IELTS Speaking Part 1: Remembering Things – Sample Answers & Useful Vocabulary

“Remembering Things” is a common and engaging topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1. It requires candidates to talk about their daily habits, memory skills, and ways of managing information. Although the questions are relatively simple, many candidates struggle to express their ideas naturally and use topic-related vocabulary effectively.

This article provides flexible sample answers (suitable for both Yes/No responses), along with useful vocabulary, pronunciation, meanings, and example sentences to help you speak more confidently and coherently.

1. How do you usually remember important things?

Sample Answer (If you have)

Well, I usually rely on notes and digital reminders to keep track of important things. I either write them down in a notebook or set alerts on my phone, which helps me stay organised and avoid missing deadlines. For instance, I always schedule reminders for meetings or assignments. As a result, I feel more relaxed and in control of my timetable.

Sample Answer (If you don’t have )

To be honest, I don’t really have a fixed system for remembering things. I mostly depend on my memory, so from time to time, I end up forgetting important tasks or appointments. When that happens, it can be quite stressful, especially if I’m busy. That’s why I’m trying to develop better organisational habits.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Reminder
   • Pronunciation: /rɪˈmaɪndə(r)/
   • Meaning: Something that helps you remember something
   • Example: I set a reminder on my phone so I wouldn’t forget the meeting.
2. Deadline
   • Pronunciation: /ˈdedlaɪn/
   • Meaning: The latest time by which something must be completed
   • Example: Students often feel pressure when a deadline is approaching.
3. Organised
   • Pronunciation: /ˈɔːɡənaɪzd/
   • Meaning: Arranged or planned carefully
   • Example: She keeps an organised schedule to manage her workload effectively.

2. What kinds of things do you need to remember in your everyday life?

Sample Answer (Busy schedule)

In my everyday life, I need to remember deadlines, personal appointments, and daily responsibilities. Keeping track of these things is essential because forgetting them can easily disrupt my routine. Most of the time, I use a planner to manage everything, which really helps me stay on track.

Sample Answer (Simple routine)

Actually, my daily routine is fairly simple, so I mainly need to remember basic tasks like doing chores or meeting friends. I don’t usually have too many responsibilities to keep in mind. As long as I remember the key tasks, my day runs quite smoothly.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Responsibility
   • Pronunciation: /rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/
   • Meaning: A duty or obligation
   • Example: Managing time effectively is an important responsibility for students.
2. Routine
   • Pronunciation: /ruːˈtiːn/
   • Meaning: A regular way of doing things
   • Example: Having a daily routine can improve productivity.
3. Keep track of
   • Pronunciation: /kiːp træk əv/
   • Meaning: To monitor or remember information
   • Example: It’s hard to keep track of all my tasks without writing them down.

3. Have you ever forgotten anything important?

Sample Answer (Yes)

Yes, a few times. I once forgot an important meeting because I didn’t write it down, and that caused me some trouble. After that experience, I became more careful with my schedule. Now, I always double-check important plans to avoid making the same mistake.

Sample Answer (No)

Not really. I usually plan things carefully and review my schedule regularly. Because of that, I rarely forget important events or tasks. Over time, staying organised has become a habit for me.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Double-check
   • Pronunciation: /ˌdʌbl ˈtʃek/
   • Meaning: To check something again carefully
   • Example: I always double-check my schedule before leaving home.
2. Schedule
   • Pronunciation: /ˈʃedjuːl/ (UK) /ˈskedʒuːl/ (US)
   • Meaning: A plan of activities or events
   • Example: My schedule is usually quite busy during the week.
3. Habit
   • Pronunciation: /ˈhæbɪt/
   • Meaning: Something you do regularly
   • Example: Reviewing my tasks every night has become a good habit.

4. Would you say you’re good at remembering things?

Sample Answer (Yes)

I’d say I’m fairly good at remembering things most of the time. I can usually recall important information, especially when I stay organised and use reminders. Overall, my memory works quite well in everyday situations.

Sample Answer (No)

I wouldn’t say I’m particularly good at remembering things. I tend to forget small details, especially when I’m under pressure or dealing with multiple tasks. However, I’m gradually improving by using notes and digital tools more consistently.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

1. Recall
   • Pronunciation: /rɪˈkɔːl/
   • Meaning: To remember something
   • Example: I can easily recall important dates.
2. Under pressure
   • Pronunciation: /ˈʌndə ˈpreʃə(r)/
   • Meaning: Feeling stressed or stressed by responsibility
   • Example: I tend to forget things when I’m under pressure.
3. Consistently
   • Pronunciation: /kənˈsɪstəntli/
   • Meaning: In a regular and reliable way
   • Example: Practising consistently can improve your memory.

🎯 Final Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1

• Keep your answers natural and personal.
• Avoid memorised or overly academic responses.
• Use linking phrases like “As a result”, “To be honest”, or “Over time” to sound more fluent.
• Extend your answers slightly with explanations or examples.

By practising these model answers and vocabulary, you can respond confidently and achieve a higher band score in IELTS Speaking Part 1.