Flashcard Ratings Explained

When you review a flashcard on learn.tuxcode.net, you choose one of four ratings. Each rating tells the spaced repetition algorithm how well you knew the answer, which determines when you will see the card again.

The Four Ratings

Again

You did not know the answer, or your answer was wrong. The card is reset and will appear again in the current session. Cards rated "Again" repeatedly are flagged as difficult and may appear in your Weak Area Drill.

Next review: Same session (within minutes)

Hard

You eventually remembered the answer, but it required significant effort or you were unsure. The interval increases only slightly.

Next review: 1–2 days

Good

You remembered the answer with moderate effort. This is the most common rating and produces a healthy interval growth.

Next review: Current interval multiplied by approximately 2.5 (e.g., if the previous interval was 3 days, the next review is in about 7 days)

Easy

You knew the answer instantly and without hesitation. The interval increases substantially.

Next review: Current interval multiplied by approximately 4 (e.g., if the previous interval was 3 days, the next review is in about 12 days)

How Intervals Grow

Here is an example of how a card's review schedule might progress if you consistently rate it "Good":

| Review | Interval | |--------|----------| | 1st | 1 day | | 2nd | 3 days | | 3rd | 7 days | | 4th | 18 days | | 5th | 45 days |

A card rated "Easy" every time would reach monthly intervals even faster.

Tips for Accurate Rating

• Be honest. Rating cards "Easy" when they were actually "Hard" undermines the algorithm and leads to poor retention.
• When in doubt, rate lower. It is better to see a card one extra time than to forget it on exam day.
• "Again" is not failure. Everyone has cards they need to see multiple times. That is exactly how the system is designed to work.

Impact on Your Readiness Score

Your flashcard mastery contributes 15% of your Exam Readiness Score. Cards with long intervals (rated "Good" or "Easy" consistently) boost this component. Cards stuck on "Again" lower it.