One of the biggest challenges in learning English is retaining vocabulary and grammar over the long term. You might spend hours memorizing new words, but forget them the next day. Spaced Repetition is a proven learning technique that optimizes review timing for long-lasting retention. Let’s explore how it works and why it’s gaining popularity, especially for IELTS learners.
1. What Is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced Repetition is a memory technique that schedules review sessions at gradually increasing intervals. Rather than cramming randomly or repeatedly, it reminds you of information just before you tend to forget it.
Example schedule for the word “resilient”:
Review | Timing | Goal |
|---|---|---|
1 | Today | Learn definition and example |
2 | After 1 day | Review meaning and make a sentence |
3 | After 3 days | Recall the word from given example |
4 | After 7 days | Use it in sentence or speaking |
5 | After 14 days | Recall it naturally in writing or speech |
This approach helps transfer the word into long‑term memory effectively and naturally.
2. The Science Behind Spaced Repetition
This method counters the "Forgetting Curve" — a concept introduced by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 1800s:
Rapid initial forgetting: Memory fades quickly after learning.
Slower decay over time: Forgetting slows down if material is reviewed.
Flattening the curve: Each successful review strengthens retention and lengthens recall time.
Spaced Repetition algorithms adjust each review interval based on your recall performance: if you remember well, the next interval gets longer; if you struggle, it shortens. This way, information gradually moves into long-term memory.
3. Benefits of Spaced Repetition
Stronger long-term memory: Optimal timing turns short-term information into lasting knowledge.
Efficient learning: You review only what you risk forgetting, saving time and effort.
Better recall: Frequent, spaced reviews build automatic recall—essential for IELTS Speaking or Writing.
Personalized learning: Sophisticated apps adapt to your recall performance, ensuring you focus on weaker items.
4. How to Apply Spaced Repetition
4.1. Flashcards with Leitner System
A manual but effective approach:
Create flashcards with word/question on one side and meaning/answer on the other.
Sort cards into 3–5 boxes based on recall strength.
Box 1: Review daily
Box 2: Review every 2–3 days
Box 3: Review weekly
Box 4: Review every 2–4 weeks
Correctly recalled cards move to the next box; forgotten cards return to Box 1.
4.2. Spaced Repetition Apps
Popular tools include Anki, SuperMemo, Memrise, and Quizlet. These automatically schedule reviews based on self‑assessed recall ratings (e.g. easy, good, hard), ensuring you're reviewing the right material at the right time.
4.3. Integrating Mindmaps
Mindmaps visually connect related vocabulary or concepts. When combined with spaced repetition, you review branches of the mindmap, reinforcing both individual terms and their relationships.
5. Top Spaced Repetition Software
Anki: Highly customizable with rich media support. Adjusts intervals based on science‑backed algorithms.
Quizlet: Offers varied study modes (Flashcards, Learn, Test, Match) with built‑in Spaced Repetition.
Memrise: Uses videos of native speakers and gamified learning to make recall more engaging.
Brainscape: Uses Confidence‑Based Repetition. You rate confidence levels and the platform adjusts review intervals accordingly.
6. Steps to Implement Spaced Repetition
Prepare content: Gather 10–20 vocabulary items, collocations, grammar structures, or idioms to focus on.
First exposure: Learn by reading word, phonetic, meaning, example, and creating your own sentence or mental image.
Review early: After 1 day, test recall by covering the answer and attempting to remember. Adjust card placement based on success.
Consistent reviews: Continue spaced reviews according to schedule. If you miss a session, review as soon as possible.
Avoid overload: review a manageable amount each day.
Minimize distractions during review sessions.
Self‑test periodically to track progress.
Final Thoughts
Spaced Repetition is more than just a technique—it’s a mindset aligned with how our brain naturally learns. Whether using physical flashcards or digital platforms like Anki, Quizlet, Memrise, or Brainscape, consistent spaced reviews strengthen memory, save time, and ease learning pressure.
For IELTS seekers, incorporating Spaced Repetition into your study plan can greatly improve your vocabulary and grammar retention. Combine this method with IDP’s high‑quality IELTS courses and official practice materials to streamline your journey toward your target score.
Ready to integrate Spaced Repetition into your study? Register for IELTS with IDP today and start your smarter language journey!