Rereading vs. Rewriting: Which Works Best for Memory?

We all want to remember more of what we read, especially when exams are looming or that big presentation is just around the corner. But when you sit down with your notes or textbook, one question inevitably arises: Should I reread this or rewrite it?

If you’ve ever wondered whether rereading is enough or if rewriting your notes is the secret to better memory, you’re not alone. In fact, researchers and students alike have been debating this for years. So, let’s dig into the science, the strategies, and the experiences that reveal which method really boosts retention.

Why Memory Retention Matters

Whether you’re a student, a lifelong learner, or preparing for a professional certification, retaining information is everything. It’s not just about absorbing facts, but about making those facts usable in the long term.

Think about it: What good is rereading your entire textbook if you forget half of it the next day?

Studies suggest that active engagement with information significantly improves memory. That means the more you interact with the material, the better your chances of remembering it. And that brings us to our contenders: rereading and rewriting.

What Is Rereading?

Rereading is pretty self-explanatory. It involves going over the same material multiple times.

Pros of Rereading:

• Familiarity breeds comfort: It reinforces the material you already know.
• Quick and easy: Ideal when you’re short on time.
• Good for reviewing key concepts: Especially helpful the night before an exam.

Cons of Rereading:

• Passive technique: Your brain doesn’t work very hard, which limits memory retention.
• Illusion of mastery: Just because something feels familiar doesn’t mean you truly understand or remember it.

Real-world example: Have you ever read a paragraph three times and still struggled to recall what it said? That’s rereading in action when it’s not paired with more active strategies.

What Is Rewriting?

Rewriting involves taking your notes or what you’ve read and rewriting them in your own words.

Pros of Rewriting:

• Active learning: Forces your brain to process, summarise, and restructure.
• Deepens understanding: You clarify concepts as you write them out.
• Boosts long-term retention: By engaging multiple senses (reading, writing, thinking).

Cons of Rewriting:

• Time-consuming: Especially if you’re rewriting large sections.
• Can become mechanical: If you’re copying word for word, you lose the benefit.

Real-world example: A medical student rewriting her lecture notes into diagrams and summaries finds she remembers core concepts much better during practical exams.

What the Research Says

According to cognitive psychology, rewriting (also known as elaborative rehearsal) is generally more effective than rereading.

A study by Karpicke & Roediger (2008) found that students who actively retrieved and rephrased information had significantly better recall than those who only reread the text.

The key lies in retrieval practice and generation effect. When you rewrite, you’re pulling information out of memory and restructuring it. That process builds neural connections and strengthens recall.

When Rereading Works Best

To be fair, rereading does have its place. It works well:

• As a quick refresher before a quiz or interview.
• When paired with active techniques like highlighting or annotation.
• For easy material or topics you already understand.

Tip: Don’t just reread mindlessly. Try turning headings into questions or summarising each paragraph aloud.

When Rewriting Works Best

Rewriting is ideal for:

• Difficult or dense subjects like science, law, or history.
• Preparing for long-term retention (like finals or certifications).
• Making connections between ideas.

Strategy: After reading a section, close the book and try rewriting the gist of it in your own words. Then compare it to the original.

How to Combine Both Methods Effectively

What if you didn’t have to choose?

Try this combo approach:

1. Initial read-through: Understand the big picture.
2. Reread key sections: Highlight and annotate.
3. Rewrite notes: Paraphrase, summarise, draw diagrams.
4. Teach it to someone: Or pretend to — it’s called the Feynman technique.

This method blends the speed of rereading with the depth of rewriting. It creates multiple touchpoints with the material, strengthening memory and comprehension.

Tips to Make the Most of Rewriting

• Don’t just copy: Use your own words.
• Organise information visually: Try mind maps, flowcharts, or Cornell notes.
• Space it out: Use the spacing effect by rewriting across multiple days.
• Use colour: Highlight key terms or draw colour-coded sections.
• Be consistent: Make rewriting a regular part of your study habits.

Rereading and Rewriting in Real Life

Let’s say you’re studying for a history exam. You read through your textbook once to get a feel for the timeline. That’s your foundation. Then, instead of rereading the same pages again and again, you pull out the main events, summarise them on flashcards, and write a mock essay.

That’s where memory magic happens. Or imagine you’re revising for a professional exam. You annotate the guidebook as you go, then rewrite each chapter in your own structured outline. Later, you review just those outlines. You’ve gone from passive input to active mastery.

Choose What Helps You Remember

So, rereading vs. rewriting — which is better?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but the evidence clearly leans towards rewriting if your goal is long-term retention and deeper understanding. Rereading is quick and useful, but it can give you a false sense of security. Rewriting, when done thoughtfully, makes the knowledge yours.

Your best bet? Combine both. Reread for the overview, then rewrite to lock it in.

Ready to supercharge your study routine? Try rewriting your next set of notes and see the difference for yourself.

What’s your go-to memory technique? Share it in the comments or tag us on social media with your best study hacks!