, whether we admit it or not, do the same. When you use others’ high-quality resources, you’re participating in a natural, time-tested way of learning - mimicking!
But here’s the twist: imitation has to come with your own taste. You’re not just copying; you’re:
By adding your own spin, you’re not just mimicking—you’re evolving.
There’s another saying: “You are what you eat.” In school, it’s more like: “You are what you read and reference.” High-quality resources leave a mark on your writing, your understanding, and ultimately your marks.
When you use well-crafted notes, exemplars, or extended responses, you’re soaking in the best that someone else’s hard work has to offer. Over time, this influences:
While we don’t want to just keep regurgitating tired old study grand narratives and archetypes (like certain authors of certain texts… ahem…), it’s important you recognise the value of exemplars in particular - so check out our other blog post on the value of sample short responses in all subjects!
But let’s address the elephant in the room: not all resources are created equal. If you’ve ever spent hours trawling the internet for decent notes, you know how hit-or-miss it can be. Some are goldmines of insight; others, well, belong in the recycling bin. (Or maybe even landfill - they don’t even deserve recycling!)
That’s where Notes2u comes in. We provide affordable, high-quality resources that cut through the clutter. From exemplar essays and extended responses to curated notes across English, humanities, and STEM, you’ll find the tools you need to succeed—without the chaos of file-sharing platforms or the expense of overpriced tutoring.
For as little as $8, you can:
It’s not just about having resources—it’s about using them effectively. Here’s how:
High school—and life—isn’t meant to be tackled solo. The best learners are those who draw from a variety of perspectives, integrating and refining them to create something uniquely their own.
If you ever find yourself wanting to drastically improve your marks without having to pay through the nose, work around others, or beg and borrow from mates and teachers, Notes2u offers an affordable, convenient, and high-quality way to access exemplar essays and extended responses across a variety of English, humanities, and STEM subjects. You can purchase view or download access to notes, essays, exemplar bundles, and other subject resources from only $8! Whether you’re looking to start making those gradual improvements to your writing style months out from exams, trying to replace ineffective and expensive tutoring which doesn’t bring fresh ideas to the table, or grinding out that assignment the night before, Notes2u has got the help for you.
So, next time someone tells you not to use other people’s resources, smile politely and remember this: using high-quality resources isn’t just smart—it’s essential. And with Notes2u, you’ll always have access to the best tools to broaden your horizons and elevate your learning.