What does the material say about flashcards for memorization?

• A. Guessing an answer before seeing the right one hinders memory
• B. Guessing before seeing the right answer facilitates memory
• C. Flashcards have no effect on memory
• D. Flashcards are only useful for vocabulary

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that retrieval practice strengthens memory. When you try to recall information before you see the correct answer, you actively engage the memory system, creating a stronger memory trace. This effort makes it more likely you’ll recall the information later. Flashcards support this by prompting you to guess or recall, then immediately or soon after you check the right answer, which provides essential feedback and helps correct mistakes. Over time, this process improves retention and recall speed, which is why guessing before seeing the right answer facilitates memory.

The other statements don’t fit as well because memory improves with this active retrieval and feedback, not with passive review; flashcards aren’t useless or universally limited to vocabulary, but are effective across many kinds of memorization tasks.