Sample answer
Honestly, I don't consider myself very good at memorizing things. Many people have told me I have a goldfish memory, meaning I struggle to remember things, especially numbers and names.
Part 1 · Band 8
are you good at memorizing things?
Source-reported band score · 30 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The answer follows a clear sequence: you give your view in “I don't consider myself very good at memorizing things,” support it with what others have said, then specify numbers and names. This makes the response easy to follow, though it could develop the point with one brief example or contrast. Practise speaking for 20 seconds: give your view, add one genuine example, and finish by naming what is hardest to remember.
Lexical Resource
“Goldfish memory” is a vivid, natural informal expression, and “especially numbers and names” gives a clear, relevant detail. The vocabulary is accurate, but “things” appears several times and the range is necessarily limited in this short response. For a more precise answer, replace one use of “things” with a suitable word such as “details,” while keeping the idiom if it reflects your usual style.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
The sentences are grammatically controlled: “Many people have told me” introduces reported speech, and “meaning I struggle to remember things” adds an explanation effectively. The response relies mainly on straightforward sentence patterns, so it offers limited evidence of range; there is no clear grammatical error to correct. As a next step, try combining your view and a specific example in one sentence using “although” or “because.”
Pronunciation
This is text only, so pronunciation cannot be assessed; the following is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “memorizing” and “especially,” then group the answer into thought units: “Honestly, I don't consider myself very good at memorizing things” / “Many people have told me I have a goldfish memory” / “especially numbers and names.” Record one attempt, listen back, and check that each phrase is easy to understand.
A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.
- Keep the direct opening, then add one genuine, brief example of a number or name you have difficulty remembering.
- Reduce repetition by using “details” or “specific information” in place of one instance of “things.”
- Practise a 20-second version with a clear view, one supporting detail, and a short concluding phrase.
Plan your answer
Try your own response before reading the samples.
Ideas to explore
- Explain whether you are good at memorizing things and give one reason, such as being able to recall information accurately.
- Give a specific example of spatial memory, such as remembering where information appeared on a page while studying.
- Mention a practical technique—such as acronyms, rhymes, or repetition—and say how it helps you retain material.
Suggested structure
- Answer the question directly with yes or no.
- Give one brief reason for your answer.
- Add a concrete example from studying or everyday life.
- Mention one or two memory techniques and finish with their benefit.
Useful vocabulary & examples
- spatial memory
- The ability to remember where things are or where information was located.
My spatial memory helps me remember where a detail appeared on the page.
- mnemonic device
- A method, such as an acronym or rhyme, that helps you remember information.
I use a mnemonic device to help me remember a list of facts.
- retrieve information
- To bring stored information back to mind.
Picturing the page helps me retrieve information during an exam.
- retain material
- To keep learned information in your memory.
Reviewing my notes several times helps me retain the material.
Compare answers on this topic
Band 9
I could certainly say yes to these questions. I excel at memorizing things as I believe I possess a sort of photographic memory that enables me to recall information accurately....
Band 8
I'm definitely good at memorizing quick facts. I can easily review information and recall it within a minute. This has been helpful during presentations. However, I wouldn't say...
Band 7
I could say that I'm really bad at memorizing things. And if I can self-diagnose myself, I would say that I have a short-term memory. Like, for instance, if somebody just taught...
Band 6
I used to have a sharp memory. However, as I get older, I tend to forget things sometimes. So to help myself remember things, I set up alarms for important events and tasks on m...
Band 5
It's a tough question for me. Generally, I think I'm good at memorizing things, but it depends on situations or scenes. For example, some coordinates or names, I'm really bad at...
Band 4
Yes. I'm great at memorizing things. Like, I remember birthdays, I-verses, and special occasions in my life.