Have any of you heard any of the following rumours about IELTS?

 

I’m Jonathan. I get so many questions about incorrect IELTS rumours and random information, I thought I would put some of the most common ideas on-line and on the record. As far as I am concerned, the quicker these ideas are laid to rest, the better. 🙂

 

So, this post is a reminder that you shouldn’t always believe what you hear!

Myth 1: You have to use British English in the IELTS speaking test.

False!

IELTS is an International English Language Test which uses a variety of native speaker accents in its recordings and does not favour any particular accent in the speaking test. To get a high score for Pronunciation, however, your speech must be easily understood throughout the test and your native accent should only have a minimal effect on intelligibility. As English becomes even more a world language of business and education, regional and international accents are becoming less pronounced.

The most significant effects on pronunciation are your first language, so it’s important to identify the characteristics of these.  Ironing out these non-standard pronunciation features will always improve your score.

Myth 2: The IDP IELTS is easier than the British Council IELTS.

False!

There is no difference between these two IELTS names, they are merely companies that operate in the designated territorial area. The tests are all written by language assessment experts in the UK at the University of Cambridge and then sent on to test centres to use around the world. The examiners are all trained in the same way, to the same standards and the marking schemes are also identical. You can find out more about the high levels of quality control and fairness surrounding IELTS here.

Myth 3: If I write more words in the writing test, I will get a higher Band Score.

False!

You won’t score a higher mark just by writing to or above the word count.  In fact, by writing too much, you are likely to make more mistakes and your main ideas may lose clarity and focus so it’s better to stick to the word limit or just go over by 10-20%. I recommend writing around 180 words for Task 1 and approximately 280 words for Task 2.

My advice on preparing a draft for writing a Task 2 or Task 2 is to look for the simplest ideas you can see or think of. You are more likely to write a coherent answer with fewer errors if you choose the simpler ideas or information. Aiming to write much more that the recommended amount will lead to more mistakes and annoy the examiner.

Myth 4: Every IELTS examiner grades differently.

False!

Examiners are all trained and monitored in exactly the same way and use the same scoring criteria and regularly receive monitoring and retraining. The speaking tests are also recorded, and the recordings are regularly used by senior markers to evaluate the performance of all examiners. The recordings can also be used if you are not satisfied with your speaking score and wish to have your test remarked.

Myth 5: I can find my IELTS speaking questions on-line, so I should memorise these.

False!

Yes, some people upload the questions they were asked after their test, but there are many different sets of questions that an examiner can use so it is extremely unlikely that you will get exactly the same ones. It is a good idea, however, to familiarise yourself with as many different types of questions as possible on a range of different topics so that you are well prepared before your test.

Myth 6: An IELTS test score is valid for life.

False!

Your IELTS score is only valid for a period of 2 years. So, if you took the test in 2018 but now need to show that you have the required band score in 2021, your previous score will not count and unfortunately you will have to retake the test.

Myth 7: IELTS band 9 is only for native speakers.

False!

Even some native speakers do not get band 9. You need to be able to use the language naturally and accurately with a full range of grammatical structures. Native speakers often receive a low score band in fluency, vocabulary and occasionally pronunciation. Too often, a lack of awareness around the IELTS test is the problem.

A typical Band 9 candidate has normally lived in an English-speaking country for many years but that’s not to say it’s impossible for those who haven’t.

Myth 8: Anything below band 6 is a fail.

False!

There is no pass or fail in the IELTS test. You get the band score that reflects your language level. What does your language level mean? Well, IELTS is strictly aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages. The CEFR is a great way to assess your capabilities in language use which is useful for work and study applications.  In reality though, your IELTS band score is a combination of the CEFR, and also your familiarity and preparedness with IELTS test format.

So, there is no fail but only what level is accepted by the institution you want to study or work with.

You can get a better understanding of levels and exam equivalents here.

Myth 9: IELTS papers which are re-marked are never upgraded by a full band score.

False!

They can be. It is unlikely to get your reading or listening scores upgraded by more than 0.5 since these are assessed objectively and the difference between two markers is only likely to be very marginal. However, there is an element of subjectivity in marking writing and speaking tests, despite the rigorous testing that examiners undergo. Therefore, if you strongly believe that your score should have been higher, it could be worth asking for a review, but it is a good idea to get advice from an IELTS expert first.

By the way, there is a fee, but the good news is, this is refunded if the band ratings change.

Myth 10: Using complex sentences in IELTS writing always get a higher mark.

False!

There are literally hundreds of videos and posts that explain to students what complex sentences are and how they are important to gaining a higher score. Many claim that simply using complex sentences automatically increases a band score rating in speaking or writing. This is a really common and misleading piece of advice that can result in low scoring writing and speaking!

