How to Understand Complex Topics: Step-by-Step Guide

You're staring at your textbook for the third time. The words are swimming. Nothing's clicking. Maybe it's quadratic equations that seem impossible, or a Shakespeare play that feels like it's written in another language.

It can feel like the harder you push, the more confused you feel. It's frustrating when everyone else seems to get it, and you're left wondering if you're just "not good at" this subject.

Understanding difficult material isn't about being naturally clever. It's about having the right strategies. This guide will walk you through proven, practical steps that’ll show you how to understand complex topics.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding complex topics is a skill you can learn, not something you either have or don't.

• Breaking material into smaller chunks prevents your brain from getting overwhelmed.

• Active learning strategies, like explaining concepts in your own words and practising with questions, work far better than just reading and re-reading.

• Patience matters. Deep understanding takes time, and feeling stuck is a normal part of learning.

Why Some Topics Feel Impossible to Understand

Ever feel like your brain just hits a wall with certain subjects? There's a reason for that.

One major culprit is cognitive overload. Your working memory can only hold a limited amount of information at once - research suggests around 4-7 items (opens in a new tab). When you're faced with a complicated topic that throws too much at you all at once, your brain simply can't process it all.

Another common issue is gaps in foundational knowledge. Imagine trying to understand algebra without knowing your times tables, or studying ecosystems without understanding what a cell is. Each subject builds on what came before. If you're missing earlier pieces, the new stuff won't make sense.

Sometimes the problem is lack of context. You're learning formulas or facts without understanding why they matter or how they connect to the bigger picture. Your brain struggles to file away information that doesn't seem relevant or useful.

Trying to get to grips with complex topics can be challenging. However, these simple steps are sure to help.

Now let's dig deeper into each step.

Step 1: Break It Down Into Smaller Parts

Big topics feel overwhelming because they feel vast. Your brain needs to process information in manageable chunks. Start by dividing the large topic into smaller sub-topics. This is called chunking. Look at your textbook's chapter headings, or create a simple list of the main ideas.

In Maths: Instead of "Understand quadratics," break it into: 

• Plotting quadratic graphs

• Solving by factorising

• Using the quadratic formula

• Completing the square

In Biology: Instead of "Learn the circulatory system," break it into: 

• The heart's structure

• Blood vessels

• Blood composition

• How circulation works step-by-step

In English Literature: Instead of "Analyse Macbeth," break it into: 

• Understanding the plot

• Key themes

• Main characters

• Important quotes

• Historical context

Once you've broken it down, tackle one small piece at a time. Master that before moving on. It's like climbing stairs instead of trying to leap up a wall.

Step 2: Find and Fill the Gaps in Your Knowledge

Before you can understand a complex topic, you need to identify what you're missing. What concepts are you fuzzy on? Where exactly does your understanding break down?

Try Save My Exams’ Target Test tool to pinpoint exactly where your knowledge needs strengthening. 

You can also create a mind map of the topic. Put the main idea in the centre, then branch out with everything you know about it. The empty branches? Those are your gaps.

Or use a simple checklist. Write down all the sub-topics, and honestly tick off what you truly understand versus what you need to work on.

Once you've identified the gaps, go back and learn those foundational pieces first. Watch a video, read a different explanation, or ask for help. Fill in the holes before building upward.

Step 3: Use the Feynman Technique

Want to know if you really understand something? Try explaining it to someone else.

The Feynman Technique is named after physicist Richard Feynman, who was brilliant at breaking down complex ideas.  (opens in a new tab)

Here's how it works:

• Choose the concept you want to understand. Write it at the top of a blank page.

• Explain it in your own words as if you're teaching it to someone who's never heard of it before. Use simple language. No jargon allowed.

• When you get stuck or realise your explanation is confusing, you've found a gap. Go back to your materials and learn that part properly.

• Simplify your explanation further. Use analogies and examples. Can you compare it to something from everyday life?

  • For example, explaining how electrical circuits work: "Think of it like water flowing through pipes. The battery is like a pump pushing water around. The wires are the pipes. The bulb is like a water wheel - it only spins when water flows through it. If you break the pipe, the water stops flowing, just like breaking a circuit stops electricity."

We have a detailed guide on the Feynman Technique that shows you exactly how to use this method for exam revision.

Step 4: Try Multiple Formats (Dual Coding)

Your brain learns better when information comes in different forms. This is called dual coding - combining words with visuals.

Don't just read your notes. Transform the information into different formats:

• Draw diagrams to show how parts connect. Label them carefully.

• Create flow charts for processes that happen in steps, like photosynthesis or how a bill becomes a law.

• Make mind maps to show how ideas relate to each other.

• Watch videos that demonstrate concepts visually. Sometimes seeing something in motion makes it click.

• Use colour coding in your notes to group related ideas together.

• Create flashcards with a question on one side and an answer with a small diagram on the other.

Step 5: Ask Questions

Curiosity is one of your most powerful learning tools. Moving from surface-level to deep understanding means asking the right questions. 

Ask "Why?" Why does this happen? Why is this important? Why does this rule work?

Ask "How?" How does this process work step-by-step? How does this connect to other things I know?

Ask "What if?" What if this variable changed? What if the opposite happened? What would happen in a different scenario?

