Part 1 · Band 7

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 191 words

Sample answer

I guess I am. While in school, we have to memorize a lot of materials for our exams and whatnot. I have been doing well on this, so I guess I'm good at memorizing and learning the different subjects and lessons required. On top of that, my memory works quite well for everything related to mathematics and science. I can easily recall formulas, equations, and scientific concepts, which has helped me achieve good grades in these subjects. However, when it comes to memorizing things like historical dates or literary quotes, I find it more challenging. I often struggle to remember specific details unless I create associations or visual aids to help me. In addition to academic subjects, I also have a decent memory for everyday things, like remembering people’s names or important dates, such as birthdays. I think this is partly due to my habit of writing things down and reviewing them regularly. Overall, while I excel in memorizing certain types of information, I acknowledge that there are areas where I need to improve. I believe that with practice and the right techniques, I can enhance my memorization skills even further.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer develops in a clear sequence: it starts with a direct response, contrasts stronger recall in maths and science with difficulty remembering dates and quotes, then adds everyday examples and a conclusion. This gives the response a coherent arc, though the detail is lengthy for Part 1 and repeats the idea of being good at memorising. Practise a 45-second version, keeping one academic strength, one difficulty, and one everyday example.

Lexical Resource

There is useful topic-specific vocabulary in phrases such as “recall formulas, equations, and scientific concepts” and “create associations or visual aids.” The contrast between “excel” and “struggle” also communicates your meaning precisely. Some wording is less natural or repetitive, particularly “doing well on this” and the repeated forms of “memorizing” and “memory.” Practise replacing these with natural collocations such as “good at retaining information” and vary your wording selectively.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use a good range of sentence patterns, including the subordinate clause “unless I create associations or visual aids” and the contrast introduced by “However.” Most sentences are clear and controlled. The shift from “While in school” to “we have to” makes the time reference slightly less clear, though the intended meaning is understandable. As a refinement, keep the school reference consistently in the past and read the answer aloud to check that longer sentences remain easy to follow.

Pronunciation

This is a text-only assessment, so pronunciation cannot be assessed from the answer. For practice, mark the main stress in “memorizing,” “scientific concepts,” and “visual aids,” then group the response into thought units—for example, pause between the academic examples and the everyday examples. Record a 45-second response and check whether each phrase is clearly separated and the key content words are prominent. This practice guide is not an assessment of a recording.

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

  • Practise a 45-second version with one example of strong recall, one thing that is harder to remember, and one technique you use.
  • Replace “doing well on this” with a natural ability collocation, such as “I’m good at memorizing it,” and avoid repeating “memory” when another clear expression will do.
  • Make the time reference consistent: use past tense for what you had to learn at school, then present tense for your current habits and abilities.

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.