介绍:
Study or Cram?
What’s the best way to prepare for a test?
Students often wait until the night before an exam to prepare. This results in “cramming” because there is only a short time left to memorize the material. Is this a useful study method?
(Olivia is seated in the library)
Matilda: There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.
Olivia: Well, you found me.
Matilda: What are you doing in the library?
Olivia: I’m studying for our science test.
Matilda: But it’s not for another two weeks.
Olivia: Exactly. I’m already behind in my review.
Matilda: There’s still loads of time to prepare.
Olivia: So you’re going to wait until the night before to study?
Matilda: I am because that’s when I learn what I need to know.
Olivia: Memorizing everything the night before isn’t learning. That’s cramming, and you won’t retain the knowledge.
Matilda: So? I only need to be able to recall the information for the test.
Olivia: If you really want to learn, you have to review the material over a longer period of time.
Matilda: Cramming works for me. All I care about is getting a good grade.
Olivia: But you’re putting stress on yourself.
Matilda: I don’t feel stressed. Anyway, I need pressure to study!
Olivia: Really? You’re probably up most of the night cramming. A good night’s sleep before a test is important.
Matilda: I may be sleepy, but I get a good test score. Anyway, who wants to study on a Saturday?
Olivia: I do. That’s where we differ. I want to take every opportunity to prepare.
Matilda: We still have two weeks. You need to take a break. Let’s grab lunch and catch a movie.
Olivia: Thanks, but I want to stay focused. It’s important that I study the entire day.
Matilda: Wow, you are driven. But you need to eat.
Olivia: I’ll grab something quick. I have my study time planned out with a few breaks.
Matilda: How can you concentrate for such a long time?
Olivia: Easy. I go over my class notes and vocabulary lists chapter by chapter and quiz myself.
Matilda: That takes too much time. I can memorize ev
