Part 1 · Band 6

are you good at memorizing things?

Source-reported band score · 42 words

Sample answer

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 events. I try to double-check all the events.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas move in a clear sequence: you describe your memory in the past, explain the change as you get older, and give a practical way you manage it. The final sentence adds a related checking habit, though it repeats the idea of managing events rather than adding a result. Practise this answer in 20 seconds, then repeat it in 15 seconds while keeping the same past-to-present-to-strategy order.

Lexical Resource

“Sharp memory” is a natural expression, and “set up alarms” and “double-check” communicate your strategy clearly. The main limitation is repetition: “memorize things,” “forget things,” and “events” recur without much variation. You could refine the answer by choosing a precise phrase such as “remember important events” and using a pronoun or a shorter reference afterward, while keeping the meaning unchanged.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The contrast between “I used to have” and “as I get older” is grammatically sound, and the answer also uses a clear purpose clause in “to help myself memorize things.” Most sentences follow straightforward patterns, so there is limited variety, but there is no need to add complexity at the expense of clarity. For a small extension, connect the memory change and your strategy with a clause such as “so I use…”

Pronunciation

Because this is text only, pronunciation cannot be assessed; this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise word stress in “sharp memory,” “important events,” and “double-check.” Say the answer in thought groups—“I used to have a sharp memory / but as I get older, I sometimes forget things / so I set alarms on my iPhone.” Record one take, check that each phrase is easy to understand, and repeat it.

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 clear past-to-present sequence, then make the link to your strategy explicit with “so” or “to help me remember.”
  • Reduce repetition by replacing one use of “things” with a specific phrase such as “important events.”
  • Practise a 15–20-second version and check that it includes your past memory, the change over time, and your alarm strategy.

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.