Part 1 · Band 5

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 40 words

Sample answer

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 memorizing. But numbers, numbers are so easy for memorizing.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer moves from a general view—“Generally, I think I'm good”—to a qualification, then contrasts difficulty with coordinates or names against ease with numbers. That gives it a clear, relevant progression, though the repeated “numbers” and lack of a reason make the ending feel underdeveloped. Try a 30-second practice: answer this question, include one contrast and a brief reason, then repeat once while keeping the ideas in the same order.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “tough question” and “coordinates or names” communicate your meaning, and “Generally” helps qualify your opinion. However, “situations or scenes” is an imprecise pairing in this context, and “memorizing” is repeated several times. Next, practise choosing a precise word for the context, such as “context,” and vary the final wording with “remember” or “memorise” while keeping your meaning clear.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use a qualifying clause in “but it depends,” and the answer is understandable overall. The example “some coordinates or names, I'm really bad at memorizing” has an unclear grammatical link between the topic and the main clause; “numbers are so easy for memorizing” also uses an unnatural structure. Practise linking examples with “I find it hard to…” and using “easy to + verb,” as in “easy to memorize.”

Pronunciation

This is a text-only practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “memorizing things” and “coordinates or names,” then group the answer into thought units: “Generally, I think I'm good at memorizing things / but it depends on situations or scenes.” Record yourself reading it, check that each phrase is easy to follow, and compare a second take after practising the stressed words; no claim is made here about your actual pronunciation.

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

  • Make the contrast between your general ability and specific examples explicit: say that your memory depends on what you are trying to remember.
  • Use a complete sentence to introduce the examples, such as “I'm bad at memorizing coordinates or names.”
  • Add one short reason for why numbers are easy for you, if you have a genuine reason, and avoid repeating “numbers” for emphasis.

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

No, I'm not good at memorizing things. It is my weakness that I don't remember. The majority of the time, things would happen. I remember all the recent events that I heard in r...

Band 4

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