Of Cramming – A Reply to Francis Bacon’s 𝗒𝗳 π—¦π˜π˜‚π—±π˜†


Written by: Jessa Mae Anggalan

As children, we are always told that education is important. Our parents and family members teach us that education is the key to success. They believe that studying well can help us overcome challenges in life. Some students take this advice seriously and work hard, while others simply go with the flow. In every classroom, there are different kinds of learners. Some put in a lot of effort, while others just attend class without worrying too much about their grades. Some students cram their studying, reading quickly at the last minute, thinking it is enough.

Indeed, as a student we must study, especially in college. If we do not study, we might fail. Some students believe this and feel weak or lack confidence in themselves. On the other hand, some students cram their studies and still get good grades. This creates a feeling of insecurity between those who study a lot and those who do not. Many students study just to get high scores on exams or quizzes. However, sometimes, those who spend hours studying get lower scores than those who study less. This can make them feel discouraged and doubt their abilities. They might also miss out on hobbies and fun activities because they spend most of their time studying. Meanwhile, students who do not spend too much time studying enjoy their lives. They do not feel stressed about studying and seem to be happier.

But  studying is not just about getting high grades. It is about learning new things and expanding what we already know. We study for ourselves, not to impress others. Education is like a weapon that helps us survive in the real world. It helps us avoid being fooled by others and makes us more knowledgeable. Also, everyone has different abilities. Some may not be good at a certain subject, while others are. Intelligence is not measured by grades alone. A test score is just a number and does not define how smart we truly are.

All in all, studying is indeed important because it helps us grow and answer our own questions about the world. It gives us more understanding and helps us learn more about different subjects. That is why we should study—not just to pass exams, but to gain knowledge that will be useful in life.

Written by: Alexa Rae Ranes

Learning is more than just reading books or memorizing facts—it shapes our thinking, helps us make better decisions, and improves our conversations. The passage highlights that studies bring joy, sharpen our minds, and prepare us for life’s challenges. However, studying too much without applying knowledge can be useless. True wisdom comes from experience, not just theory.  

The passage also explains that different subjects develop different skills. Poetry inspires creativity, mathematics improves precision, philosophy enhances our thinking, and history teaches valuable lessons from the past. Just like physical exercise improves the body, studying the right subjects can train the mind. For instance, researching court cases can improve memory, and math can help with concentration.

Books also serve different purposes. Some should be read lightly, others carefully, and a few should be deeply understood. Knowing when to study deeply and when to move on is important. Learning should not be about showing off knowledge but about using it wisely.  

In the end, true learning is about thinking critically, applying what we know, and growing as individuals. It’s not just about collecting information—it’s about using knowledge to make better decisions and improve our lives.


Written by: Nikki Monique Camerino

Studying enhances our life because it promotes intellectual growth and better thinking ability while delivering insight into our environmental surroundings. In his essay Of Study, Francis Bacon explains the benefits of study, along with appropriate study methods and their effects on personal character development. According to his belief, the act of studying brings both enjoyment and improves communication skills and enhances our capacity to succeed in the world. The ideas which Bacon presented in his essay earned my agreement. My viewpoint combines the beliefs of studying with personal ideas about the study-life balance. 

According to Bacon, education serves three specific functions, which consist of enjoyment, better communication skills, and increased expertise. There are three strong reasons to agree with Bacon's belief that studying teaches us about knowledge while improving communication abilities and increasing mental wisdom. Books lead students to discover both novel concepts and multiple ways of understanding topics. Reading books should not be the sole component of studying, according to my belief. Experience, learning alongside humanity, interaction, and world observation deliver equal value to reading as a study method. 

Bacon informs us that studying without implementing gained knowledge becomes ineffective. A person who reads but fails to implement their acquired knowledge receives no value from their studies. I completely agree with this. Learning through study should evolve beyond rote memory work, since it needs to deliver practical benefits in life. A person will fail to become a good doctor when they study medicine yet never carry out its practical applications. 

The importance of studying remains unquestionable, but students need to implement it rightly. The knowledge we derive from books remains incomplete until experience provides us with an understanding of its application. According to Bacon, we gain mental enhancement through study, yet we need to transform our knowledge into developments that improve life quality and global standards.


Written by: Sheila Telen

Francis Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman, discusses the purposes and benefits of studying in his essay "Of Studies". He believes that studying serves for happiness, beautification, and ability. However, many students today rely on cramming, which is a method of last-minute memorization. This attitude has limitations and does not align with Bacon's views on the true purpose of education.

Cramming is the practice of working intensively to absorb large volumes of information in short amounts of time. It is also known as massed learning. Students try to memorize a lot of information quickly, which might help them pass exams. However, this technique does not give long-term knowledge retention. Unlike regular study habits, cramming does not help students understand new information deeply. Additionally, it can increase stress and anxiety, affecting students' mental and physical health. In contrast, having regular and disciplined study habits help students understand topics better and reduce exam-related stress. Bacon emphasizes that studying should be for delight, ornament, and ability, which cramming fails to achieve.

