Description
The Peg System is a mnemonic method for learning and remembering lists of items.
The method works by associating each item in the list with a previously learned
"peg word" that represents the numerical position of the item..
For very short lists, peg words can be simple rhymes for the numbers, for example:
- Bun
- Shoe
- Tree
- Door
- Hive
- Sticks
- Heaven
- Gate
- Wine
- Men
- Leaven (dough)
- Shelve
For long lists, you can use the Major System to generate peg
words for any number
Example
Suppose you wish to remember the order of signs of the Zodiac.
To remember this sequence, you would create memorable images that link together
the peg word for each number with the corresponding zodiac sign. For example:
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Number
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Zodiac Sign
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Peg
Word |
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Association
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1
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Aries (Ram)
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Bun
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A ram with a bun caught in its horns
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2
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Taurus (Bull)
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Shoe
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A bull in high heels
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3
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Gemini (Twins)
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Tree
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Tweedledum and Tweedledee up a tree
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4
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Cancer (Crab)
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Door
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Closing a door against an army of crabs
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5
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Leo (Lion)
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Hive
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A lion attacking a bee hive
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6
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Virgo (Virgin)
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Sticks
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A girl twirling batons
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7
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Libra (Scales)
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Heaven
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Cloud formation in the shape of a set of scales
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8
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Scorpio (Scorpion)
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Skate
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A roller-skating scorpion
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9
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Sagittarius (Archer)
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Wine
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An arrow shot at a glass of wine
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10
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Capricorn (Goat)
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Men
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Men riding goats
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11
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Aquarius (Water-carrier)
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Leaven
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Pouring water over bread dough
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12
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Pisces (Fish)
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Shelve |
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A shelf of fish heads
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Comments
The Peg System (especially when combined with the Major System
for generating peg words) is wonderfully versatile
The main disadvantage is that if you use the method for many lists, you may have trouble remembering which of many possible associations to the peg word is the correct one.
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