For example, if you're learning that plants need sunlight for photosynthesis:

• Why do plants need sunlight? (To power the chemical reaction)

• How does sunlight get converted into energy? (Through chlorophyll absorbing light)

• What if a plant didn't get sunlight? (It couldn't make food and would die)

Write your questions down as you study. Some you'll be able to answer yourself as you learn more. Others might need a teacher or textbook to clarify.

The act of questioning keeps your brain active and engaged rather than just passively absorbing information.

Step 6: Space Out Your Learning

Cramming might help you pass tomorrow's test, but it won't help you truly understand difficult material.

Spaced repetition is one of the most powerful learning techniques backed by science. (opens in a new tab)Studies (opens in a new tab) show that spacing out your study sessions leads to better long-term retention and deeper understanding.

Every time you return to a topic after a gap, your brain has to work a bit harder to recall it. This effort strengthens the neural connections, making the knowledge stick.

Instead of studying the same topic for three hours straight, try this:

• Study it for 30-40 minutes today. Then leave it alone.

• Come back to it tomorrow or the day after. 

• Review what you learned and add new information.

• Return to it again after a few days, then again after a week.

Each time you revisit the material, you'll notice new connections and understand it more deeply. Things that confused you the first time might suddenly make perfect sense the third time.

Use a revision timetable to plan these spaced sessions. Mix up your subjects too—don't study the same thing for hours on end.

Step 7: Link the New Topic to What You Already Know

Your brain is like a massive filing system. New information sticks better when you can file it next to something you already know. Always ask yourself: "What does this remind me of? How is this similar to something I've learned before?"

Make connections across subjects: The way particles spread out in diffusion (Science) is similar to how people spread out in a crowded room.

Use real-life examples: Understanding percentages becomes easier when you think about sales discounts or phone battery levels.

Link topics within the same subject: If you've learned about fractions, you already know the basics of division. If you understand addition, multiplication is just repeated addition.

Create a "connections map." Write the new topic in the middle, then draw lines to things you already know that relate to it. These bridges between old and new knowledge make everything more memorable.

Step 8: Learn Actively, Not Passively

Passive learning doesn't challenge your brain enough to create deep understanding. Active recall strategies produce better results.

Stop doing this:

• Just reading textbooks or notes

• Highlighting everything in different colours

• Copying out notes word-for-word

• Watching videos without engaging

Start doing this:

• Testing yourself with practice questions

• Self-quizzing without looking at your notes

• Explaining concepts out loud or on paper

• Teaching the material to a friend or family member

• Solving problems and working through examples

• Creating your own questions about the material

Active learning forces your brain to retrieve, apply, and manipulate information. That's where real understanding happens.

Step 9: Use Study Groups and Teachers Wisely

You don't have to figure everything out alone. Other people - whether teachers, tutors, or classmates - can offer perspectives and explanations that suddenly make things click.

Before asking for help:

• Identify exactly what you don't understand. "I don't get any of this" is less helpful than "I understand how to expand brackets, but I get confused when there are negative numbers."

• Try to work through it yourself first. This helps you pinpoint where you're getting stuck.

When asking teachers:

• Be specific about where your understanding breaks down.

• Show them what you've already tried.

• Ask them to explain it differently if the first explanation didn't work.

In study groups:

• Take turns explaining concepts to each other.

• Don't just copy someone else's work - make them explain why it works.

• Use each other to test your knowledge with questions.

Step 10: Be Patient With the Process

Understanding complex topics isn't instant. And that's okay. Deep, meaningful learning takes time and effort. Your brain needs to build new neural pathways, connect information, and solidify memories.

Give yourself permission to:

• Not understand something immediately.

• Need to return to the same topic multiple times.

• Make mistakes and learn from them.

• Feel frustrated occasionally.

What matters is that you keep going. Keep applying these strategies. Keep breaking things down, asking questions, practising actively, and spacing out your learning.

Understanding builds gradually. One day, something that seemed impossible will suddenly make perfect sense. You'll look back and wonder why it ever seemed difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if I really understand something?

The best test is whether you can explain the concept in your own words without looking at your notes. Try teaching it to someone else, or write out an explanation as if you're creating a guide for a younger student.

If you can answer "why" and "how" questions about the topic, not just "what" questions, you've got genuine understanding. 

What's the best way to revise difficult material?

Focus on active revision techniques rather than passive re-reading. 

• Use past papers to test your knowledge

• Create flashcards for quick recall

• Explain concepts out loud

• Mix up different topics in each session (this is called interleaving) rather than studying one topic for hours.

How long should I spend trying to understand a topic before moving on?

There's no fixed rule, but a good guideline is to give yourself at least 2-3 focused study sessions on a challenging topic before moving on. Remember to space these out over several days.

It’s also fine to move on temporarily and return later. Sometimes your brain needs time to process information in the background. What seems impossible today might make more sense next week.

From Confusion to Clarity

Understanding complex topics isn't a mysterious talent that some people have and others don't. It's a skill you can develop with the right strategies and mindset.

Every difficult concept you master proves you're capable of understanding the next one. Keep practising the strategies in this guide across all your subjects, even when it’s frustrating.

You've got this. One step at a time, one concept at a time, one revision session at a time, understanding will come.

References

Simply Psychology - Short-Term Memory in Psychology (opens in a new tab)

PubMed - The right time to learn: mechanisms and optimization of spaced learning (opens in a new tab)