IELTS VIP Podcast: Why Are IELTS Writing Scores Always Lower Than The Other Skills?

Summary

In this IELTS VIP podcast, Chris addresses the common concern that writing scores are typically lower than other IELTS bands. He dismisses popular misconceptions like IELTS conspiracies to lower scores and emphasizes the real issue: lack of writing practice. Chris suggests that the disparity in scores stems from the significant time spent on reading and listening versus the minimal practice in writing academic English. He proposes a learning cycle of understanding, doing, feedback, and improvement to enhance writing skills and announces a free IELTS essay builder course for further assistance.

Takeaways

• 📊 The IELTS writing scores are generally lower than reading, listening, and speaking scores across all countries.
• 🧐 Common misconceptions include IELTS intentionally lowering writing scores, subjectivity in scoring, and the existence of secret tricks to improve scores.
• 🏫 The actual reason for lower writing scores is the lack of practice in academic writing, compared to the extensive practice in reading and listening.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers often avoid teaching writing due to its perceived lack of excitement and students' resistance to the quiet, focused nature of the task.
• 📝 The importance of practice in improving writing skills is emphasized, as writing, like any other skill, improves with use.
• 🔁 A cycle of learning, doing, feedback, and improvement is suggested for enhancing writing abilities.
• 📈 The speaker proposes that the ratio of time spent writing to time spent on other English skills is significantly lower, leading to weaker writing proficiency.
• 📚 A free course called 'IELTS Essay Builder' is offered to help students improve their writing skills through structured lessons and feedback.
• 🗓️ The 'IELTS Essay Builder' course is scheduled to start on the 19th of November 2018 and is limited to 15,000 participants.
• 🌐 The speaker encourages engagement and feedback from students on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and the IELTS Advantage website.

Q & A

Why do IELTS writing scores tend to be lower compared to reading and listening scores?

IELTS writing scores are often lower because writing is a skill that requires practice, and most students do not write as much as they read or listen. The lack of practice in academic writing, combined with the fact that many English teachers avoid teaching writing due to its perceived lack of excitement, leads to lower scores.

What are some common misconceptions about why IELTS writing scores are lower?

Some common misconceptions include the idea that IELTS purposely lowers writing scores to make money from retakes, that the subjectivity of writing exams inherently leads to lower scores, and that there are secret tricks or tips to improve writing scores that are being withheld.

Why is the conspiracy theory about IELTS lowering writing scores considered false?

The conspiracy theory is false because there is no real evidence to support it. The organizations behind IELTS, such as the British Council and the University of Cambridge, are reputable and not involved in criminal activities. The idea that thousands of people worldwide would conspire without any evidence being revealed is implausible.

How does the speaker suggest improving IELTS writing scores?

The speaker suggests improving writing scores through a cycle of learning, doing, feedback, and improvement. This involves understanding what is required for the writing task, practicing it, receiving feedback on the practice, and then using that feedback to improve.

What role does the amount of practice have on IELTS scores according to the speaker?

The amount of practice has a significant impact on IELTS scores. The speaker argues that the more you practice a skill, the better you become at it. Since students typically have more exposure to reading and listening than writing, their scores in the former areas tend to be higher.

What is the communicative approach mentioned in the script, and how does it affect writing practice?

The communicative approach is a dominant method in English teaching that focuses on getting students to talk and interact with each other. This approach often results in less writing practice, as classroom activities prioritize speaking over writing, leading to less development of writing skills.

Why do some English teachers avoid teaching writing according to the script?

Some English teachers avoid teaching writing because it is often seen as less exciting and more challenging to engage students in. Writing requires silence and focused work, which can lead to less interactive and lively classroom environments compared to speaking activities.

What is the 'IELTS essay builder' course mentioned in the script, and how can one access it?

The 'IELTS essay builder' is a free 5-day course offered by IELTS VIP that includes lessons, tasks, and feedback sessions focused on improving IELTS writing skills. Interested individuals can access it by searching for 'IELTS essay builder' on Google before the course start date.

How does the speaker suggest students approach the idea of conspiracy theories regarding IELTS scores?

The speaker suggests that instead of focusing on conspiracy theories, students should concentrate on practical steps to improve their writing skills. Engaging in debates about theories does not help in improving scores, so it's better to focus on learning and practicing writing.

What is the importance of feedback in the process of improving IELTS writing scores as per the script?

Feedback is crucial in the process of improving IELTS writing scores because it helps students understand where they are going wrong and how to correct their mistakes. Without feedback, students may not realize their errors or know how to improve their writing effectively.