Reading and Memorization Techniques
Master the most effective strategies for efficiently and lastingly studying, understanding, and memorizing literary texts.
Overview: The Three Phases of Study
To master any literary text, we must follow three fundamental phases that work complementarily. Each phase has its specific function in the learning process.
Comprehensive Reading
First, we understand the text, giving it meaning and context. The mind retains better when it understands.
Visual Memory
We transform the text into images, symbols, and stories that our mind easily remembers.
Fixation
We fix the content through recitation, ensuring it is not forgotten over time.
Phase 1: Global Comprehensive Reading
Get the Overview
Before diving into details, you need a global understanding of the entire topic. This first read-through is like consulting a map before starting a journey.
  • Read through the entire topic or document without stopping for details
  • Identify the main sections and how they relate
  • Jot down the main idea of each paragraph in 2-3 words in the margin
  • Do not underline anything yet in this phase

Important Tip: This global reading helps you create a mental framework where you can later place specific details.
Phase 1: Comprehensive Paragraph Reading
With the overall vision in mind, work through paragraph by paragraph, following this proven method:
01
Read and Understand
Read the paragraph several times until its full meaning is clear. Do not move on to the next before mastering it.
02
Teacher Technique
Explain the paragraph aloud in your own words, as if you were teaching it to someone from scratch. This solidifies real understanding.
03
Strategic Underlining
Underline only the most essential phrases that summarize the main idea. Do not underline everything, or you will lose the meaning.
Phase 2: Symbolization - The Foundation of Visual Memory
Symbolization transforms plain text into quick, striking drawings. You don't need to be an artist, just create symbols that will impact your memory.
Emotions
Love, hate, sadness, disgust, joy
Sexual Content
The mind better remembers what provokes it
Well-known People
Celebrities, friends, family members
Controversial Topics
Drugs, crime, politics
Phonetics and Spelling
Abbreviations, acronyms, similar sounds
Flags
National and cultural symbols

Golden rule: The more shocking and emotional the symbol, the better you will remember it. Don't be afraid to be daring.
Bonsai Method: Visualize Knowledge
Transform Text into Visual Art
The goal is to convert all textual content into a single visual page that you can "see" as a mental photograph.
Comprehensive Reading
Read and understand first
Create Symbols
Draw unique symbols for each concept. Eliminate unnecessary articles and verbs. Unify: use the same symbol for similar concepts.
Organize
Represent symbols neatly on a separate sheet
Consolidate
Review aloud to consolidate it
"To see knowledge is to retain it. Create a mental photograph you won't forget."
Hook and Movie Methods
Hook Method
When to use: Topics already studied, but not 100% solidified
How to do: Choose 4-5 keywords from a paragraph and create symbols for them. Place them in the margin as memory triggers.
  1. Comprehensive reading and underlining
  1. Symbolization of keywords
  1. Application of Matryoshkas to consolidate
Movie Method
When to use: Cold, complex, and difficult-to-remember texts
How to do: Transform the text into an exciting visual story with a protagonist that evokes anger, tenderness, hatred, fear, or laughter.
  1. Read and comprehend
  1. Choose an emotional protagonist
  1. Invent a story with keywords
  1. Recall: read by reconstructing the story
  1. Recite the text while thinking of the movie
Real Example: The Movie Method
Original Legal Text:
"...the following provisional measures may be agreed upon: Temporary suspension of activities. Provision of guarantees..."
Movie 1: The Bride
Imagine a bride ordering a custom dress because she's afraid of gaining weight (provisional measures).
She temporarily stops eating sweets (temporary suspension of activities).
Since healthy food is expensive, her mother lends her money (provision of guarantees).
Movie 2: The Couple
A couple decides to separate or take a break (provisional measures).
They suspend intimate activities (temporary suspension of activities).
One lends money to the other to help (provision of guarantees).
Result: You will recall the legal text effortlessly, thanks to the emotional story. The key is to visualize, feel, and relive the mental movie.
Phase 3: Sealing - The Matryoshka Method
Sealing is the indispensable step that fixes all prior knowledge. Without it, all previous effort is useless. We must always recite aloud.
Complete Topic
Large Matryoshka
Entire Page
Medium Matryoshka
Paragraphs
Small Matryoshka
Practical Application: The Three Matryoshka Levels
Small Matryoshka
Scope: Each individual paragraph
How: Visualize the created images and symbols (not the text) and recite the entire content of the paragraph from them.
Medium Matryoshka
Scope: An entire page
How: Recite the entire page without looking at the hooks or bonsais, presenting the topic continuously. If you get stuck, visualize the symbol.
Large Matryoshka
Scope: The complete topic
How: Recite the entire topic aloud, mentally visualizing all the symbolism (hooks, bonsais, or movies).
Final Tip: Reciting aloud forces your brain to visualize without looking at anything. This active effort is what creates lasting memory. Do not skip this step!
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