 In conclusion, while cramming may seem useful for managing academic pressures, it does not provide a deep and lasting understanding of knowledge. By doing regular study habits, students can perform better academically and reduce last-minute stress. True education, as Bacon suggests, is about growing a love of learning and a deeper understanding of the world around us.


Written by: Reynaldo Albo Jr.

Cramming is a common practice among students, often seen as a last-minute effort to absorb large amounts of information before an exam. Unlike steady and consistent studying, which builds deep understanding, cramming focuses on short-term memory retention. While some believe it is an effective way to prepare under time constraints, others argue that it leads to superficial learning and unnecessary stress.  

Many students turn to cramming because they believe it helps them recall information quickly. In some cases, it may yield immediate results, allowing students to pass tests or complete assignments. However, this method often leads to shallow learning. Unlike structured studying, which refines the mind and sharpens judgment, cramming overloads the brain without giving it time to process and truly understand concepts. Just as studies require careful digestion, as mentioned in π˜–π˜§ 𝘚𝘡𝘢π˜₯𝘺, meaningful learning needs time and engagement rather than rushed memorization.  

While cramming may seem like a useful shortcut, it comes with significant drawbacks. The stress of last-minute studying can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and even burnout. Moreover, the knowledge gained through cramming is often temporary. Without repetition and application, information is quickly forgotten, making it ineffective for long-term learning. π˜–π˜§ 𝘚𝘡𝘢π˜₯𝘺 highlights the importance of balancing reading with real-world experience, suggesting that wisdom comes from reflection and application rather than from hurried consumption of information. Similarly, cramming lacks the depth needed for true intellectual growth.  

In conclusion, cramming may offer a quick fix, but it does not compare to the benefits of steady and meaningful studying. Just as π˜–π˜§ 𝘚𝘡𝘢π˜₯𝘺 emphasizes that knowledge should be thoughtfully analyzed and applied, learning should be a continuous process rather than a last-minute rush. True understanding comes not from cramming, but from consistent engagement with knowledge, discussion, and practice. Those who rely solely on cramming may pass a test, but they risk missing out on the real purpose of education—developing wisdom, critical thinking, and lifelong learning skills.



Written by: Aimae Magnanao

In his essay Of Studies, Sir Francis Bacon explains how studying can improve our judgment, skills, and character. Bacon believes studying should be about gaining wisdom, not just passing exams. Nowadays, cramming is common, especially before exams. While it seems practical, cramming goes against Bacon's idea of real learning and doesn't help us in the long run. This essay will show how cramming, as a quick fix, undermines the deeper learning Bacon talks about.

Bacon says studying makes us happy, helps us understand better, and improves our decision-making. He suggests taking time to read, talk, and think about the material. Bacon compares books to food: some should be "sampled," others "consumed entirely," and a few should be "chewed and digested." Cramming, however, is about quickly memorizing information and leads to only short-term results. It results in a shallow understanding because it is done alone, in a hurry, and without time for reflection. Bacon believes studying should help us think critically. Discussing and writing about knowledge makes us better thinkers. Cramming, on the other hand, focuses only on memorization for exams and stops the development of critical thinking skills.

Cramming might seem effective for short-term success, but it goes against Bacon's philosophy of study. Bacon warns against using knowledge to impress others without understanding it, which often happens with cramming. While students may cram to perform well in exams, their knowledge remains superficial and is quickly forgotten. Bacon also compares studying to physical exercise, emphasizing that true learning requires patience and regular effort. Cramming might help pass an exam, but it doesn’t build the mental strength that comes from continuous study. For real academic growth, students should embrace Bacon's idea of study, valuing depth and reflection over quick memorization.



Written by: Joshua Roel PalaΓ±a

Learning doesn't end when you graduate. It's a continuous process in which we learn to improve our minds and appreciate the importance of living a life to the fullest. Indeed, that study improved our young minds and molded our critical thinking—letting us prepare for life's challenges.

Studying is more than we think. Do not study because you have to, but study because knowledge is power. Studying helps us learn new things. In school, we study subjects like math, science, and history. These subjects teach us how to solve problems and understand different ideas and situations around us. For example, learning math helps us with money, learning science helps us explore and seek answers to the mysteries of the universe, and learning history helps us understand the past. In addition, books also play different roles in shaping young minds. It is the treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom, and imagination. And offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance our personal growth, education, career, emotional well-being, and social connections.

In the end, a learning journey can be hard. We may be faced with challenges such as laziness and lack of motivation, but always remember that studying is not just a means to an end but a transformative experience that can broaden our horizons, spark our curiosity, and ignite the passion of learning.



