An argumentative text
In Indonesia, there’s a popular saying:
“If you wake up late, the chickens will peck at your fortune.”
This quote shows a cultural belief that waking up early leads to better productivity and success. Because of this, many people believe that studying in the morning is more effective. However, not everyone feels most focused in the morning. Some people find their minds more active and calmer at night. This phenomenon raises the question: Is studying in the morning more effective, or does it depend on each person’s focus and study habits?
Many studies and traditions support the idea that morning is the best time to study. A survey by Rachmat and his team (2022) found that early mornings, especially around dawn, are ideal for learning because the brain is still fresh and not yet stressed by daily activities. Similarly, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) recommends studying between 7 AM and 11 AM, when brain focus is at its peak and distractions are low. Starting the day with the study also helps students feel more productive and organized, as they finish their tasks before other responsibilities begin. The morning environment is also generally quieter, with fewer interruptions from social media or other people’s schedules, which helps improve concentration.
Although mornings are great for structured learning, night study also has good benefits. According to an article by IDN Times, the evening offers a calm, quiet atmosphere that helps many students focus better. The article states that studying at night can improve memory, especially when reviewing material before sleep, as the brain processes information during rest. Some students also feel more creative and emotionally open in the evening, making it a good time for writing or reflection. The absence of deadlines or busy schedules at night also gives some students a feeling of freedom, making their learning feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Some people argue that morning is always better and more productive, but this isn’t true for everyone. I found that the best time depends on the type of study. For example, I prefer doing formal assignments such as writing in the morning when my thoughts are more structured. On the other hand, when I need to memorize something, like for a test, I focus better at night, especially before bed. From my experience as a Santri (student in an Islamic boarding school), both dawn and night are peaceful times for study. Imam Al-Zarnuji, a respected Islamic scholar, even emphasized in Ta’lim al-Muta’allim that early morning is best for memorizing something, and night is best for reviewing. So both times can be powerful if used wisely.
In conclusion, both morning and night offer great benefits for learning. Morning brings mental clarity and productivity, while night offers focus and memory retention. Based on research, tradition, and personal experience, the most effective time to study depends on the individual’s learning style and the type of task. Therefore, instead of forcing one method, students should try both and find what works best for them, whether it’s under the sunrise or in the calm of night.
References:
Rachmat, R., Kusmana, K., & Fahrudin, F. (2022). Waktu-waktu efektif belajar menurut para ulama dan santri. ResearchGate
UMN. Rekomendasi 5 waktu terbaik untuk belajar. UMN Official Website
