Do you remember how you learned the alphabet with fun songs in elementary school? That is a form of mnemonic – a simple but extremely effective memory trick. For those of you who are studying for the IELTS exam, this technique not only helps you memorize vocabulary faster, but also makes learning English more interesting and lively. Let's explore with IDP what mnemonic is and how to apply mnemonic in memorizing English vocabulary.
1. What is the Mnemonic method?
Turning abstract information into concrete images or objects helps the brain store and retrieve data more quickly. When you visualize what you want to learn, your brain activates creativity, which makes new vocabulary and facts easier to remember naturally and for longer.
The word mnemonic comes from the Ancient Greek term "mnemonikos," meaning related to memory. It is also connected to Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory and mother of the nine Muses, symbols of art and science.
Simple mnemonic examples
Desert vs. dessert
Dessert has two s letters because you always want one more s erving.
Memory tip: dessert is sweet and you want more; desert is dry and has only one s.
Coordinating conjunctions in Writing: FANBOYS
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Spelling the word necessary
People often confuse the number of c and s letters.
Memory tip: Never Eat Crispy Chips, Eat Salad And Remember Yesterday.
Short version: Never Eat Crispy Chips.
Mnemonics do not need to be perfect or complicated. The image or phrase only needs to be vivid or unique to you.
2. Benefits of the Mnemonic Technique
Remember faster and retain longer
Mnemonics link new information to familiar cues, so your brain encodes it more quickly and keeps it longer than rote memorization. This is especially useful when you need to absorb a lot of vocabulary in a short time for the IELTS exam.
Boost creative thinking
Inventing your own mnemonics is active learning. You are not only receiving language but also connecting, imagining, and reorganizing information in a personal way. When learning feels fun and emotional, your brain releases dopamine, which supports mood and memory. Each word becomes a picture, a story, or a mini game, making English study more enjoyable and effective.
Flexible for multiple skills
Mnemonics are not just for vocabulary. You can use them for grammar, pronunciation, adjective order, collocations, and even planning ideas for IELTS Academic Writing and Speaking.
Examples
Hard English sounds for Vietnamese learners (/th/, /dh/, /sh/, /zh/):
For /th/ in think: stick your tongue out slightly to pronounce it. This visual cue helps place your tongue correctly.
Adjective order: OSASCOMP = Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Colour, Origin, Material, Purpose.
3. Limitations of Mnemonics
Time consuming to create one for every word
Beginners often want a mnemonic for every new word. That is a mistake. An effective mnemonic requires understanding the meaning and usage, then building a fitting association (image, sound, or short story). This takes thought, testing across contexts, and fine tuning. If you try to apply it to thousands of IELTS words, you will spend more time than with a simpler approach. Use mnemonics selectively for hard, easily confused, or highly academic words.
Cannot replace real practice
Memory and usage are different skills. Mnemonics help you store information, but to turn words into active vocabulary for Speaking and Writing, you must practice regularly in real contexts.
IDP tip: Use mnemonics to remember smartly, but only consistent practice will help you use English naturally and flexibly in IELTS.
4. Popular Mnemonic Types for Learning English
Mnemonic type | How it works | Example |
|---|---|---|
Acronym | Use first letters to form an easy word | HOMES = the 5 Great Lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior |
Rhymes and songs | Attach rules to rhythm or tune | Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November... to remember days in a month |
Imagery | Link the word to a picture | Butterfly: imagine a piece of butter flying |
Story based | Create a mini story or scene | because: Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants |
Chunking | Group items by theme | Learn curriculum, assessment, literacy, academic under the Education topic |
5. Steps To Use Mnemonics for IELTS Vocabulary
Step 1: Select target words
Not every word needs a mnemonic. Focus on abstract terms, long words, tricky spelling, or academic vocabulary you want to make active. Always check meaning, usage, part of speech, and context first.
Step 2: Create an association
Turn the word into an image, sound, gesture, location, or short story. The funnier or more vivid, the better.
Step 3: Record your mnemonics for review
Store them in a notebook or an app. In Notion, Quizlet, or Anki, add images for visual memory. A simple 3 column table works well:
Word | Mnemonic | Meaning or example |
mitigate | make it get less | to reduce or lessen |
jeopardize | Jeopardy, a game show, risk losing | to put in danger |
Step 4: Use spaced repetition
Apply new words in daily sentences. Real context plus regular review locks them in long term memory. Mnemonics speed up learning, but repetition makes it stick. Schedule weekly reviews or set reminders in your vocab app.
Mnemonics: A Smart Way To Learn IELTS Better
English vocabulary study does not have to be dry. With mnemonics, every new word can become a picture, a story, or a tune that makes learning lighter and more memorable. Find a mnemonic style that fits you best, whether imagery, stories, or rhythms. The goal is the same: remember longer, learn more efficiently, and use English naturally in IELTS and daily life.
If you are preparing for IELTS with IDP, you can boost your progress with quality courses and materials. IDP offers a wide range of official test locations, flexible test dates, and the option to take IELTS on computer with results in as little as 2 days.
When you are ready, register for IELTS with IDP and start your journey toward your target band score.