Why is it harder to remember 30+ pages of a textbook as opposed to 50+ of an interesting book?

Its easier for me to recall what I read when it comes to an interesting book as opposed to reading say a finance textbook. The lack of interest seems to be the major issue. What are some effective tips to be able to be able to remember what I read?Why is it harder to remember 30+ pages of a textbook as opposed to 50+ of an interesting book?
While interest can play a big part in this, another reason is that textbooks are a lot denser in information than leisure books. Novels use a more conversational tone, so they can take several paragraphs to explain something that is relatively simple. That's why you can write a book report for a 200-page book that is only a couple pages.



In contrast, textbooks are reference books, so they get right to the point and are full information on many topics. You use textbooks to look up information on a particular topic, so you want it explained as concisely as possible. So 30 pages of a textbook contains a lot more information to remember than 30 pages of a novel.



It always helps to take notes. If it's a math or science course, write all the formulas and summarize key concepts. If a concept is particularly hard to remember, include an example problem that uses it. If it's more of a reading course, summarize the main ideas in your own words. In this case, your notes should be considerably shorter than the passage in the book. Otherwise, you're basically just copying the book which takes too long.Why is it harder to remember 30+ pages of a textbook as opposed to 50+ of an interesting book?
one word notes

they will help you recall what you read little side notes on a separete sheet of paper helpsWhy is it harder to remember 30+ pages of a textbook as opposed to 50+ of an interesting book?
it's a natural tendency. whenever there is some story, we seem to visualize it as it is happening for real and that is why you remember it for long time as oppose to the finance or any college text book where we seem to understand. In fact, we cannot visualize if there is no storline.



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