Memory Decoding IELTS Reading Passage: Complete Answer Guide

Latest Update: IELTS has officially introduced the "One Skill Retake" option in India and several other countries, allowing candidates to retake just one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) instead of the entire test if they wish to improve their score

A recent analysis of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results reveals that only about 9% of university-bound candidates achieve a band 7 in the Reading section. Additionally, the global average IELTS Academic Reading score is 6.26, reflecting the section's moderate-to-high difficulty level for most test takers.

The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions across three passages, each containing 12-14 questions. One of the most challenging parts of this section is the Memory Decoding IELTS Reading Passage, which tests your ability to identify key details, understand essential vocabulary, and interpret complex ideas, all within 60 minutes.

This guide will break down strategies for tackling the Memory Decoding passage, focusing on important vocabulary and techniques that will help you improve both speed and accuracy.

Understanding Memory Decoding IELTS Reading Passage

The memory decoding IELTS reading passage typically spans 900 words, divided into 6-8 paragraphs. It explores the process of memory encoding, storage, and retrieval, with a focus on actual applications like memory championships and techniques such as the loci method. The passage uses formal language with specialized vocabulary from neuroscience and psychology.

The passage uses formal language with specific vocabulary related to psychology and cognitive science. Familiarity with these terms is key to answering the questions accurately. Here's an overview of the question types typically found in IELTS academic reading:

IELTS Reading Question Type	Skill Assessed
Sentence Completion	Locating precise terms or phrases that fit contextually.
Multiple Choice	Interpreting explicit details and implications, and selecting the most valid option.
Matching Headings/Information	Linking paragraphs to their central ideas or specific details.
Summary Completion	Synthesizing key themes (e.g., stages of memory formation) using text-based ideas.
True/False/Not Given	Distinguishing factual claims, contradictions, or gaps in the text.

Also Read: IELTS Plan for 1 Month – A Complete Preparation Strategy

Consistent practice with authentic IELTS Reading section passages, like Memory Decoding, helps you refine your strategy, extract key information, and build confidence. It also prepares you for various IELTS test formats and improves your time management skills.

This passage provides valuable insights into memory and cognition, from neural imaging to mnemonic methods, enhancing both your understanding of human intelligence and memory performance in daily life and study.

Memory Decoding IELTS Reading Passage

The passage on Memory Decoding tests IELTS reading skills and explores how the understanding of human memory has developed, particularly in response to advancements in neuroscience and psychological research. It uses real examples to illustrate the intersection between cognitive science and practical applications. 

With roughly 700 words, it demands attention to both scientific terminology and the writer's perspective. Below is a breakdown of the  IELTS general reading passage on Memory Decoding.

Passage 1:

In January 2025, Vishvaa Rajakumar, a 20-year-old student from Puducherry, India, gained international attention by winning the Memory League World Championship. This challenging online event, which ran from January 5 to February 2, tested participants' ability to memorize and recall numbers, images, and words at incredible speeds. Rajakumar's extraordinary achievements included memorizing 80 random digits in just 13.50 seconds and recalling 30 images in 8.40 seconds, earning him a perfect score of 5,000 and the top global ranking. His victory highlights the potential of memory research, a field that explores how the brain stores and retrieves information, offering insights into cognitive science and its practical applications.

Passage 2:

Memory consists of three main stages: encoding, where information is initially learned; storage, where it is retained over time; and retrieval, where stored information is accessed. The hippocampus, a small but important structure in the brain, plays a key role in these processes, particularly in creating and recalling episodic memories, personal experiences tied to specific times and places. Rajakumar's success in the Memory League World Championship was likely due to his ability to optimize these stages, possibly using advanced memory techniques to quickly store and retrieve large amounts of information, demonstrating the brain's remarkable potential when trained.

Passage 3:

The Memory League World Championship serves as a major event in memory sports, drawing competitors from around the globe to challenge their cognitive abilities under strict time constraints. Participants face tasks like memorizing long sequences of digits, recalling names linked to faces, or remembering the order of shuffled cards. Rajakumar's performance in such a high-pressure setting can be attributed to the method of loci, a technique that dates back to 477 B.C. and was first used by Simonides of Ceos. This method involves associating information with specific locations in a mental “memory palace,” tapping into the brain's spatial memory to improve recall speed and accuracy.

