Is it useful to memorize when studying for the IELTS? My answer is yes. When it comes to language tests, memorization does help you to improve some of the skills. However, there are certain things you should not memorize. Also, you should not memorize mechanically because it won’t help you to learn English over the long term. Today’s blog is going to introduce things that you can memorize and how to memorize effectively.
Things You Shouldn’t Memorize
Never memorize speaking or writing answers, such as a chunk of sentences or a whole essay. Some students think that they can perform better if they memorize scripted answers and use them in the test. Actually, examiners can spot them easily and lower your score. Besides, if you receive a question that you have not prepared, you will get even more nervous during the test. Moreover, it doesn’t help you to learn and use the language at all. Therefore, memorizing answers is a bad idea.
Things You Can Memorize
Instead of memorizing answers, there are certain situations you can memorize to improve your score.
1. Vocabulary
The first thing is vocabulary. Learning vocabulary is really important for learning a language as well as taking a language test. Expanding your vocabulary helps you to better understand the recording, increase your reading speed, and express ideas effectively by using various words in speaking and writing.
2. Useful Expressions in Speaking and Writing
You can and should memorize some useful expressions when preparing for the IELTS. Check out our post on How to Give Opinions, How to Express Likes and Dislikes, How to Compare and Contrast, How to Ask for Clarification, and Useful Phrases to Link Your Writing. These expressions help you to connect ideas and structure your answers in speaking and writing test.
3. Structures
You can also memorize sentence structures and essay structures. It is different from remembering whole chunks of sentences. They are great tools to polish your writing. Check out our post on Useful Sentence Patterns, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 Template to learn more information!
4. Evidence
Evidence refers to data and facts, which is used to support your ideas in speaking and writing. You don’t have to memorize them word-by-word. Just collect some useful evidence and remember what they are about. You can describe them in your own words in the test.
How to Memorize?
1. Use Meaningful Context
You can hardly remember things by memorizing mechanically. The most effective way to remember words and phrases is to use meaningful context such as a story and a conversation. Check out our post on Five Fun Ways to Learn English Vocabulary to learn useful ways to memorize new words!
2. Practice
When it comes to expressions, structures, and evidence, the most useful way to remember them is to practice. After reading those posts, take notes on the expressions and then use them when you are practicing speaking or writing.
You should avoid rote memorization when learning a language. Try to use fun and effective ways to remember useful words, phrases, expressions, structures, and evidence to improve your IELTS score!
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