Principle 1
One Fact Per Card
If two facts each have 90% recall probability, a card testing both has only an 81% chance of success (0.9 × 0.9). Three facts? 73%. The more you bundle, the worse your scores — and the algorithm can't tell which fact you forgot.
Atomic cards solve this. One fact, one card. If you forget it, only that card gets rescheduled. Your review time goes exactly where it's needed.
See the difference
5 separate steps. If you forget step 3, the algorithm can't target it. Split into 5 cards.
One step, one card. If you forget this, only this card gets rescheduled.
6 facts in one card. Split by component.
One fact, 5 seconds to review.
Which level? Species? Genetic? Ecosystem? Too vague to test.
Unambiguous. One right answer.
Multiple steps bundled. Split each stage into its own card.
Tests one link in the chain.
Multiple causes AND multiple effects in one card. Split into individual cause and effect cards.
One specific factor. Easy to verify recall.
5 sequential steps bundled together. The algorithm can't isolate which step you forgot.
Tests one mechanism in the process. Clear, specific answer.
In the app: Production mode links cards to syllabus points. AI coaching flags cards that test too many things at once.
Principle 2
You Write It, You Learn It
The generation effect: you remember information you produce yourself better than information you passively read. AI-generated cards skip the most valuable step — the act of turning knowledge into a question.
AI coaching, not AI generation
Question patterns
Strong patterns
- “What is the [term] for [phenomenon]?”
- “What causes [process] in [context]?”
- “[Process X] results in what change to [Y]?”
- “What distinguishes [A] from [B] regarding [criterion]?”
Weak patterns
- “Explain...” / “Describe...” / “Discuss...”
- “List the X causes/factors...”
- Vague prompts without specific interrogation
- Answers with “and” connecting distinct concepts
Tips for IB ESS & Geography
- Split system components: separate cards for inputs, outputs, processes
- Separate “what happens” from “why it happens”
- For case studies: test specific fields (location, cause, effect) — not “describe the case study”
- Break processes into steps — each step = one card
In the app: AI coaching evaluates your cards using these exact criteria. Get instant feedback with a traffic light rating and suggestions for improvement.
Principle 3
The Struggle Is the Point
Active recall beats passive review. Reading notes feels productive but doesn't strengthen memory traces. The effort of retrieval is what builds long-term memory. The magic happens in the pause between seeing the question and revealing the answer.
Try the review flow
Try it out
What is the main greenhouse gas emitted by rice paddies?
Rating guide
Again
Complete blackout
Hard
Significant effort
Good
Recalled with some effort
Easy
Instant recall
Key tip: Be honest with your ratings. The algorithm works best when you accurately report how well you remembered. Don't be afraid to press “Again” — it's part of learning.
In the app: Revision mode shows one card at a time — question, mental effort, reveal, rate. The flow is designed to maximise the retrieval effect.
Principle 4
Review at the Right Time
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve: memory decays exponentially without review. Each successful review resets and extends the curve. The trick is to review just before you forget — too early wastes time, too late means relearning from scratch.
The forgetting curve
Why regular review matters
- Intervals only grow when you show up consistently
- Missing reviews means the algorithm has stale data — it doesn't know your current memory state
- Regular short sessions (10–15 min daily) beat cramming
Why honest ratings matter
Press Good when it was Hard
Algorithm schedules too far out — you forget
Press Again when it was Hard
Unnecessary reset — wasted time
Be honest
Accurate model — optimal intervals — less studying, better retention
How intervals grow
As you master a card, you see it less. A well-known card might only appear once every few months.
In the app: The Schedule page shows upcoming reviews and assessment dates. FSRS manages intervals automatically — just show up and review honestly.
Four principles. One system.
Atomic cards, written by you, recalled with effort, scheduled by an algorithm. That's how Revise turns study time into lasting knowledge.
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