What Is the ‘Chunking’ Revision Technique?

Ever felt overwhelmed by pages of notes or endless textbook chapters? The chunking revision technique can make studying easier by breaking information down into smaller, more manageable units. Instead of trying to memorise everything at once, you learn in “chunks”, which is how your brain naturally processes information.

In this guide, you’ll learn what the ‘chunking’ revision technique is, how it works, and how to apply it effectively in your own revision.

Key Takeaways

• Chunking means breaking information into smaller groups that are easier to remember.

• It works because your working memory can only hold a few items at once.

• You can apply chunking in any subject — from vocab lists in languages to timelines in history.

• Combining chunking with spaced repetition, active recall, and flashcards makes it even more powerful.

What Is Chunking in Revision?

Chunking is a memory technique where you split large amounts of information into smaller, meaningful “chunks.” For example, instead of trying to remember 12 random words, you could group them into three related categories of four.

Psychologists explain this using the concept of working memory: our brains can typically hold around 5 to 9 items at once. Chunking works by recoding many small pieces of information into larger, familiar units, which frees up space in working memory.

Research has also shown that chunking doesn’t just help you recall the chunks themselves. A 2019 study on chunking and working memory (opens in a new tab) found that it can also enhance your ability to remember other information at the same time.  This is why it’s such an effective tool for revision: it simplifies complex topics while also strengthening memory connections.

When used for studying, chunking helps you break down large topics, make them easier to understand, and see how different ideas fit together.

How Does the Chunking Technique Work?

Chunking breaks down a large topic into smaller, logical units, making it more manageable. Here’s how you can put it into practice:

1. Identify a large topic: Choose a subject area you need to revise, like the circulatory system.

2. Break it down into smaller chunks: Divide it into distinct parts, such as heart structure, blood flow, and oxygen exchange.

3. Group chunks logically: Arrange them in an order that makes sense, such as a timeline, flow diagram, or mind map.

4. Review regularly: Go back to each chunk often to reinforce memory and link it with other chunks you’ve learned.

By following these steps, you reduce the load on your working memory. Instead of trying to juggle dozens of disconnected facts, you’re working with a few bigger, meaningful groups that are easier to remember and recall under exam pressure.

Examples of Chunking for Revision

Chunking works across all subjects, but the way you apply it depends on what you’re studying. 

Here are some practical examples:

Languages

• Group vocabulary into themes such as food, travel, or family.

• Learn useful phrases in context (e.g. “tengo hambre” = “I’m hungry”) instead of just single words (“hambre” = “hunger”). This makes it easier to remember meaning, grammar, and usage all at once.

Sciences

• Break processes like photosynthesis into inputs (carbon dioxide, water, sunlight), reactions (chlorophyll capturing light energy), and outputs (glucose and oxygen).

• Organise organs into body systems, for example, grouping the heart, veins, and arteries under the circulatory system.

History

• Divide a topic such as World War I into causes (alliances, imperialism, assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand), key events (major battles, involvement of the USA), and consequences (Treaty of Versailles, League of Nations).

• Group people, places, and dates by theme, such as political, social, or economic.

Maths

• Sort formulas into categories such as algebra (quadratic formula, factorisation), geometry (area, volume), or statistics (mean, probability).

• Group problem types with the steps needed to solve them. For example, for quadratic equations, you would rearrange the equation, apply the quadratic formula, and then simplify your answer.

Chunking is flexible: whether you’re memorising vocabulary, breaking down a scientific process, or organising a historical timeline, the key is to create groups that make sense to you.

Benefits of Using the Chunking Technique

Chunking has several advantages that make revision more effective and less stressful:

• Easier to manage large topics: Breaking material into smaller units stops you from feeling overwhelmed by big subjects.

• Improves retention and recall speed: Smaller, meaningful groups are easier for your brain to store and retrieve under exam pressure.

• Builds stronger connections between ideas: Grouping information helps you see how topics link together, rather than treating them as isolated facts.

• Reduces exam stress: When you know your revision is structured and organised into chunks, exams feel more manageable and less intimidating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Chunking is simple, but it’s easy to slip into habits that make it less effective. Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Making chunks too big: If your “chunk” still feels overwhelming, break it down further. Aim for small, manageable groups.

• Passive reading instead of active learning: Simply grouping notes isn’t enough. Test yourself by explaining chunks out loud or turning them into questions.

• Forgetting to review chunks: Without regular review, chunks fade from memory because of the “forgetting curve”. This is the idea that we quickly forget new information unless we revisit it. Each review strengthens the memory and makes it last longer.

• Ignoring links between chunks: Treating each group as isolated can make it harder to see the bigger picture. Always think about how your chunks connect.

How to Combine Chunking With Other Techniques

Chunking works best when you use it alongside other proven revision techniques. Together, these methods help you remember more for longer:

• Spaced repetition: Review your chunks at regular intervals (e.g. after a day, a week, then a month) to strengthen memory and fight the forgetting curve.

• Active recall: Test yourself on each chunk instead of just re-reading. For example, cover your notes and try to write or explain a chunk from memory.

• Mind maps: Turn your chunks into a visual diagram. This helps you see connections between groups of ideas.

• Flashcards: Put one chunk per card, then shuffle and quiz yourself. Use Save My Exams’ flashcards to make this process easy.

By combining techniques, you move information from short-term to long-term memory more effectively and build confidence ahead of exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chunking better than mind mapping?

Not necessarily. They serve different purposes. Chunking helps you break information into small, manageable groups. Mind mapping is more visual and shows how ideas connect. 

Many students use both together for maximum effect.

Can I use chunking for essay-based subjects?

Yes. For history, English, or geography, you can chunk big topics into causes, themes, or case studies. 

This makes it easier to plan essays and remember key points under exam pressure.

Does chunking work for last-minute revision?

It helps, but it’s most effective when used over time. 

Chunking makes material easier to digest, but you still need to revisit chunks regularly to transfer them into long-term memory. For last-minute revision, focus on creating small, clear chunks of the most important content.

What’s the difference between chunking and note-taking?

Note-taking is about writing information down in your own words. Chunking is about how you organise that information. 

Good revision notes often combine both: you take notes, then rearrange them into meaningful chunks for easier recall.

References:

• How does chunking help working memory? - PubMed (opens in a new tab)