---
title: "Mixing Topics Instead of Blocking Them"
description: "Practise a mixed set rather than twenty questions of the same kind. Mixing makes you choose the method before you apply it, which is the step an exam actually tests."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/mixing-topics-instead-of-blocking-them-mt_C28PN50zwX
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/mixing-topics-instead-of-blocking-them-mt_C28PN50zwX.md
retrieved: 2026-09-12
---

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# Mixing Topics Instead of Blocking Them

Practise a mixed set rather than twenty questions of the same kind. Mixing makes you choose the method before you apply it, which is the step an exam actually tests.

Subject: Learning to Learn · Area: Learning to Learn · Ages 14 to 16
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/mixing-topics-instead-of-blocking-them-mt_C28PN50zwX

## Ready when they can

- Build a mixed practice set from three topics and say what each question is testing
- Explain why a blocked set feels easier during the session and scores worse later
- Name the step mixing trains: choosing the method, not running it

## Lesson: Shuffle practice like the exam

Blocking drills one kind of question until it feels smooth. Mixing shuffles kinds together, so every question starts with diagnosis. A blocked page trains your hands, while a shuffled page trains your judgement.

**Example.** Exams always shuffle, so practice should too. Pulling answers from memory without knowing which method to use beats drilled sets. The step mixing trains is choosing the method, not running it.

Build a mixed set from three topics: take two questions from each, shuffle them, and tag each with the skill it tests. Never mix brand new material you have not learned yet. Track your method choices, not just your scores.

**Tip.** Blocked revision feels productive in the moment and fades by exam day. Mixed revision feels rough in the moment and pays off when the paper shuffles everything. Use short mixed sets often, plus one fully mixed past paper weekly.

**Recap.** Shuffle old topics together so you practise choosing the method, which is what exams test.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Spacing Revision Across Weeks](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/spacing-revision-across-weeks-mt_cuBD3LE88f)
- [Choosing a Strategy](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/choosing-a-strategy-mt_q7zxOloj_L)

## Opens up

- [Working Through the Plateau](https://lightmysky.com/learn/languages/working-through-the-plateau-mt_AVRXCiZD1S)
- [Working Backwards From a Deadline](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/working-backwards-from-a-deadline-mt_DrdBx9c0pf)