Memory— Part 1 Report

Suggestion: Be more concise and use present-tense phrasing when appropriate. Start with a clear topic sentence, then briefly add a specific supporting detail with a linking word. Avoid redundancy (e.g. “in the past” and “already over 10 years” together).

Example: Yes, I’m quite good at memorising things. For example, I can still vividly recall my first piano lesson from over ten years ago, which shows how well I retain important experiences.

Suggestion: Begin with a direct topic sentence, then explain briefly why it was important and what happened, using linking words like “because” or “so”. Avoid unnecessary hedging words such as “apparently”. Add a short reflection or result to show development.

Example: Yes, I once forgot my best friend’s birthday, which was really important because she had given me a thoughtful gift on my birthday. As a result, I felt guilty and apologised to her afterward.

Suggestion: Give a concise topic sentence, then add one specific reason and an example of how you do it. Use a linking word like “because” or “so” to connect ideas and avoid colloquial intensifiers like “super”.

Example: I need to remember to practise vocabulary every day because I’m preparing for the SAT. For example, I review 20 new words each morning using flashcards to reinforce retention.

Suggestion: Start with a clear topic sentence, then give one or two specific methods with a linking word like “for example” and a concise example. Avoid repeating the phrase “as a reminder” twice.

Example: I use my phone to remember important things: I take quick notes and add events to the calendar. For example, I put test dates and ceremonies into the calendar with alerts to make sure I don’t miss them.

× Yes, I would say I am good at memorizing things in the past.

✓ Yes, I would say I was good at memorizing things in the past.

The speaker refers to ability in the past ('in the past'), so the verb tense should be past ('was') to match the time frame. Use past tense when describing past abilities or habits. Suggestion: replace 'am' with 'was' when indicating past time.

× For example, I can still recall my first time learning how to play the piano.

✓ For example, I can still recall the first time I learned to play the piano.

The original is understandable but awkward. Use 'the first time I learned to play the piano' for natural English and correct verb form ('learned' for past event). This improves word order and clarity.

× It is already over 10 years from that moment, but I can still remember it.

✓ It has already been over 10 years since that moment, but I can still remember it.

When referring to a period extending to the present, use present perfect ('has been') and 'since' to connect the past moment to now. 'It is over 10 years from that moment' is unidiomatic.

× Yes, I once forgot the birthday of my best friend, which is apparently very important.

✓ Yes, I once forgot my best friend's birthday, which was very important.

Use possessive form 'my best friend's birthday' for natural phrasing. Also 'apparently' is odd for a known fact; use past tense 'was' to match the past event.

× I still feel sorry for that because she prepared a very nice birthday present on my birthday.

✓ I still feel sorry about that because she prepared a very nice birthday present for me.

Use 'feel sorry about' rather than 'for that'. 'Prepared a present on my birthday' is awkward; say 'prepared a present for me' to indicate recipient.

× However, I didn't really prepare anything for her in return.

✓ However, I didn't prepare anything for her in return.

'Really' is unnecessary and weakens the sentence; removing it produces a clearer past simple statement. Past simple 'didn't prepare' is correct for the completed past action.

× I think the most important thing for me to remember every day is to do regular vocabulary practices because I am preparing my SAT exam and having adequate vocabulary knowledge is super important to answer those questions.

✓ I think the most important thing for me to remember every day is to do regular vocabulary practice because I am preparing for my SAT exam and having adequate vocabulary is very important for answering those questions.

Use uncountable 'vocabulary practice' not 'practices'. 'Preparing for my SAT exam' needs preposition 'for'. Replace informal 'super' with 'very'. Use 'for answering' or 'to answer'—'for answering those questions' emphasizes purpose. These fixes correct noun form, preposition use, and register.

× I remember important things by taking notes on my phone as a reminder and also use the calendar in my phone as a reminder.

✓ I remember important things by taking notes on my phone as reminders and by using the calendar on my phone as well.

'As a reminder' should agree in number with 'notes' so use 'reminders'. Maintain parallel structure: 'by taking... and by using...' Also use 'on my phone' rather than 'in my phone' for calendar.

× For example, for important dates like tests or ceremonies, I would input events on my calendar so that it can sit there as a constant reminder.

✓ For example, for important dates like tests or ceremonies, I input events into my calendar so that they stay there as constant reminders.

Use 'input events into my calendar' rather than 'on my calendar' for the action of adding. Use present simple 'input' if describing habitual action. 'They stay there' matches plural 'events'; 'constant reminders' plural matches. Avoid 'would' unless hypothetical; present simple is more natural for routines.