Three Tips to Improve Your Memory

A B2 ESL CONNECT lesson: the video gives practical memory strategies based on attention, association, repetition and retrieval.

BBC Ideas video thumbnail: Three tips to improve your memory
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Watch the video on YouTube from 0:43
Section 1 of 9
Section 1

1. Before watching

Discuss these questions before watching. Try to use examples from school, work or daily life.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

2. Watch

Watch the video using the image from YouTube, then complete the comprehension and language tasks.

YouTube video thumbnail
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Open the video

3. Comprehension

Choose the best answer based on the video’s main ideas.

Answers: 1 B, 2 B, 3 B, 4 B.

4. Five-paragraph gap-fill

Choose the correct word or phrase from each dropdown. The paragraphs are adapted from the video topic for classroom use.

Memory improves when people actively connect new information to something meaningful. Instead of simply repeating facts, learners can create associations, images and examples that make ideas easier to .

Another key principle is retrieval practice: testing yourself helps strengthen memory more effectively than passive rereading. Spaced repetition can also stop information from fading and make it more likely to .

The video gives examples so learners can connect the main ideas to real situations and make the topic more .

A useful lesson is to notice both the language and the practical in the video.

After watching, students should discuss the topic and apply the ideas to their own experience.

Answers: Complete the dropdowns in order. Extra answers may include memorable, advice, critically.

5. Phrasal verbs

Match each phrasal verb or phrase with the best meaning.

Answers: 1 A, 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, 5 E.

6. Vocabulary

Vocabulary matching

Match each memory-related word with the correct meaning. The answer choices are in the side column.

Answers: 1 D, 2 A, 3 E, 4 B, 5 C, 6 F.

Drag and drop: memory tips

Drag each word into the sentence that matches it best.

Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Answers: 1 image, 2 know, 3 association, 4 recall, 5 memorable.

7. Grammar

Grammar focus: imperatives for advice

Choose the best verb to complete each piece of advice.

Answers: 1 Create, 2 Connect, 3 Review, 4 Don’t try.

Grammar practice: so that / in order to

Complete the sentences with your own ideas.

Example answers:
1. I write new words in a notebook so that I can review them later.
2. I repeat important information in order to remember it more easily.
3. I use images so that the information feels more vivid.
4. I take breaks while studying in order to concentrate better.

8. Discussion

Use the useful language and questions below to discuss the topic.

Five discussion questions

  1. 1. Should schools teach memory techniques as a separate skill?
  2. 2. Is it better to understand information or memorise it?
  3. 3. Has technology made our memories weaker or just changed how we remember?
  4. 4. What is one memory habit you would like to improve?
  5. What is the main idea of the video?

9. Speaking task

Create a practical routine to remember vocabulary, names, dates or study material.