Part 1 · Band 4

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 23 words

Sample answer

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.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The written answer moves logically from a direct response—“No, I am not good at memorizing”—to a specific example from last month and its cause. That gives the answer a clear beginning and supporting detail, though it ends without a further reflection. Text alone cannot show spoken fluency. Practise speaking this answer for 20 seconds, adding one brief sentence about what the example shows, then repeat it while keeping the same clear sequence.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is relevant and easy to understand: “memorizing,” “doctor's appointment,” and “for reference” all relate to the example. However, the range is narrow, and “save my appointment dates for reference” is less natural than “write down the date so I can check it later.” Practise replacing general wording with precise everyday collocations, then add one relevant phrase such as “rely on my memory” without making the answer sound over-rehearsed.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses a clear negative statement and a past event linked by “because”: “Last month, I forgot my doctor's appointment because I don't save my appointment dates for reference.” The meaning is understandable, and the present tense can describe a general habit. The sample is short, however, so it shows little range in sentence structures. For a fuller answer, add a simple follow-up sentence using a contrasting or result link, while checking that each tense matches its meaning.

Pronunciation

There is no audio, so pronunciation cannot be assessed; this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “memorizing” (stress the first syllable) and “appointment” (stress “point”), then group the answer into thought units: “No, I am not good at memorizing things / Last month, I forgot my doctor's appointment / because I don't save the dates for reference.” Record yourself once, check whether the key words are clear, and repeat.

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 “No” answer, then add one sentence explaining how the forgotten appointment illustrates your memory.
  • Replace “save my appointment dates” with the more natural phrase “write down the appointment date.”
  • Practise a 20-second spoken version: give your answer, recount the event from last month, and finish with one short reflection.

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

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