Passage 4:

The study of memory has deep historical roots. In the late 19th century, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted groundbreaking experiments with nonsense syllables to explore memory retention. His work revealed the "forgetting curve," which shows that information loss occurs quickly within the first hour but slows over time, forming the basis for understanding how memory decays. In the 20th century, researchers such as S.V. Shereshevski, a Russian with synesthetic memory, demonstrated near-limitless recall abilities, prompting further investigation into how memories are formed and stored in the brain.

Passage 5:

Recent advancements in neuroscience have improved our understanding of memory through neuroimaging. In 2010, a study published in Current Biology used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to track hippocampal activity and predict which images participants would recall. More recent studies, including those from 2023, have shown heightened activity in the prefrontal cortex during tasks that require working memory, such as solving math problems, where temporary storage of information is critical. These findings emphasize the connection between the hippocampus, which is responsible for long-term memory, and the prefrontal cortex, which helps manage attention and decision-making when manipulating memory.

Passage 6:

Practical memory techniques, such as mnemonics and chunking, are known to significantly improve performance. Mnemonics, including the method of loci, help associate information with vivid mental images, making abstract data easier to store. Chunking, which involves grouping related pieces of information (like breaking a 10-digit phone number into smaller segments), reduces cognitive load and aids recall. Sleep, particularly during REM cycles, also plays an essential role in memory consolidation by strengthening neural connections. Research shows that memory athletes often exhibit increased connectivity in regions of the brain like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, reinforcing the importance of training the brain for improved memory performance.

Passage 7:

Rajakumar's achievement offers broad implications. He plans to open a memory training institute in India to teach techniques such as the method of loci, which could revolutionize the way students and professionals retain complex information. Memory research also has great potential for helping those with disorders like Alzheimer's, where memory deteriorates over time, or for verifying witness accounts in legal settings. However, there are challenges, such as the ethical concerns surrounding privacy in brain imaging, and ongoing debates about whether exceptional memory is due to innate ability or extensive training. As our understanding of the brain deepens, stories like Rajakumar's encourage further exploration into human cognitive capabilities.

Also Read: Is Computer-Based IELTS Easier than Paper: Which Should You Choose

With a clear understanding of the passage's content and structure, it's time to put your skills to the test. Let's examine some practice questions that assess your comprehension and ability to analyze this specific passage on Memory Decoding.

IELTS Reading Answers: "Memory Decoding" Explained

This passage consists of 13 questions divided into two types: Sentence Completion (1–7) and Multiple Choice (8–13). Each question aims to assess your ability to identify exact phrases or differentiate between similar options.

Common mistakes often arise from overlooking connecting words or misinterpreting subtle qualifiers. The first set of questions tests your skill in extracting key information and completing unfinished statements based on exact phrases or meanings from the passage.

Here's how each question type works in the IELTS reading passage on memory decoding.

Sentence Completion (Question 1-7)

This section comprises the majority of the questions, with 7 out of 13 focused on this format. You'll need to complete sentences using precise words directly from the passage. This type of question measures your ability to locate specific factual details and transfer them accurately. 

Strong performance in this section often correlates with high reading comprehension, as reflected in the IELTS band score chart. Let's look at each of the seven Sentence Completion questions below.

Q1: Vishvaa Rajakumar's success in the Memory League World Championship demonstrated the incredible speeds at which individuals can ______ and ______ information.

Focus: Understanding the abilities tested in the Memory League World Championship

Strategy: Look for details about what participants had to do in the event in Passage 1

Impact: Tests the precise extraction of specific factual information about memory skills

Answer: memorize, recall Explanation: Passage 1 explicitly states that the event tested participants' ability to "memorize and recall numbers, images, and words at incredible speeds." This highlights the core skills assessed in memory sports and underscores Rajakumar's proficiency in these areas. Recognizing these two actions is crucial for accurately understanding the nature of the competition.

