Many students seem to think that the following is true:
long sentences = complex = high score
This is not true. Long sentences are just short sentences that have been linked together. It's easy to write a long sentence. It's also easy to write a long sentence which is full of mistakes!
You don't need to be Shakespeare to get a band 7 (or band 9)! You just need to write clear, organised sentences which answer the question and contain some good vocabulary.
hey, Simon.
Today I heard one english teacher (Australian, who is an IELTS teacher) was talking that there was very huge gap between band 7 and 6.5 in writing and she personally marked papers and gave band 7 in very very rare cases. She pointed out that the papers had to be extremely noticable and distinguished from other papers...she virtually said that it was impossible to pass academic writing task with 7....
Is it really so hard???
I am a bit concerned about such an opinion of IELTS examiner...or is it just an opinion?
Posted by: Elena | Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 12:46
Hi Elena,
This is not correct, so don't worry.
Examiners give band 7, 8 and even 9 regularly. The examiner's mark scheme defines exactly what deserves a 7, and examiners are not trained to believe that there is a huge difference between 6.5 and 7.
I'm sorry that you heard someone say this.
Posted by: Simon | Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 17:14
thank you Simon!
I felt something was wrong with her approach:)
Posted by: Elena | Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 23:53
No problem.
Posted by: Simon | Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 17:08
hi simon
can u tell me whethere same examiner of speaking section will correct our writing paper or different examinor.
many thanx........
Posted by: nisha | Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 18:39
sir,
I have a question,is there any difference between, to what extent you agree ,agree or disagree type of question...my doubt is if i get to what extent type question means i will write both sides and in the second type i will write only one side...that is my understanding,is that correct sir?
Posted by: tincy | Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 17:14
Hi Nisha,
It's a different examiner.
...
Hi Tincy,
No, "Do you agree or disagee?" is the same as "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
You can write about one side OR both sides - it depends on your opinion e.g. if you agree, just write about that side, but if you have a balanced opinion, you can explain both sides.
Hope this helps
Posted by: Simon | Friday, January 28, 2011 at 16:58