In this edition:
-
Introduction
-
The IELTS Writing and Speaking Band Descriptors
-
IELTS Tips - Writing
-
Book Review
Introduction
Welcome to the September 2005 edition of the
Your IELTS Guide
newsletter.
As usual, we give tips to help you avoid losing marks in the IELTS test. In this issue we cover the Writing module.
Last month we completed our series on how to use the IELTS Handbook to improve your IELTS score - you can read the series using the links to archived newsletters below.
This month we discuss the marking descriptors that have recently been placed on the official IELTS website and start a series of IELTS books reviews.
Use these links to read previous issues: April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends!
The IELTS Writing and Speaking Band Descriptors
Unlike the Reading and Listening modules, the marking of the Speaking and Writng modules has an element of subjectivity.
To minimise the effects of this, and to ensure all interviews and scripts are marked consistently, examiners are trained to mark according to certain criteria.
These criteria are, and have been for a long time, available to the public in the IELTS Handbook.
To ensure each candidate is given the correct band score for each of the criteria, examiners are given a list of band descriptors - these have not been available to the public.
IELTS has always been very secretive about the Speaking and Writing descriptors, even requiring examiners to sign a confidentiality agreement.
It was with some surprise, therefore, that we found the descriptors on the official IELTS website - and even more surprised to find that they are not the same as those used by examiners!
We have always been concerned that the descriptors were not available to the public.
How can candidates assess their approximate IELTS level (or teachers assess their students) if they don't know the actual marking criteria?
It doesn't make for a level playing field when some teachers are also IELTS examiners - and therefore know the criteria - and others are not.
And why make public descriptors that are not those actually used by examiners?
There is probably a good reason for this as the descriptors used by examiners are not easy to understand without having undertaken examiner training.
Despite the fact that these descriptors have been sanitised for public consumption, candidates and teachers should be able to make very good use of them to assess levels and, therefore, more accurately predict the likely result of the IELTS test.
We suggest candidates use them to predict their likely scores prior to taking the exam.
This will help them assess whether or not to ask for a re-mark if they don't get the score they need
(see our page: What to do if you don't get the result you need).
Teachers will undoubtedly find the descriptors useful when predicting the likely success of their students.
Being able to more accurately predict a student's IELTS score will also help when deciding if a student is ready to take the test - especially useful where the cost of the application fee is an issue.
Links to the descriptors:
Writing Task 1
|
Writing Task 2
|
Speaking
You can download the IELTS Handbook from our online IELTS resources page.
If you haven't already visited
the official IELTS website
you ought to do so.
It has a lot of information about IELTS for candidates, teachers and organisations with an interest in IELTS.
While the site has a lot of useful information, it isn't always easy to find your way around and the information isn't always where you might expect it.
IELTS Tips - Writing
The IELTS writing test allows plenty of opportunity to lose marks. Our tips will help make you aware of the pitfalls so that you can ensure you achieve your best possible score in the Writing module.
Read and understand the task
The score you receive for the assessment criteria Task Achievement (Task 1) and Task Response (Task 2) depend on how you complete the task that is set. Sometimes candidates misread the task or misunderstand it.
You must respond to the task accurately and fully to get the best score for these criteria. A partial answer will result in low marks for Task Achievement or Task Response. You can also be marked down in other areas; for example, if you use vocabulary that is not relevant or appropriate to the task set you will get a low score for Lexical Resource.
Write at least the minimum number of words
You have to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Failure to do so will be penalised. You should also be aware that if you don't write enough the examiner will find it difficult to assess your work and may have to penalise you in other criteria as well e.g. Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
You should also be aware that if you copy the task description, or sections of it, it will not be included in the word count.
Plan before starting to write
Plan carefully before you write. This will help you ensure you cover everything required by the task in a way that is cohesive, i.e. flows smoothly. If you start writing without a plan your script will not flow smoothly.
Planning also helps you to be clear about the task set and therefore answer it appropriately and get a better score for Task Achievement or Task Response.
Use the appropriate format
The task description will make clear what format is required. For example, the General format Task 1 is invariably a letter and Academic format Task 1 is a report for a university lecturer.
A report does
not
start Dear Sir! Unfortunately we have had scripts for Academic Task 1 beginning this way and they get a low score for Task Achievement because the format is inappropriate. Remember that a report should start with an introduction and end with a conclusion.
For the General format Task 1 the task description actually tells you how to start the letter so do as it says!
Task 2, for both General and Academic, is an essay. Be sure to include an introduction and conclusion.
Use varied vocabulary
Use a wide range of vocabulary to show the examiner that you have a good lexical resource. However, you must use it appropriately.
Use a variety of sentence structures
Try to use a variety of sentence structures so that your examiner knows what you are capable of and can assess your grammar. Be sure to use your sentence structures appropriately.
Stick to the suggested times
Each task is marked separately and the band score for each task used to calculate your final Writing band score. The tasks are weighted such that Task 1 is worth a third and Task 2 two thirds of the final mark. You should therefore spend a third of the time (20 minutes) on Task 1 and two thirds (40 minutes) on Task 2.
Don't spend excessive time on either task at the expense of the other. It is easy to complete one task badly through lack of time and this will bring down your final writing band score.
Don't write too much
While you won't be directly penalised for writing too much, you are penalising yourself by reducing the amount of time available for the next task - or for checking your work if you finish early.
Check your work
If you finish writing before the time is up don't just sit and wait. Read through your work very carefully. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. You will be surprised how many errors you will find and if you correct them you increase your chances of a good score.
Practise writing
Before the exam you should practise writing until you can write the appropriate number of words in the time available and can judge the number of words without counting.
This will help you to judge how much time you have available to plan and write, as well as allowing you to judge the number of words you have written without having to waste time counting them.
For more information on the Writing test check out our
IELTS Writing Module,
IELTS Writing Tips
and
IELTS Writing Preparation
pages.
Book Review
Step Up To IELTS Personal Study Book by Vanessa Jakeman & Clare McDowell CUP 2004
This is a "personal study book" with "extra vocabulary, grammar and writing practice", including an answer key, and is part of the Step Up To IELTS course book series. It would be useful for anyone preparing for the IELTS whatever other materials they are using.
There are many plus points for this book which is pocket/handbag sized and so can be easily carried around.
There are lots of little exercises on describing graphs for those taking the Academic module, and selecting the important information from them. Analysing the suggested answers at the back of the book can only help candidates when they have similar exercises under test conditions. It is equally helpful for General candidates with letter writing practice and suggested answers.
The 16 units are all very appropriate. The grammar practice is suitable and helpful for both General and Academic writing and the vocabulary will be an asset to all parts of the test.
Highly recommended, and we think good value at less than £5.00 or $9.00 + p&p.
For more information on this book:
More info (US)
|
More info (UK)