Q2: According to the passage, the brain structure known as the ______ plays a crucial role in the initial formation and subsequent retrieval of episodic memories.

Focus: Identifying the brain region responsible for episodic memory

Strategy: Search for the name of the brain structure associated with memory processes in Passage 2

Impact: Tests understanding of specific biological components involved in memory

Answer: hippocampus Explanation: Passage 2 clearly identifies "the hippocampus" as a "small but important structure in the brain" that "plays a key role in these processes, particularly in creating and recalling episodic memories, personal experiences tied to specific times and places." Accurately identifying this term demonstrates comprehension of the neurological basis of memory.

Q3: Rajakumar's high performance in the Memory League, especially in a stressful environment, is likely linked to his use of the ______, a memory technique originating in ancient Greece.

Focus: Identifying the specific memory technique attributed to Rajakumar's success

Strategy: Find the name of the method mentioned in relation to his performance in Passage 3

Impact: Tests the ability to connect a person's achievement with a specific method

Answer: method of loci Explanation: Passage 3 directly attributes Rajakumar's performance in the "high-pressure setting" to "the method of loci, a technique that dates back to 477 B.C. and was first used by Simonides of Ceos." Recognizing this specific technique is key to understanding the strategies employed by memory athletes.

Q4: The "forgetting curve," which illustrates the rapid initial loss of information, was a key finding from the ______ conducted by Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century.

Focus: Identifying the type of research conducted by Ebbinghaus

Strategy: Look for information about Ebbinghaus's work and its nature in Passage 4

Impact: Helps understand the historical methodology used in memory research

Answer: groundbreaking experiments Explanation: Passage 4 describes Hermann Ebbinghaus as having "conducted groundbreaking experiments with nonsense syllables to explore memory retention." His work was not simply observation but involved a systematic experimental approach, leading to the formulation of the forgetting curve.

Q5: Recent neuroimaging studies, such as one in 2010 using ______, have enabled researchers to observe brain activity and predict memory recall.

Focus: Identifying the specific neuroimaging technology used in memory research

Strategy: Search for the name of the technology mentioned in Passage 5 in the context of brain activity and memory prediction

Impact: Tests understanding of modern tools used in neuroscience

Answer: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Explanation: Passage 5 explicitly mentions that "a study published in Current Biology used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to track hippocampal activity and predict which images participants would recall." Identifying the full and correct name of this technology is crucial.

Q6: Memory performance can be significantly improved by practical strategies such as ______ and chunking, which help in organizing and associating information.

Focus: Identifying another practical memory technique mentioned alongside chunking

Strategy: Look for examples of memory improvement techniques in Passage 6

Impact: Tests the ability to identify different methods for enhancing memory

Answer: mnemonics Explanation: Passage 6 states, "Practical memory techniques, such as mnemonics and chunking, are known to significantly improve performance." These are presented as two key examples of strategies that aid memory.

Q7: According to the passage, adequate ______ during REM cycles plays a vital role in memory consolidation by strengthening the connections between nerve cells in the brain.

Focus: Identifying the biological process crucial for memory consolidation

Strategy: Find the factor mentioned in Passage 6 that is linked to strengthening neural connections and memory consolidation

Impact: Tests understanding of the biological basis of memory improvement

Answer: Sleep Explanation: Passage 6 clearly indicates that "Sleep, particularly during REM cycles, also plays an essential role in memory consolidation by strengthening neural connections." Recognizing the importance of sleep for this process is key.

Once the sentence-based questions are finished, the focus transitions to assessing interpretations, consequences, and comparisons through multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-Choice Questions (Question 8-13)

Multiple-choice questions account for 6 of the 13 total questions, or nearly half of the overall assessment for this passage. These questions are presented in order and usually require you to interpret meaning, tone, or specific details from complex sentence structures. 

The options often resemble each other closely, so selecting the correct answer typically depends on understanding the writer's precise intent. Practicing this skill is crucial for successful IELTS exam preparation. 

