Part 1 · Band 4

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 217 words

Sample answer

That's an interesting question. I've been thinking about this question a lot. Many of my friends ask me whether I'm good at memorizing things or not. Actually, I believe that memorizing things is a very good trait to have. It's also useful and beneficial. Personally, I think I'm actually good at memorizing things, especially when it comes to numbers and names. For example, I can remember phone numbers after hearing them just a few times. However, when it comes to long texts or complicated ideas, I struggle more. I find it hard to keep all the information in my head, and sometimes I forget important details. In school, I used to memorize facts for exams, but I often forgot them shortly after. This makes me think that while I can memorize some things, it doesn’t always stick with me. I also notice that I remember things better when I use techniques like making flashcards or repeating information out loud. Overall, I think being good at memorizing is important, but it also depends on the method used. I try my best to improve my memory skills, but I know I still have a long way to go. So, in conclusion, I would say I am somewhat good at memorizing, but there are areas where I need to improve.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer follows a clear progression: it gives a general view, distinguishes remembering “numbers and names” from “long texts or complicated ideas,” then adds school experience and study methods before concluding. This development is coherent, but several opening and closing phrases repeat the same point, making the response longer than needed for Part 1. Practise delivering this answer in 45 seconds, keeping one example for what you remember well and one for what you find difficult.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “complicated ideas,” “important details” and “repeating information out loud” give relevant detail, and the contrast between strengths and difficulties is expressed clearly. However, “useful and beneficial” repeats one idea, while “memorizing things” appears several times. For a more natural, concise answer, use a few precise alternatives such as “remembering names” or “retain information,” and remove repeated wording where the meaning is already clear.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The response uses a good range of accurate structures, including the contrast in “while I can memorize some things, it doesn’t always stick with me” and the time reference “In school, I used to memorize facts for exams.” The sentences are generally controlled and easy to follow. A small improvement would be to make the pronoun reference in “it doesn’t always stick with me” more explicit by naming the information, and to combine or trim a few short sentences for smoother delivery.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from text, so this is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “memorizing,” “complicated ideas” and “important details,” stressing the key content words. Group the answer into thought units: “I’m good with numbers and names / but less confident with long texts.” Record a short response, then check whether each phrase is easy to understand and whether the key words sound prominent.

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 Part 1 response concise: state your level of ability, then give one example of what you remember well and one limitation.
  • Replace repeated uses of “memorizing things” with precise references such as “names,” “phone numbers” or “information.”
  • Practise a 45-second version aloud and remove any sentence that repeats a point already made.

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.