Active recall: the best way to revise (with examples)
Learn why testing yourself beats rereading, and four simple ways to use active recall: flashcards, blank-page recall and practice questions.
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What is it?
Active recall means trying to bring information to mind from memory instead of looking at it again. Testing yourself, rather than only rereading, strengthens memory. In a large review of study techniques, practice testing was rated as having high utility.
Active recall can feel harder than rereading, but that effort is what makes it work. It also shows you what you do not know yet, so you can spend revision time on the gaps.
Key formulas and ideas
- Close the notes, then write or say everything you can remember.
- Check against your notes and mark the gaps.
- Use practice questions, flashcards and past papers.
- Combine with spaced repetition: retest at increasing intervals.
Worked examples
Example 1: Blank-page recall
Question: Describe how to use blank-page recall for a topic.
- Study a topic for a short time.
- Close your notes and write everything you remember on a blank page.
- Compare with your notes and add the missing points in a different colour.
Answer: Write from memory, then check and fill the gaps
Example 2: Flashcards
Question: Make a flashcard for the water cycle.
- Write a question on the front.
- Write a concise answer on the back.
Answer: Front: What are the main stages of the water cycle? Back: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection
Example 3: Turn notes into questions
Question: Change 'Photosynthesis happens in chloroplasts' into a test question.
- Turn the statement into a question.
- Keep the answer short enough to check.
Answer: Where does photosynthesis happen?
Common mistakes
- Rereading notes and calling it revision.
- Looking at the answer too soon.
- Only testing yourself on topics you already know.
- Not checking your answers.
Practice questions
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop rereading notes completely?
Reading is useful for a first pass. Switch to testing yourself as soon as you have a basic understanding.
Should I stop rereading completely?
Reading is useful for a first pass. Switch to testing yourself as soon as you have a basic understanding.
Related guides
Spaced repetition: how to remember what you revise
Review material at increasing gaps to remember it long term, with an example schedule and the Leitner box system.
KS3GCSEA-LevelMiddle School+3Interleaving: mix topics in your revision to remember more
Learn why mixing question types in one session can improve long-term learning, with an example maths and science session plan.
GCSEA-LevelHigh SchoolAPCornell notes: how to take notes you can revise from
Set up Cornell notes with cue, notes and summary sections, and turn them into a self-test for revision.
KS3GCSEA-LevelMiddle School+2Sources and review
- Dunlosky et al. (2013), Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques, Psychological Science in the Public Interest
- IES practice guide: Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning (2007)
Reviewed by StudyMorrow editorial review on 5 Nov 2026.