Here is a thorough breakdown of each of the six multiple-choice questions:

Q8: What was the primary factor contributing to Vishvaa Rajakumar's success in the Memory League World Championship?

A) His innate and exceptional memory capacity.

B) His extensive knowledge of cognitive science.

C) His ability to effectively utilize memory stages and techniques through training.

D) The intense pressure of the competition pushing him to perform better.

Focus: Understanding the main reason for Rajakumar's victory

Strategy: Look for the explanation provided for his success in Passage 2

Impact: Helps avoid misattributing his achievement to inherent talent alone

Answer: C Explanation: Passage 2 suggests that Rajakumar's success "was likely due to his ability to optimize these stages [of memory], possibly using advanced memory techniques to quickly store and retrieve large amounts of information, demonstrating the brain's remarkable potential when trained." This emphasizes the role of training and technique optimization over purely innate ability or theoretical knowledge.

Q9: The "forgetting curve" described in the passage primarily illustrates which aspect of memory?

A) The types of information most susceptible to being forgotten.

B) The gradual decline in memory retention over an extended period.

C) The pattern of rapid memory loss immediately after learning.

D) The effectiveness of different methods for memory retrieval.

Focus: Understanding what the forgetting curve demonstrates

Strategy: Refer back to the explanation of the forgetting curve in Passage 4

Impact: Prevents misunderstanding the implications of Ebbinghaus's findings

Answer: C Explanation: Passage 4 explicitly states that the "forgetting curve...shows that information loss occurs quickly within the first hour but slows over time." This highlights the rapid initial decay of memory after learning new information.

Q10: According to the passage, what is the significance of the prefrontal cortex in memory processes?

A) It is the primary site for the long-term storage of episodic memories.

B) It plays a crucial role in the automatic recall of well-learned information.

C) It is highly active during tasks requiring temporary information storage and manipulation.

D) It is responsible for the initial encoding of sensory information into memory.

Focus: Understanding the function of the prefrontal cortex in memory

Strategy: Locate the description of the prefrontal cortex's role in Passage 5

Impact: Helps distinguish the roles of different brain regions in memory

Answer: C Explanation: Passage 5 mentions that studies in 2023 "have shown heightened activity in the prefrontal cortex during tasks that require working memory, such as solving math problems, where temporary storage of information is critical." This indicates its importance in working memory and the manipulation of temporarily held information.

Q11: The method of loci, as described in the passage, relies on utilizing which aspect of the brain's memory capabilities?

A) The capacity for storing vast amounts of factual information.

B) The ability to recall emotional experiences with high accuracy.

C) The brain's inherent understanding of chronological sequences.

D) The brain's ability to remember spatial relationships and locations.

Focus: Understanding the cognitive basis of the method of loci

Strategy: Refer back to the explanation of the method of loci in Passage 3

Impact: Helps understand how this specific memory technique functions

Answer: D Explanation: Passage 3 explains that this method involves "associating information with specific locations in a mental ‘memory palace,' tapping into the brain's spatial memory to improve recall speed and accuracy." This clearly indicates its reliance on our memory for locations and spatial relationships.

Q12: The passage suggests that memory research has potential benefits in which of the following areas?

A) Enhancing physical coordination in athletes.

B) Developing new forms of artistic expression.

C) Assisting individuals with memory-related disorders.

D) Improving the efficiency of computer processing systems.

Focus: Identifying the practical applications of memory research

Strategy: Look for the section discussing the implications of Rajakumar's achievement in Passage 7

Impact: Tests the ability to understand the broader significance of memory research

Answer: C Explanation: Passage 7 explicitly states that "Memory research also has great potential for helping those with disorders like Alzheimer's, where memory deteriorates over time." This highlights a significant practical application in the realm of memory-related health issues.

Q13: According to the passage, a current challenge or ongoing debate in the field of memory research concerns:

A) The limited number of individuals with exceptional memory skills to study.

B) The ethical considerations surrounding the use of brain imaging technologies.

C) The lack of practical techniques for improving memory performance.

D) The disagreement on the fundamental three-stage model of memory.

