Reasons Why People Fail in the IELTS Writing Section

There is no room for failure in the IELTS – this is what most candidates tell themselves as they focus on getting their target band scores for the International English Language Testing System examination. Failing a section or even just getting a low score can result to a low overall band score. To make matters worse, there are some companies and academic institutions which have a separate score requirement on a specific section. For this reason, most candidates choose to enrol in IELTS review centers.

According to IELTS review centers’ trainers, there are quite a number of people failing in the IELTS writing section. Most candidates complain that the writing is tedious and difficult specifically in the Academic Writing. As a consequence, trainers take time giving different writing exercises for these candidates to develop their writing skills. Given this problem, what could be the reasons why people fail or do not get a satisfying score for the IELTS writing section?

• Ideas written are either too broad or too specific
In writing essays, always take time to write an outline of what you are going to write. In this way, you will be able to organize your ideas and even narrow them down. Once given a topic, elaborate your opinion by providing details and examples on your answer. A supporting paragraph generally adds information on the point that you have mentioned, not confuse your reader.

• Poorly constructed response
A good essay should always have the following three parts: an introduction, a body, and conclusion. First off, an introduction should be a paraphrase of the task. Paraphrase means rephrasing the question using your own words – how you actually understood the task. The body should be at least two different paragraphs indicating your detailed explanation of the task. Finally, a conclusion that will close the thought of the response should be well-written. To make the ideas flow smoothly, use transition words which most candidates fail to do.

• Failure to answer the task
So you have written your essay or response, but have you included the details asked in the task? Sometimes, candidates are too overwhelmed with writing that they overlook the information needed to be found in the response. One reason for this careless mistake is the failure to outline the response. Always bear in mind that outlining your ideas guides you in creating a good essay.

• Grammar and spelling
This might sound weird, but a lot of candidates need to work on their grammar and spelling. It is important to use the right verb tenses, conjunctions and prepositions. Check on your spelling. If you are not sure with how a word is spelled, try expressing it in other words to be safer.

• Vocabulary
Refrain from repeating a certain vocabulary in a sentence twice. Use the words synonyms or other expressions to express it more clearly.

If candidates always think that writing is difficult, then they will really be having a hard time getting a good score. The secret in excelling in the IELTS writing exam is practice. Writing exercises help a lot; thus, practice writing from simple journal entries to creative free writing pieces.

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