While the use of complex sentences IS a rating feature at Band 5, grammar ratings at Band 6 or 7 are related to accuracy and flexibility. Put simply, this means how well and appropriately (naturally) you are able to connect ideas grammatically together.  It is a good idea to understand the definitions of complex sentences, but you would then need to study and practice sufficiently to be an effective user.

Too often candidates use higher level grammar that is inaccurate and inappropriate, so try to keep ideas simple and the rest should follow!

Myth 11: Taking the IELTS exam in some countries is easier than others, so find an easy test centre!

False!

If it appears, from rumours or your experience, that taking the IELTS in some countries or even at some test centres is easier than others, let me tell you that from my own personal experience this is not correct. Having worked in venues across the UK, Europe and China, I can tell you that examiner standards are monitored and standardised to ensure the IELTS is a fair test for the candidate.

It certainly isn’t about giving low scores, so test centres get more students retaking the test, or giving favours to certain individuals or nationalities because reading, listening are marked objectively from a score card and writing is monitored and marked centrally.

Having said that, what may be true is that some examiners have certain expectations about the level of students they will test. Working as an examiner in areas where English is less widely used is more demanding than working in countries where English is widely used, such as Malaysia, or in the capitals of countries where there are more English users and this may make examiners appear more friendly. However, I don’t think this justifies the investment or the time. 

Myth 12: You have to have a teacher to pass the IELTS exam.

False!

It really is quite possible to learn all you need to know about the exam, how to prepare and what to practice just from online materials and videos. However, as far as I am concerned, so much time is wasted in looking for videos and tips, that the real focus of exam preparation gets put to one side. Let’s face it, preparing for an exam is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ and that’s why so many students end up following poor advice. I see native speakers stumble because they don’t seek advice, and students making the same errors and mistakes in both language and the test because they don’t seek feedback. 

If you have a teacher, ask them what they think are your weaknesses, and don’t just accept token expressions like ‘improve your vocabulary’ or ‘grammar’- any decent teacher is able to give you specific examples on language and preparation areas. If they don’t or can’t, then find a decent teacher or coach.

 

Myth 13: The IELTS typed computer-based test is easier than the pen or pencil written test.

False!

In 2021, the majority of IELTS test takers will be familiar with technology whether it’s their phone, laptop or more specialised applications. Let’s face it, apps are part of our daily life and cannot be avoided. We use apps because they make something easier, more convenient or simplify the process of doing something and so many people assume that the computer-based test offers likewise advantages and it does. 

As far as I can see, the main advantage of the IELTS ‘CBT‘ is to those who are familiar with touch typing or whose handwriting is not the best.

The CBT doesn’t correct your spellings or your grammar, like Microsoft Word or Grammarly does, so it’s much easier to make mistakes and leave them uncorrected. If your handwriting is not so great, you might argue the CBT is a better option as the examiner (a real person still reads your answer) will easily be able to see your ideas, and there are no problems about the pen being too faint. On the other hand, there’s no way to disguise a bad spelling with bad handwriting either!

Myth 14: The IELTS Indicator test is accepted by work and study institutions as an alternative to the regular IELTS test.

False!

The Indicator test was made available during Covid 19 so test takers could practice and assess their current language level. The test conditions were never to the high standard of the IELTS test, and never could be. Some people have claimed that the results of an Indicator test reliably display the language level of the candidate, but there are so many factors that mean it is open to abuse and fraud. 

It is true that there is a list of institutions that claim to accept the Indicator test as acceptance on to their study programmes. That might be a good option for you now but you need to know that there are many conditions attached which means you will have to do other language tests that meet the conditions of the country’s visa.

Even if you get a high Indicator score, you may have to take the IELTS anyway before you can start your degree or Masters.

Never reply to messages or posts that promise a high Indicator score or ‘real’ IELTS certificates!

Myth 15: The more you take the IELTS test, the luckier and better you will be.

False!

Like gambling, the more you do something, the better it can get, or the opposite, the worse! The theory that the more you do something, the more you improve is certainly true. Take playing the guitar or using your phone to take pictures. You can hear and see the results. If you’re not happy with the results you can do something to make improvements like mastering the E Chord or changing the IOS settings on the phone. Once you have taken the IELTS test, the only feedback you get is the result. Candidates who take the test again and again are often just practicing the same mistakes without any feedback and without any improvements.

Yes, there may be some improvement, but it will be minimal and very expensive!

My advice join a reliable Facebook group or better still, find yourself a decent teacher!