Part 1 · Band 5

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 51 words

Sample answer

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 recent times, but as time goes on, my memories fade and it can be a challenge to remember.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer develops in a sensible order: you give a direct “No,” describe memory as a weakness, then contrast recent memories with memories fading over time. The idea in “The majority of the time, things would happen” interrupts that progression because its meaning is unclear. Practise this answer in 30 seconds: give your opinion, explain what you can remember, and finish with why recalling older information is difficult.

Lexical Resource

Useful topic vocabulary includes “memorizing,” “weakness,” and “my memories fade,” which makes your main point clear. However, “things” is general, and “recent events” is repeated as “in recent times.” Try replacing repetition with precise wording such as “details” or “information,” where it fits, and use a natural phrase like “as time passes” to describe memory fading.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use simple sentences and a contrast in “but as time goes on,” showing some ability to connect ideas. The main grammatical weakness is control of phrasing and time reference: “things would happen” does not clearly express your intended point, while “events that I heard in recent times” is awkwardly formed. Practise making one clear present-tense statement for your usual memory habits, followed by a contrast.

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” (MEM-o-riz-ing) and “majority” (ma-JOR-i-ty). Say the answer in thought groups: “No, I’m not good at memorizing things / It is my weakness / but as time goes on, my memories fade.” Record it, then check whether each group is clear and the key stressed syllables stand out.

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 the unclear sentence about “things would happen” with a direct statement about how often you struggle to remember.
  • Avoid repeating “recent”; use “lately” or “as time passes” to express the time contrast.
  • Practise a three-part answer aloud: direct response, what you can remember, and what becomes difficult over time.

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.