Part 1 · Band 4

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 17 words

Sample answer

Yes. I'm great at memorizing things. Like, I remember birthdays, I-verses, and special occasions in my life.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer follows a clear sequence: a direct “Yes,” a statement of ability, then examples. The list makes the response relevant, but it ends before explaining why these examples show strong memory. Try a 20-second speaking practice: deliver this answer, add one brief explanation after the list, and finish with a sentence that sums up your view.

Lexical Resource

“Memorizing things” and “special occasions” fit the question, and the examples make the topic clear. However, the vocabulary range is narrow in this short answer, and “I-verses” is unclear and not a standard word in this context. Replace it with a clear category such as “important dates,” then practise adding one precise phrase about what makes those dates easy to remember.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The basic sentences are understandable: “I'm great at memorizing things” gives a clear claim, and “I remember…” introduces supporting examples. The structures are simple, with no developed sentence showing a reason or contrast; “Like” also makes the example sound more like an informal afterthought. Practise joining the idea and an explanation with “because,” while keeping the examples in a parallel list.

Pronunciation

Text alone cannot show how these words were pronounced, so this is not an assessment of a recording. For practice, stress the key syllables in “memorizing” and “special occasions,” and group the examples as “birthdays / important dates / special occasions.” Record yourself saying the improved answer, check that each item is distinct, and compare your recording with a reliable dictionary model for word stress.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Replace “I-verses” with a clear phrase such as “important dates” or, if that is what you mean, “anniversaries.”
  • Add one short reason after the examples, using a structure such as “because I tend to remember…”
  • Practise a 20-second version that includes your answer, two or three examples, and a brief concluding sentence.

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

  1. Answer the question directly with yes or no.
  2. Give one brief reason for your answer.
  3. Add a concrete example from studying or everyday life.
  4. 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.

Practise your answer →

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

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 an...

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

No, I am not good at memorizing. Last month, I forgot my doctor's appointment because I don't save my appointment dates for reference.