Focus: Identifying a challenge or debate mentioned in the context of memory research

Strategy: Look for the discussion of challenges in the final paragraph of the passage

Impact: Tests understanding of current issues and discussions within the field

Answer: B Explanation: The final paragraph mentions "challenges, such as the ethical concerns surrounding privacy in brain imaging, and ongoing debates about whether exceptional memory is due to innate ability or extensive training." Option B directly addresses one of these stated challenges.

In addition to understanding the content, vocabulary significantly impacts your ability to interpret and analyze the text. Now, let's explore some key terms from the passage and their meanings.

Vocabulary Insights from the Memory Decoding IELTS Reading Passage

The “Memory Decoding” IELTS Reading passage is challenging due to dense scientific terms and complex neuroscience concepts. Recent IELTS data shows vocabulary errors cause nearly 30% of mistakes in academic reading. This highlights the need for strong vocabulary skills. 

Additionally, many of these terms may appear in multiple-choice options or distractors, so familiarity with their use is essential. 

Below is a focused list of helpful vocabulary from the IELTS reading passage on memory decoding.

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Memory League	A competitive event focused on memory tasks	“Rajakumar won the Memory League World Championship, showcasing his ability to memorize large quantities of information.”
Episodic memory	Memory of personal experiences linked to specific times and places	“The hippocampus plays a key role in the formation and retrieval of episodic memories.”
Mnemonic techniques	Methods used to aid memory retention	“Mnemonic techniques like the method of loci are often used by memory athletes to improve recall.”
Hippocampus	A brain structure involved in memory formation and retrieval	“The hippocampus is crucial for forming episodic memories, particularly in recalling personal experiences.”
Neuroimaging	Techniques used to visualize brain activity	“Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a common neuroimaging tool for studying memory processes.”
Method of loci	A memory technique involving the visualization of information in specific locations	“The method of loci involves associating information with locations in a mental memory palace to improve recall.”
Chunking	A memory strategy that involves grouping information into larger units	“Chunking allows the brain to store more information by organizing it into manageable groups.”
Prefrontal cortex	Part of the brain involved in working memory and decision-making	“Recent studies show heightened prefrontal cortex activity during tasks requiring working memory.”
Forgetting curve	A concept describing how memory retention declines over time	“Hermann Ebbinghaus's research led to the discovery of the forgetting curve, showing rapid memory loss shortly after learning.”
Cognitive science	The interdisciplinary study of the mind and its processes, including memory	“Cognitive science offers insights into how memory works, providing a foundation for memory research and techniques.”
Synesthetic memory	A condition where sensory experiences overlap, allowing for unique memory associations	“S.V. Shereshevski's synesthetic memory allowed him to recall vast amounts of information with ease.”
Memory consolidation	The process of stabilizing and strengthening memories over time	“Sleep, especially during REM cycles, plays a critical role in memory consolidation.”

Also Read: IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025: Complete Breakdown & Cost Guide

Beyond individual terms, IELTS also tests your understanding of how words are used together. The importance of vocabulary lies in recognizing key collocations and phrases that are essential for grasping the meaning of memory processes.

Collocations and Phrases

In the "Memory Decoding" passage, certain collocations and phrases appear frequently. These combinations connect key ideas and allow for clearer comprehension of the passage. 

Below is a list of essential collocations and phrases to focus on for better understanding.

Collocation / Phrase	Meaning
Memory consolidation	The process by which memories become stable and integrated into long-term memory
Cognitive process	A mental operation such as memory, perception, or reasoning
Memory athletes	Individuals who compete in memory challenges
Brain imaging	The use of technology to visualize and study brain activity
Memory retrieval	The process of accessing stored information
Working memory	The temporary storage and manipulation of information
Neural connections	Links between nerve cells in the brain that facilitate memory and learning
Spatial memory	The ability to remember locations and the relationships between objects in space
Mental "memory palace"	A mnemonic device that uses spatial locations to organize and recall information
Rapid memory loss	The fast decline in the ability to recall information shortly after learning
Long-term memory	The aspect of memory that stores information over extended periods

With a solid understanding of the essential vocabulary words from the passage, let's explore some common mistakes made in the IELTS reading and how to ensure you're well-prepared.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS Reading Passage on Memory Decoding

As you aim for IELTS Band 7 or Band 8, you may find yourself confusing "working memory" with "episodic memory" because these concepts are closely compared in the passage. 

