Never put a whole list on one flashcard. Instead, test each list item with its own card, or use cloze cards that test one item at a time. Giant list cards are impossible to evaluate in a spaced repetition system — you can never tell if you got them “right.”
The Problem with List Cards
If a card asks you to name all 7 continents, and you get 6 of them, did you pass or fail? In a Leitner system, ambiguity kills accuracy. Every card needs a clear pass/fail decision.
Option 1: One Item Per Card
Write a separate card for each list item with a specific question. “Which continent is the largest by area? / Asia.” Each item is independently retrievable and independently reviewable.
Option 2: Cloze with Context
Use context to test items: “The five Great Lakes are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and ___. / Ontario.” One blank per card. This works when the list has a natural order or grouping. See the guide on cloze vs Q/A cards for more options.
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