If you've used one exit ticket format, it's probably the 3-2-1. It's simple, it works in every subject, and students learn it in a day.
The classic 3-2-1
3 things you learned today
2 things you found interesting
1 question you still have
The "1" is the most valuable part. The questions students write tell you exactly where tomorrow's lesson should start.
Why it works
It moves from recall (3) to engagement (2) to confusion (1).
Every student can answer the first part, so nobody is stuck.
It takes three to four minutes.
Sorting the "1" questions takes five.
Eight variations to keep it fresh
3-2-1 vocabulary: 3 new words, 2 definitions, 1 sentence using a word.
3-2-1 connections: 3 facts, 2 connections to earlier lessons, 1 connection to real life.
3-2-1 reading: 3 events, 2 characters and their motives, 1 prediction.
3-2-1 math: 3 steps of today's process, 2 places mistakes happen, 1 problem to try.
3-2-1 lab: 3 observations, 2 conclusions, 1 thing to test next.
3-2-1 debate: 3 arguments for, 2 against, 1 position you take.
3-2-1 reflection: 3 things that helped you learn, 2 that didn't, 1 goal for tomorrow.
1-2-3 reverse: Start with the question, then 2 ideas, then 3 facts. Good for advanced classes.
Use the answers
Sort the "1" questions into groups. The most common question becomes tomorrow's bell ringer or the first two minutes of class. That's how an exit ticket turns into better teaching.
More on the format: The 3-2-1 Exit Ticket. Want a fresh prompt every day? Daily Exit Tickets has one, plus printable slips.