IELTS Writing: Using the Official Answer Sheet

Summary

This lesson introduces the official IELTS writing paper, emphasizing its importance for practice due to its word count specifications. It advises students to download the paper to familiarize themselves with the layout, ensuring they meet the minimum word requirements for Writing Task 1 (150 words) and Task 2 (250 words). The instructor also highlights the need for clear handwriting, as legibility affects scoring. The video guides on filling out the paper, including candidate details, test type (academic or general), and the examiner's assessment criteria. Memorized responses are discouraged, and the examiner's evaluation process is outlined, including checks for word count, topic relevance, and handwriting clarity.

Takeaways

• 📝 Practice writing with the official IELTS paper to familiarize yourself with the word count and layout.
• 🔢 For Writing Task 1, aim for a minimum of 150 words, and for Writing Task 2, at least 250 words to meet the word count requirement.
• ⏳ Use the paper to practice timing and ensure you do not spend time counting words during the actual test.
• 📑 Download the official writing paper to practice writing, as it will help you gauge the space needed for your words per line.
• ✍️ Handwriting practice is crucial, especially for those used to typing, to ensure legibility and clear presentation on the exam.
• 📏 Keep your handwriting within the lines and maintain clarity to avoid penalization for illegibility.
• 📋 At the top of the answer sheet, fill in your candidate name, number, and the test date as provided at the test center.
• 📍 Choose between the Academic or General IELTS test by ticking the appropriate box on the paper.
• 📝 Examiners will provide comments and your band score at the bottom of the paper, assessing Task Achievement, Coherence, Lexical Resource, and Grammar.
• ⚠️ Examiners check for under-length writing, off-topic content, memorized answers, and legible handwriting.
• 🔗 Download the official IELTS writing paper and access additional IELTS lessons through the provided links for more practice and guidance.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of practicing with the official IELTS writing paper?

The main purpose is to familiarize with the paper's layout, manage the word count effectively, and ensure that handwriting is clear and easy to read during the actual test.

How many words should be written for Writing Task 1 in the IELTS test?

You need to write at least 150 words for Writing Task 1, but should not exceed this limit.

Why is it important to know the size of the writing paper and how many words fit on each line?

Knowing the size of the paper and the number of words per line helps you estimate the word count without having to count manually, saving time and reducing anxiety during the exam.

What is the consequence of handwriting that is not clear or easy to read in the IELTS test?

If the examiner cannot read the handwriting, it can lead to a lower band score as clarity and readability are important for assessment.

What are the two types of IELTS writing tests mentioned in the script?

The two types are the Academic writing paper and the General writing paper.

What information needs to be filled in at the top of the answer sheet before starting the test?

Candidate name, candidate number, and the date of the test need to be filled in at the top of the answer sheet.

What are the four criteria that the examiner uses to assess the writing tasks in the IELTS test?

The four criteria are Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar.

What does the examiner check for in terms of word count during the IELTS writing test?

The examiner checks if the candidate has written the required minimum word count for each task and notes if there is an under-length issue.

What is considered a penalty or punishment in the IELTS writing test for not meeting the word count requirement?

Writing fewer than the required words for a task can result in a lower band score as it does not meet the assessment criteria.

Why should memorized answers or language be avoided in the IELTS writing test?

Memorized content can be detected by the examiner and may result in a lower band score as it does not reflect the candidate's actual writing ability.

Where can one find more IELTS lessons similar to the one described in the script?

More IELTS lessons can be found by following the link provided at the end of the script.