Free PDF Book: Master Memory Retention & Exam Prep with These 12 Hidden Actionable Tricks
- Simon Zaku
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
Introduction – Why Your Brain “Forgets” Faster Than NEPA Cuts Light
Have you ever opened a textbook, read one full page, and immediately forgotten everything?
Or studied for 4 hours only to blank out during the actual exam?
You’re not alone.
Most of us were never taught how to actually learn and retain information.
We were only told: “Go and read your books!”
But memory doesn’t work like a storage box.
It’s more like a muscle.
If you don’t train it right, it won’t grow stronger.
In this exclusive eBook, I’ll show you 12 little-known hacks that smart Nigerian students use to remember things faster, deeper, and longer — even if you’re not a “genius.”
Let’s dive in.
Master Memory Retention & Exam Prep with These 12 Hidden Actionable Tricks
Ready?
Trick 1: The Water Hack — Stay Hydrated, Stay Smart
Your brain is 75% water.
Dehydration slows down memory, concentration, and alertness.
Drink at least 3–4 cups of water before study time and sip regularly during your session.
Avoid sugary drinks or energy drinks — they crash your energy mid-study.
💡 Try this: Keep a cold bottle of water beside your reading desk. Take 3 gulps every 20–30 minutes.
Trick 2: Teach Someone Immediately After Reading
This one right here is a memory cheat code.
When you teach someone (a friend, sibling, or even your pillow) what you just read, you reinforce your brain’s retention.
The process is called the Feynman Technique.
It works because teaching forces your brain to reorganize and simplify what you learned.
💡 Try this: After reading each topic, explain it out loud like you’re teaching a junior classmate.
Trick 3: Use the 30-10 Technique (Study in Bursts)
Long study hours without breaks? That’s outdated.
Instead, use the 30-10 rule: Study for 30 minutes, then take a focused 10-minute break.
Repeat this cycle 4 times, then take a longer break.
This mimics your brain’s natural attention span and keeps you fresh.
💡 Try this: Set a timer. Study like your life depends on it for 30 mins. No phone. No noise. Then rest.
Trick 4: Create Silly Mnemonics and Acronyms
Ever heard “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” to remember music notes?
Mnemonics work because they’re funny, weird, and easy to remember.
Use that same trick for Biology, Chemistry, Law — anything.
💡 Try this: Make crazy acronyms for lists or steps. For example, to remember the planets: “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles.”
Trick 5: Study with Past Questions (But the Right Way)
Studying past questions is not about memorizing answers.
It’s about recognizing patterns.
Understand why the correct answer is right — and why the others are wrong.
Then simulate exam conditions to test your speed and memory.
💡 Try this: Pick 5 past questions daily. Write the answers in exam mode, then review what you missed.
Trick 6: The “Write with Pen” Technique
Typing notes on your phone? Hmm. That’s fine, but writing with a pen activates more memory centers in the brain.
It helps you remember what you wrote, and where on the page you wrote it.
💡 Try this: Summarize each topic in your own handwriting after reading. Then close your book and try to recall what you wrote.
Trick 7: Use Mind Maps — Not Just Notes
Mind maps are like diagrams that help your brain visualize how topics connect.
They’re great for revision and quick memory recall.
Draw the main topic in the center and branch out with subtopics.
💡 Try this: For every chapter, draw a mind map with arrows, bubbles, and colors.
Trick 8: Study Out Loud (Don’t Just Read Silently)
Silent reading is okay, but reading aloud works better for long-term memory.
Why? Because it activates your eyes, ears, and mouth — triple reinforcement.
You’re literally “teaching yourself” aloud.
💡 Try this: Pick a topic and read it like a speech to yourself. Bonus tip: use a recorder app and play it later.
Trick 9: Create a Reward Ritual After Study
Motivation triggers memory.
Set small study goals and reward yourself after achieving each one.
The reward releases dopamine — the brain’s “pleasure” chemical — and links it with studying.
💡 Try this: Tell yourself: “If I finish this past question, I’ll watch one comedy skit.” Stick to it.
Trick 10: Sleep Right After Studying at Night
This one is powerful.
When you sleep within 2–3 hours after studying, your brain consolidates what you learned into long-term memory.
No distractions. No TikTok. Just sleep.
💡 Try this: Read important stuff at night, close the book, and go straight to bed.
Trick 11: Study in Different Locations (Memory Association)
Your brain links memory to place.
So if you always read in one corner, try switching your spot occasionally.
Studying in different environments builds stronger recall.
💡 Try this: Read Biology on your bed. Next day, read Chemistry on the floor mat. Then Physics at your friend’s place.
Trick 12: Pray, Visualize & Speak Success Over Your Study
Before you pick up your books, pause and pray.
Ask for wisdom, clarity, and understanding.
Then visualize yourself passing with ease.
Words have power. Speak them.
💡 Try this: Say this daily: “I understand easily. I remember fully. I pass excellently.”
Final Words — Your Brain is Not Broken, It’s Just Undertrained
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not smart enough…
If you’ve failed before and you’re scared it’ll happen again…
Breathe.
You’re not alone.
You don’t need to study harder — you need to study smarter.
These 12 tricks are not magic. But if you consistently apply even 4 or 5 of them, your brain will start surprising you.
You’ll read and retain like never before.
And you’ll start enjoying the confidence of knowing your books are “entering.”
I believe in you.
So…
Which one will you start using today?
Download as PDF for offline purposes (no optin)
About the Author
Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, CEO of IbiFoundry LLCAs seen on Forbes, Amazon, Pixelied, InfinityBlogAwards & more.
Simon teaches Nigerian students and digital entrepreneurs how to simplify success, create value, and win at life using smart content, tools, and strategy.
When he’s not writing or consulting, you’ll find him sipping ginger tea and beating someone at table tennis.
Comments