Sample answer
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 my iPhone and try to check in to events.
Part 1 · Band 6
are you good at memorizing things?
Source-reported band score · 43 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The ideas follow a clear sequence: you describe your past memory, contrast it with your current experience, then explain how you manage forgetfulness. The final point about checking events could be clearer about what you check. Practise this answer in a 30-second recording: give each of those three stages one sentence, then listen back and see whether the last sentence clearly explains your strategy. Fluency is not assessed from text alone.
Lexical Resource
“Sharp memory” and “important events and tasks” are relevant, natural phrases that make your answer specific. However, “things” appears more than once, and “check in to events” is unclear in this context; it may sound as if you mean attending or registering for them. Next, replace repeated general words with precise alternatives, such as “appointments” or “my calendar,” while keeping the meaning you intend.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Your grammar is clear and controlled: “as I get older” gives a time contrast, while “to help myself remember things” explains the purpose of your actions. The answer also uses complete sentences and has no clear grammatical error. To develop range without making the response cumbersome, try joining the first two sentences with “but,” then retain the purpose clause to show how the ideas relate.
Pronunciation
A pronunciation assessment is not possible from text, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise word stress in “sharp memory” (SHARP; MEM-ory) and “important events and tasks” (im-POR-tant; e-VENTS). Say the answer in thought groups: “I used to have a sharp memory / but as I get older, I sometimes forget things.” Record yourself, mark where each thought group ends, and check that the key words are easy to distinguish.
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 repeated word “things” with a more specific noun where possible, such as “appointments” or “tasks.”
- Clarify the final strategy by naming what you check, for example, your calendar or event reminders.
- Practise delivering the past experience, current difficulty, and solution as three connected thought groups in a 30-second response.
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
- Answer the question directly with yes or no.
- Give one brief reason for your answer.
- Add a concrete example from studying or everyday life.
- 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.
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
Well, I used to have a sharp memory. However, as I get older, I tend to forget things sometimes. So, to help myself memorize things, I set up alarms on my iPhone for important e...
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.