Question 1

What order will I complete the IELTS test in?

Accepted Answer

If you take IELTS on Computer, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.

If you take IELTS on Paper, you will do the tests in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

Question 2

Do I have to write in pencil for the IELTS on Paper test?

Accepted Answer

Pencil is used for the IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing tests. This is because tests are scanned and work best with pencil. It also means that you can easily erase and rewrite words. If you forget to bring a pencil, the test centre will provide one for you.

Question 3

Can I do all parts of the IELTS test on computer?

Accepted Answer

If you take the IELTS on Computer test, the Reading, Writing and Listening parts of the IELTS test are completed on a computer, but the Speaking test is completed face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.

Question 4

How can I improve my Writing band score?

Accepted Answer

Read the assessment criteria used for both Academic and General Training Writing tests carefully before your test day. The examiner will assess your writing based on four criteria for Task 1 and Task 2.
Remember that Writing Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. You can improve your Writing band score by practising. Our news and articles page has extensive tips and advice to help you prepare and improve your English-language skills.

Question 5

Can I write my answers in capital letters?

Accepted Answer

In the IELTS Reading and Listening sections, you can use all capital letters. However, in the Writing section, make sure that your capitalisation and punctuation is correct so the examiner can see where you start and finish sentences, for example.

Question 6

Why are the topics in the Writing test so difficult?

Accepted Answer

Every IELTS test is carefully produced and tested to ensure a consistent level of difficulty across all the test versions. We want every IELTS test taker to have their true English-language ability reflected in their results, which is why we offer so many free and paid tools to help you practise and prepare.

Check out our preparation tools for tips and advice so that you can be as prepared as possible for your test date.

Question 7

Will I get more marks if I write more than the word limit in the Writing test?

Accepted Answer

The minimum word limit is important, and you must write at least 150 words for Writing Task 1 and at least 250 words for Writing Task 2.

If you write less than this, you will have fewer ideas and may lose marks. However, if you write much more, this does not mean you will gain marks. It is more important that you use correct English, appropriate grammar, and a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Question 8

Will I lose marks if my opinions differ to that of the examiner?

Accepted Answer

In your Writing test, there are no right or wrong opinions. The examiner is assessing how well you can use your English to report information and express ideas.

Question 9

Should we expect topics related to COVID-19 in the Writing test?

Accepted Answer

No, not as part of the question. However, topics in the IELTS Writing test could be related to health, so you can use COVID-19 as an example if you want to.

Question 10

What is the maximum number of words we should write in the Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 essay?

Accepted Answer

This varies from person to person, because some people write quickly. There is no exact number, but approximately 180 words for Task 1 and 280 words for Task 2 can be a good guide, as long as you have enough time to go back and check your work.

Question 11

Types of essays in the IELTS General Training Writing test

Accepted Answer

In Task 2, you must write an essay in 40 minutes using a minimum of 250 words. You are given a statement with some questions on a general topic, like sport, the environment, pollution, transport, or shopping. You are generally asked to do the following in your essay:

Give your opinion on a topic
Look at the advantages or disadvantages of something
Give reasons and suggest solutions for something
Describe the effects of something
Present both sides of an issue

Question 12

How can I get a band 7 or higher in IELTS General Training Writing?

Accepted Answer

In order to reach a band 7 or higher in the IELTS General Training Writing test, you need to practise well before taking the IELTS exam and follow the steps of each task accurately.

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