When it comes to learning or updating knowledge, two terms that often come up are “revise” and “review”. They might seem similar at first glance, but they have different meanings and uses. Let’s break them down in a simple way.
What Does “Revise” Mean?
The word “revise” comes from the idea of “seeing again” or making changes. Imagine you wrote a story or drew a picture, and then you decided to change some parts of it to make it better. That’s revising. When you revise:
- You might change or add new information to what you’ve already learned or written.
- It’s like editing or improving something to make it the best it can be.
- For example, if you’re preparing for a test, you might revise your notes by updating them with new information or clarifying things that were confusing at first.
What Does it Mean to Review?
Think of “review” like looking back at something. Imagine you went on a fun trip last weekend, and now you’re looking at the photos and talking about the memories. That’s reviewing. In studying, reviewing means going over your notes, books, or any material to remember what you’ve learned. It’s like a quick check to make sure you still know the stuff.
- When do you review? Before a test, you might review your notes to make sure you remember the important points.
- Why is it important? It helps you recall what you’ve already learned, so you don’t forget.
The Key Differences
Purpose:
- Revise: The main goal is to improve or update. It’s about making changes to correct mistakes or add new information.
- Review: The aim is to reinforce learning. It’s about going over what you already know to ensure you remember it.
When it’s used:
- Revise: Often used when you’ve learned something new that changes your understanding or when you’ve found a mistake that needs to be corrected.
- Review: Typically used as a regular part of studying to keep information fresh in your mind, especially before exams or tests.
Process:
- Revise: Involves altering or rearranging your notes or the material you are studying. You might rewrite sections, add new information, or organize things differently.
- Review: Involves reading through existing material without making changes. You might highlight or underline, but you’re not rewriting or altering the content.
Examples to Understand Better
- Revise: Alex wrote an essay about his summer vacation. After reading it again, he decided to add more details about his trip to the beach. Alex is revising his essay.
- Review: Before her history exam, Jamie read through all her notes and the textbook chapters again to make sure she remembered all the important dates and events. Jamie is reviewing for her exam.
Both reviewing and revising are important in learning. You review to keep things fresh in your mind, and you revise to deepen your understanding or improve your work. Whether you’re studying for a test, working on a project, or learning a new skill, knowing when to review and when to revise can make a big difference.