Written by: Glyren Cagata

Studying is not just about gathering facts—it is about training the mind to think, reason, and truly understand. When done with patience and discipline, it sharpens judgment and transforms knowledge into something meaningful. But when information is taken in too quickly, it leaves no space for reflection, turning learning into a temporary exercise in memorization. Just like the body cannot thrive on food that is swallowed without chewing, the mind cannot grow when overloaded with facts it barely has time to process. 

A steady and thoughtful approach to learning strengthens both knowledge and skills. Just as an athlete improves through consistent practice, a student develops intellectually by studying regularly. In contrast, cramming forces too much information into the brain at once, making it difficult to absorb or apply. Instead of fostering real understanding, it creates stress and leads to forgetfulness. Like a plant that needs steady care, the mind requires meaningful engagement rather than rushed intake of facts.

Cramming may provide temporary success, but it does not cultivate lasting knowledge. Students who rely on last-minute memorization often struggle to explain concepts clearly because they have not truly processed what they studied. This shallow learning results in poor retention and weak reasoning skills. True learning, on the other hand, allows students to connect ideas, think critically, and apply knowledge effectively. More than just recalling information, it builds the ability to analyze and adapt in real-world situations.

In the end, learning is most effective when done gradually and with intention. The ability to retain and use knowledge depends on the quality of study rather than the quantity of memorized facts. While last-minute efforts may help pass a test, they do not cultivate the intellectual growth that meaningful learning provides. By focusing on thoughtful and consistent study, we develop knowledge that stays with us and shapes our understanding of the world.



Written by: Abigail Morata

Learning is the foundation of life that brings us knowledge we can use to improve as individuals. In his essay Of Studies, Francis Bacon talks about how careful and steady study can improve the mind and judgment and bring joy to learning. But nowadays, many students turn to cramming, which means trying to memorize everything the night before an exam. While cramming might seem like a quick fix for short-term success, it doesn't provide the lasting benefits that real study does. Cramming goes against Bacon’s idea of study and ends up causing shallow learning, stress, and a lack of deep understanding.

Cramming is all about trying to get quick results instead of focusing on understanding the material for the long term. This is the opposite of what Bacon believes, which is that study should help us grow mentally and intellectually. Cramming is a rush to memorize as much as possible in a short time, usually right before an exam. While this might help students remember some facts for a short while, it doesn't help them truly understand the lesson or retain it in the long run. After the exam, students who crammed often forget most of the information. This quick way of learning limits the real benefits of study, which should involve connecting new ideas with what we already know and thinking about them more deeply. Bacon encourages a steady, ongoing process of learning that builds on what you already know so you can both remember and apply that knowledge in the future. Cramming doesn't let students grow in this way, and it weakens the true value of learning.

Moreover, cramming also stops students from thinking about what they're learning in a deeper way. Bacon believes that study should make students think critically and reflect on what they’ve learned. Study, for him, is about making connections and understanding how new information fits into the bigger picture. But cramming is all about memorizing facts quickly, leaving little time for students to think about what the lesson really means or how it can be applied in the real world. Students who cram tend to memorize things by routine, without really understanding them. This means they miss out on the chance to see connections between different ideas and think about how they can use the information outside of a test. As a result, students who cram might do well on the exam but struggle to use that knowledge in real life. Bacon’s approach, however, helps students truly understand the lesson, think for themselves, and apply what they’ve learned in different situations. The kind of reflective thinking that Bacon promotes is necessary for mastering a subject, but cramming only focuses on memorization instead of real understanding.

In conclusion, while cramming might help students get through exams in the short term, it doesn’t provide the long-term benefits of real study that Bacon talks about. Cramming focuses on memorization over understanding and critical thinking. It also causes stress and gives students a false sense of mastery without really teaching them anything. To get the most out of study, students should follow Bacon’s advice and focus on steady, thoughtful learning that allows them to understand things deeply, retain knowledge longer, and develop their critical thinking skills. Instead of cramming, students should adopt a steady pace of learning that helps them grow academically and connect with the material in a meaningful way.



Written by: Rona Allana Colita

It is true that one of the most essential parts of a student’s life is studying. We study because we need to learn, and reading books helps improve our comprehension. However, this tells us that learning is not just about gaining knowledge, it’s about understanding and applying it in real-life situations.

It is particularly relevant today, as people often consume information rapidly without truly understanding or questioning it. One of the most intriguing ideas in the passage is that it emphasizes that different subjects train the mind in different ways. Some areas of study develop logic and creativity, while others strengthen critical thinking. Most importantly, it helps shape our values, preferences, and behavior. It also implies that education influences not only intellect but also personal character. Engaging with subjects like philosophy, logic, and literature helps individuals enhance their critical thinking abilities, strengthen their moral judgment, and improve their communication skills.

In conclusion, studying is not just about filling our minds with information. It is about using that knowledge to grow, make better choices, and improve ourselves. Books open doors to new opportunities, but it is up to us to walk through them. Learning becomes truly meaningful when we apply it to real-life and use it to make a positive impact on the world around us.










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