You might also misinterpret references to specific brain structures as general functions, leading to incorrect answers. Additionally, it's common to overlook the context in which memory techniques, like the "method of loci," are explained. 

Here's how you can identify and avoid these errors while reading.

1. Using Outside Knowledge
   • It's tempting to rely on general knowledge about memory or neuroscience, but the IELTS reading passage only tests information provided within the text.

Tip: Base your answers strictly on the information in the passage, avoiding outside assumptions.

1. Confusing Paraphrased Terms
   • The passage often paraphrases key ideas, such as referring to the "method of loci" as the "memory palace." This can be confusing if you're looking for an exact match.

Tip: Recognize paraphrases and understand the different ways concepts are presented.

1. Overlooking Qualifying Words
   • Words like "likely" or "possibly" are common in scientific writing and indicate uncertainty. Ignoring these qualifiers can lead to misinterpretation of the passage.

Tip: Be mindful of qualifying words that change the meaning of statements or findings.

1. Misreading the Author's Tone
   • The passage is written in a neutral, factual tone, but you might mistake this for an opinion or endorsement.
   • Tip: Stick to the objective, factual content of the passage when answering questions.
2. Ignoring Context for Memory Techniques
   • Memory techniques such as the "method of loci" are explained in the passage in specific contexts. Understanding how these techniques are applied is crucial for answering questions.

Tip: Focus on the examples provided in the passage, especially in memory competitions.

1. Spending Too Much Time on Difficult Questions
   • Getting stuck on complex questions can waste valuable time and leave other questions unanswered.

Tip: If you're unsure about a question, move on and return to it later if time permits.

Understanding the mistakes you might encounter is crucial, but consistent practice is just as necessary for achieving a good IELTS score. 

Also Read: How To Reduce Spelling Mistakes In English While Writing?-IELTS

Let's explore some of the best resources to help you practice reading passages like 'Memory Decoding' and build your confidence.

Best Practice Resources for the Memory Decoding IELTS Reading Passage

To effectively prepare for IELTS reading passages like "Memory Decoding," you need to engage with materials that challenge your ability to process both technical terms and complex ideas. 

Practicing with passages that include detailed descriptions, technical vocabulary, and intricate concepts is essential. Here are some top resources to guide your preparation and help you work toward achieving a good IELTS score:

Resource	What It Covers	How It Helps
IELTS Reading Test	Academic Reading Practice	Develops the ability to manage dense, detailed passages, similar to those on memory decoding.
IELTS Online Coaching	Structured Preparation	Offers personalized support for understanding scientific vocabulary and memory-related concepts.
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Strengthens accuracy in fact-based and sentence completion questions, which are common in memory-related passages.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Strategy-Based Video Lessons	Breaks down complex question types with examples relevant to cognitive science and memory research.

Also Read: Tips to Improve Pronunciation for IELTS

While these resources will provide a strong foundation, upGrad's expert-led training offers additional support to refine your approach. Here's how upGrad can assist you in mastering IELTS reading passages.

How Can upGrad Help You With IELTS Reading Passages?

upGrad's IELTS Reading training is designed specifically to meet the challenges of the actual exam. Here's how it can help you succeed:

• Expert-led video sessions: Learn how to approach complex passages like "Memory Decoding" more efficiently.
• Timed practice sets: Build your ability to manage your time effectively during the exam.
• Personalized feedback: Identify where you're losing marks and receive targeted strategies for improvement.
• Tailored advice: Customized guidance to reach your IELTS goal, whether it's Band 7 or Band 9.

Ready to take your preparation to the next level?  Book a free 1:1 session with upGrad experts today and get tailored advice to reach your IELTS goals. Each session is designed to enhance your reading accuracy, pacing, and overall performance. Don't wait. Start refining your skills now!