Memorizing definitions?

Question

I just need some help on how to memorize definitions I need to take for a test. Are their any tricks or any other ways that is a good way to remember when I go in thier to take the test.

I have about 27 I need to memorize.

Answer 1

Write the words on a sheet of paper, one every other line. This is a practice test. Take the practice test. Grade it with a red pen. Note how many you get right and how many you get wrong. Then, go back and study the words, saying them over to yourself several times. On the third or fourth time, see if you can't say the definition without reading it. Then, try several other words. See if you can't say the definition for two words, then three words. Then, after you have studied all the words, take the test again, another sheet with the words on them, handwriting the definitions. Then, grade it, mark etc. Do this over and over. You'll find yourself maybe doing this 3 to 5 times. But on the last time, you will get them all right. Then, on the morning of the test, take it one more time, reviewing what you missed. You'll get a 100%.

This may take you an hour or two, but you'll find that it is worth the time. Don't worry about not remembering the words forever. This is not your goal. Your goal is to pass the test.

Answer 2

Usually flashcards help a great deal. Also, memorizing the definition with maybe 3 or 4 keywords makes it easier to remember.

Answer 3

Relate the definition to something in your everyday life. That is the only way to memorize anything. If you had a few examples, it would be easier to give you more information by examples. Associate words with sentences.

Answer 4

1. focus on the word, its (a) spelling & (b) function - some words have the same spelling, but their definitions depend on what its context (in the sentence) says it should 'do'.

2. understand what the word means

3. study the definition and focus on the elements / characteristics that make that dea complete/unique. if the word is:

(a) an object/place - visualize it, 'tacking'/attaching its various 'elements'/characteristics (as if you have that picture on the wall and you tack/point out the various important elements that make that picture unique or different from others similar to it.

(b) an idea or concept or anything else abstract - focus on & visualize the elements / characteristics and try to 'create' your own mental image to 'flesh' it out. the more 'ridiculous' the mental image, the easier it would be to remember (Lorraine method)

4. re-state the definition in your own words either by writing them down or reciting them aloud; what's important is you can verify and reinforce your understanding and memory either by hearing yourself or rereading what you wrote..

5. verify your own against the given definition; (did you get all the important elements?)

the main thing is to understand what it is in such a way that you can 'flesh' things out in your mind...to re-state the definition in your own words...and to recheck whether your own definition comes as close as you can make it to the actual definition.

i must say, the other suggestions are all valid, as well. good luck! hope this helps.

Answer 5

Sorry, but short of cheating, you just have to put in the time.

The best way to make sure you really know them is put the word on one side of a card witht the def on the back. Go through the stack BOTH ways (read the word-say the def OUT LOUD---then reading the def and say the word out loud) this way prepares you for any kind of test.

Good luck with that!!

Answer 6

Depending on your time frame Duke, this guy listed below has some great ideas about memory and mnenomic devices/cues.

His name is Ron White, but he is not the comedian you see on The Blue Collar Comedy Tour.

Answer 7

do not memorize the definition. Understand the word to be defined.. when u understand the word, it's easy to define it and u don't have to memorize it.

Answer 8

use flashcards, over and over again. Works every time

Answer 9

flashcards.... they always work for me