MemoCap1. Start with a small group
You do not need to learn an entire map at once. Choose a few country–capital pairs, such as France–Paris, Belgium–Brussels and Italy–Rome. Read them at your own pace and look at where the countries are located.
2. Hide the answer and try to recall it
After your first look, cover the capitals. Which name comes to mind for each country? If you cannot remember, check the answer and try again later. The aim is to recall the name, rather than simply recognise it when you read it again.
3. Vary the clues
An illustration, a flag or the letters of a name can help you make a connection. Then try the reverse question: “Paris is the capital of which country?” Be careful: a city famous for its landmarks is not necessarily a capital. Sydney, for example, is not Australia’s capital; Canberra is.
4. Revisit the names you hesitate over
Keep two or three names to revisit on another day. Mix them with answers you already know. A mistake simply shows which pair needs another try: take a moment to read the correction.
A mini-session to try
- Read three country–capital pairs.
- Cover the capitals and answer aloud.
- Check, then ask the questions in reverse.
- Return to any forgotten names in a later session.
On your own, with family or with a partner, take the time you need. There is no target score here.