Read this once and look away: F B I C I A U S A. Nine letters is a lot to hold. Now read it as FBI · CIA · USA. Three chunks. Same letters, much easier.
Key idea
A chunk is a group you already know as one thing. Working memory holds about four chunks, so chunking makes each slot carry more.
- Look for a pattern you already know: a year, a name, a rhythm.
- Bundle 3 to 4 items into one chunk.
- Give the chunk a name.
- Recall the chunk names first, then unpack each one.
Worked example: Worked example
Chunk the letters T V P C D V D in a way that helps.
- Look for groups you already know.
- TV, PC and DVD are familiar.
Answer: TV · PC · DVD: three chunks instead of seven letters.
Common mistake
Grouping 149217761969 as 14 · 92 · 17 · 76 · 19 · 69. That is six random pairs, more chunks than before, and none means anything. The years work because each one is a single idea you already know.