If you are preparing for popular test like IELTS, you might feel unsure about how to boost your writing score. Many students have improved their band scores by using the right strategies, and with consistent effort, you can do the same.
Writing well in the IELTS test means combining skills like grammar, vocabulary, and clear sentence structure. It can be tough to express your ideas effectively, especially with limited time. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll share practical tips that you can use to prepare and succeed. These tips have already helped many students improve their scores, and we’re confident they will be useful to you too.
No matter your current level, these strategies will give you the confidence to do your best in your IELTS test.
1. Practice makes perfect
Regular practice is essential for improving your writing skills. The first step is to take IELTS practice tests. This will help you get familiar with the format and requirements of the test. You can access free IELTS practice tests on our preparation page, IELTS IDP Prepare. Practising with these tests will help you assess your current skill level and identify areas where you may need more focus, ensuring you are well-prepared to achieve your best possible score.
Secondly, set a schedule for regular practice and follow it. Allocate time to practice writing in English, and gradually increase the difficulty level of the tasks you are practising. If possible, get feedback from a teacher, tutor or a reliable online resource that offers feedback on your writing. For many students, getting feedback on their writing is crucial to improving.
Most importantly, read and write regularly. This will help you develop your language skills and become more comfortable with English. It's also important to read a variety of texts, including books, articles, and essays, and practise writing in different styles and formats
Finally, practise writing under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. Regardless of whether you’re taking the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training test, the writing tasks have a time limit, so it’s important to practise writing under timed conditions. Set a timer and practice completing writing tasks within the given limit so you can manage your time on your test day.
2. Be a book worm (read lots)
Being a bookworm and reading widely is an important factor in improving your writing skills and achieving success in the IELTS test. Reading regularly both in English and in your own language is crucial for a couple of reasons.
By reading widely, you’ll be exposed to new words and phrases that can help you build your vocabulary. When you encounter unfamiliar words, make a note of them and look up their meanings. This will help you to understand their context and use them correctly.
In addition, reading can help you improve your grammar. When you read, you’ll see how sentences are constructed and how grammar rules are applied. You’ll start to develop an instinctive feel for correct grammar usage, which will help you avoid common errors in your writing.
Reading can also expose you to different writing styles and techniques. By reading a variety of texts, such as books, articles, and essays, you’ll learn how the voice, tone and style of these texts differ, along with how the format of the writing changes. This will help you to develop your own writing style and improve your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively.
Finally, reading can enhance your critical thinking skills. When you analyse and evaluate the information presented in a text, you can develop a deeper understanding of the topics covered and improve your ability to form arguments and opinions.
3. Read the instructions
One of the most important aspects of performing well in the IELTS test is being able to follow the instructions. Before you begin writing, it’s crucial to read and understand the instructions of the assessment carefully. This will ensure that you’re fully aware of the requirements of the task and can plan your response accordingly. Though it may seem simple, paying close attention to the details you need to include in your writing can make a big difference to your score.
Once you’ve read the instructions, take the time to plan your response before you begin writing. This will help you to organise your thoughts and ensure that you include all the necessary information and details in your writing. It’s also a good idea to practice reading and analysing different types of writing tasks to become familiar with the format and requirements of the test. By doing this, you’ll be better prepared to read and understand the instructions quickly and accurately, which will help you to use your time effectively and write a strong response.
4. Count it out
Another important factor to consider in IELTS Writing is the word count. In the IELTS on computer test, you don’t need to worry about manually counting each word, as the word count is displayed on the screen. This helps you stay within the specified limit, giving you more time to focus on improving your response. Writing too little or too much can negatively impact your score. Exceeding the limit may make your response seem unfocused, while writing too little may mean that you haven’t fully addressed the task. Practise communicating your ideas within the given limits to ensure your success.
5. It’s a long game
Practising regularly, reading widely, carefully reading instructions, planning your response, paying attention to the word count, and proofreading your work are all key factors in achieving a high IELTS score. Writing is a skill that takes time and effort to develop. Keep practising, learning, and applying these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
All the best with your IELTS test.