This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 4 Test 4 question:
“Do you ever remember the dreams you’ve had while you were asleep?”
Sample 1: Yes
Absolutely, I do recall my dreams on numerous occasions. I notice that when I experience a particularly vivid or emotion-driven dream, it tends to linger in my memory even after I wake up. For instance, dreams where I’m reunited with old friends or facing a daunting challenge leave a lasting impression and often prompt me to ponder over their significance throughout the day.
Sample 2: Yes
Yes, indeed! There have been times when I vividly recall the nightmares I experienced during my slumber. Such dreams often include situations like being chased by unknown entities or encountering menacing creatures. These hair-raising experiences tend to stay with me, making me feel rather uneasy even after I wake up.
Sample 3: Yes
Yes, I often retain memories of my dreams, especially those that are particularly striking or thought-provoking. I believe that dreams serve as a window into our innermost thoughts and desires, and reflecting on them can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. In fact, I make a conscious effort to recollect my dreams in the morning and contemplate their underlying themes and messages.
Sample 4: Yes
Certainly, I do remember my dreams on occasion, particularly when they are related to my aspirations and goals. These dreams often act as a motivator for me, reinforcing my determination to succeed in my endeavors. I find it remarkable how our minds can create such vivid representations of our ambitions while we are asleep.
Sample 5: Yes
Yes, at times I am able to recall the dreams I’ve had, especially if they involve surreal or fantastical situations. I enjoy the creative and imaginative aspects of these dreams, as they provide a temporary escape from the mundane realities of daily life. It’s intriguing how our minds can generate such otherworldly experiences, allowing us to explore the depths of our imagination.
Sample 6: No
To be frank, I seldom recall my dreams after waking up. The primary reason for this is that my sleeping patterns are often erratic due to my hectic schedule. Consequently, I believe my brain doesn’t have ample time to process and consolidate memories of the dreams I experience, resulting in a vague recollection at best.
Sample 7: No
To be honest, my dreams usually elude me once I wake up. I surmise that the reason behind this lies in my tendency to focus on the forthcoming day’s tasks, thus diverting my attention away from any remnants of the dreams I had. This mental shift likely washes away any lingering traces of those nocturnal narratives.
Sample 8: No
To be honest, I seldom recollect the dreams I experience during my slumber. I attribute this to the fact that I’m an exceptionally deep sleeper, which in turn, might hinder my ability to retain dream-related memories. Consequently, by the time I awaken, my dreams have usually faded into oblivion.
Sample 9: No
Well, as a matter of fact, remembering my dreams is a rare occurrence for me. I believe it could be due to my busy lifestyle, which requires me to hit the ground running as soon as I open my eyes. This fast-paced routine might leave little room for retrospection, causing the remnants of my dreams to fade away rapidly.
Sample 10: No
Truth be told, it’s quite uncommon for me to remember the dreams I’ve had during my sleep. One possible contributing factor might be my affinity for consuming engaging content, such as books and movies, before bedtime. As a result, my mind might become preoccupied with these external narratives, leaving little room for the retention of my own dreams.




