Whenever you have to remember a list by heart, the best thing to do is to repeat it aloud or write it down as many times as possible. The fifty US states are quite a lot to repeat, but the process can become a lot easier if you have a special song or phrase to help you remember them in the right order.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Memorize Fifty Names
Step 1. Listen to the song of the fifty states (in English)
You can find many songs that list US states in alphabetical order, although they will be pretty much all in English. In this video the song rhymes and is therefore easier to learn. If you prefer to use a song without a video or you don't like the melody of the previous one, try listening to this one. Listen to the song several times and try to sing it with the backing track.
Step 2. Make a list of statuses to help you memorize the song
On this site you can find the complete list that you can print or copy. Don't look at the list and try to sing the song alone; when you have a memory lapse and you get stuck, refer to the list to find the name of the state that escapes you. Take your eyes off the paper again and continue singing.
If you can't remember any names, listen to the song again
Step 3. Try a sentence
If music doesn't help, try an acrostic that helps you improve your memory. This sentence is made up of the initials of each state: US PVC WOK MACHINING DATA 7M5N FAILS WW I TV WORK CON. Obviously it is in English, given that in Italian schools students are rarely asked to memorize the states and an ad hoc mnemonic "trick" has not been developed. Visit this site (in English) to get the list of states in the order defined by the sentence cited above. Repeat the sentence many times and then try to rewrite the list in this order.
- In the first sentence, "7M5N" means "list 7 states starting from M and then 5 states starting from N".
- PVC is a type of plastic while WWI is the English abbreviation for "World War One". If you know the meaning of the words, it will be easier to remember the sentence.
- This trick is called "mnemonic device", ie "technique to help memory".
Step 4. Find someone who can test your memory
Give the list to a friend or family member. Sing the song or recite the list while the person checks the sheet. Ask to be stopped when you forget a state.
Step 5. Use an online quiz
This tool teaches you the spelling of the fifty names, since not only do you have to remember them, but you must also know how to spell them correctly. Try to name as many as possible in ten minutes and then try again in five.
Step 6. Use similar sounding words to remember difficult names
When you are able to remember most of the states, use this trick to "unlock" yourself with those particularly complex names. Find a phrase that sounds like part of the state name. For example “My grandfather drank the Vermut (Vermont)"And" If Te-ne-ssi a bit of a good heart (Tennesse)". Repeat these phrases or put them in a song or status list so you can remember them.
Method 2 of 2: Memorize the Map of States
Step 1. Watch a video showing all states on the map
This video is a rather short sung version. If you love to learn through images or a narration, then this other one might be a good solution - but know that it is in English.
Step 2. Practice with a blank map
Find a map of the United States that shows only the borders of the various states but not the names. Print several copies of an online map if you don't have a paper one at hand. Try to write the correct name in each template, or refer to the order you learned from the video or from your teacher. Check how many correct answers you managed to give with the help of an atlas or an online image. Cross over the wrong names and write down the correct ones.
Step 3. Try an internet quiz
This is a very helpful tool that allows you to remember the location of each state separately without having to go through the entire list each time. Try this site (in English), which also allows you to choose the difficulty level ("study", "exam" or "official exam"). Read the question and then click on the part of the image where you believe the status is.
Step 4. Invent "associations" between states when you are in trouble
If you keep forgetting the name of a state, try to relate it to that of a neighboring one. The more "the mental association" is ridiculous, the greater the chances of remembering. Eg:
- Think "a snow-covered oregano plant" to remind you that Oregon is close to Nevada.
- Repeat that "Mexico is colorful" to remind you that New Mexico and Colorado are neighbors.
Step 5. Focus on a specific area of the map
If there is a group of states that creates difficulties for you, ignore the areas of the map that you already know well. Print several copies of a blank map and try to enter the names of only those regions that you struggle to remember. Keep checking and correcting your work until you have overcome the problem. Repeat the exercise for each difficult area of the map, practice with all the states a few more times and then you will be ready to get an excellent grade in geography.
