which subject I should first easy or hard
Great question! There are two main schools of thought on this:
Start with Easy subjects first:
- Builds momentum and confidence
- Gets quick wins early, reducing anxiety
- Lets you accumulate marks fast before tackling harder material
Start with Hard subjects first:
- Your energy and focus are highest at the start of a study session (or exam period)
- You avoid the dread of knowing the hard subject is still ahead
- More mental bandwidth to absorb difficult concepts
- Works well for long study sessions or exam prep schedules
The general recommendation depends on context:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Daily study session | Hard first - peak focus early |
| Exam question order | Easy first - secure marks, build confidence |
| Semester/term planning | Hard first - more time to revisit and revise |
| Low motivation day | Easy first - get started, build momentum |
The most effective approach for most students:
Start your study sessions with the hardest subject when your mind is fresh, spend the bulk of your time there, then finish with an easier subject to end on a high note. This is sometimes called the "eat the frog" method.
For exams specifically, many test-taking coaches recommend skimming all questions first, answering the easy ones to bank marks and time, then returning to the hard ones.
What works best ultimately depends on your personal energy patterns - are you a morning person or do you warm up slowly? That should guide your choice.
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.