Practise using the official IELTS writing answer sheet before your test. Learn how the examiner uses the paper to record your band score and what extra information is contained on it. This lesson also explains how to fill in the answer sheet and how to use it effectively to estimated your word count. People taking the computer based IELTS test will see the word count on their screens.
Below is a link to download the answer sheet so you can practise writing on it before your test. Any student taking the IELTS test for the first time, should watch this lesson.
Click link to download: official ielts-writing-answersheet
If you are taking the computer based test, remember that the word count is given for you on the screen. This is really useful.
Recommended Lessons
Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: How to write an introduction
You are a great lady
God bless you.
You’re welcome π
Dear Liz,
Thank you for the great job you have been doing. I find your contents very reassuring and very helpful. I would like to ask what is the best way to cancel/make correction on a paper-based writing sheet without messing up the answer sheet. On a computer-based test, it is pretty forward.
There is no right way or wrong way to delete a word on paper. You want to make sure the word is fully deleted so that the examiner isn’t confused and that means more than just putting a thin line through it. You might want to put a few lines through it so it’s a clear deletion. But you also want to make it neat so that your paper doesn’t look too messy. When you write your new word, just put it above or next to the deleted word. As long as it’s clear and easy for the examiner to understand, it’s fine. Yes, on the computer test, it’s really simple. With the paper test, it’s even more important to plan your essay properly. You can’t move long sentences around or change the position of paragraphs like you can in the computer test. So, plan your main ideas, your supporting points, your paragraph and sentence organisation before you start writing. That will reduce the need for heavy deletions.
Hi Liz,
I can see this blog is really helpful.I wanted to ask that I am not a very good typer on computer and may get stuck on things.For highlighting on screen during listening or bringing cursor like you said,I am not sure whether I will be able to do that unless I practice a lot.Should I choose computer based exam and do practice for a month to be good enough or should I just prepare on a paper.I gave IELTS in 2018 and got 6.5 in Reading and writing which was not upto mark.One factor I realized at that time was my speed and time management. Because I got nervous and got short of time and had to write fast,which resulted in bad hand writing.So that’s why I choose to have computer based test this time, to avoid bad handwriting.What do you suggest.
Only you can answer your question. Each person is different. Some people love using the computer and have fast typing as well as being good with the mouse. Maybe you should practice for two weeks and if you feel you are struggling to improve your typing then you know you’ll have to go back to the paper test and pay attention to your handwriting. If you have the money, you could take two tests – one with the computer and one with paper.
do we need to write on paper even in the CBT (computer based test)form?
On the computer test, you put your answers directly into the computer.
can we use our headphone when listening part?
Each test center is different. You must ask your test center about this.
Can I pause and replay the audio while doing the listening test?.
You cannot control the listening test. The recording is 30 mins in length and you can’t pause it or replay it. You will hear it only once.
Hello liz,
I find you in youtube . It was really great to me. Your are really amazing! You always talk with a smile and It’s gives me so much confidence!
I’m so glad you can gain confidence. I think confidence and enjoyment of learning are two essential steps in success.
You are really a great teacher. You have been
teaching that everything is so simple . We all love u
I’m so glad you find my lessons useful π
Thanks Liz for the lectures. I watch them all the time, especially at work.
The model answers for the writing tasks are quiet helpful. It does gave me insight on how I should be writing and planning my essays.
Great. I’m glad my lessons are helping you π
Hi Liz,
Iβm undecided on whether to take the computer based test or paper-test. What do you advise?
Also, for the paper test, is rough paper provided to plan the essays and can I go back to change an answer if Iβm still within time?
The computer based test is best for those who are comfortable typing. You will need to listen to the recording in the listening test and type the answers or highlight words or drag words using your mouse. If you feel ok about this and have good typing skills for the writing test, go for that. In the paper based test, you plan your essay on the question paper. You can alter words and answers in the paper based test but make sure the correct answer or word is very clear and easy to read.
Dear Liz,
Thank you for sharing your excellent experience regarding IELTS and providing us an opportunity to learn in an easy way.
I have my IELTS test on 17 June 2021. I just saw your blog and I liked it very much. Today I started reading the FAQs and this portion of the blog is amazing to learn much in a short time about IELTS modules and various strategies.
As I am very short of time, I need a quick help from you about what and how to prepare in these few days to get good score ?
Last time, in 2018, my score was 6.5 overall and 5.5 in writing. I had missed a lot many things that I learned today from your blog but still I need your advice on how to work in a smart way to get good score.
Thank you in advance and wish you a good health.
I generally don’t recommend booking a test until your exam skills are at their peak. Certainly you can learn a lot in a few days, but you must figure out where you are going wrong and what you need to review. Only you know this. Each person is different. Make a list of all types of writing task 1, task 2 and speaking questions – then decide which ones you feel you are not comfortable with. Review each type of question for listening and reading, then focus on the few types that you struggle with. Be strategic and systematic. Good luck !!
Hello Liz,
Thank you for creating these useful platforms- your site and the YouTube channel.
May I just ask what you mean by ‘exam skills at their peak’.
I have been exploring the ielts format since last week and planning on doing so and advancing my language skills for the next three months. I already have some clear picture and general plan in mind, so how do we know when our exam skills are at their peak?
Thank you for everything you have created for us so far.
Thank you
When I refer to exam skills, I mean all the skills you need to tackle different parts of the tests and different types of questions. IELTS is a particular test with its particular challenges. You need to have your abilities in this particular test at their highest level. You need to be confident that you understand precisely what to do and how to do it well. Just having good English isn’t enough.
Dear Mam, To be honest most of your viewers and subscribers are extremely missing you in youtube.
We want you back and a humble request ,give your presence atleast in a month.
Thanks for your message. I’m missing my my videos for Youtube. I’ve been very sick and I’m still not well. But I hope to improve this year. If I’m lucky, I might be able to make some videos by the end of this year – fingers crossed π
So sorry LIz. Please be fine.
You will be lucky. We look forward to having you back
Hi Liz, I am appearing for the general IELTS tomorrow and I have been following you only since I started my preparation. I have a query regarding extra sheet, would examiner mind if I write task 2 more than one sheet? Please help me. And please wish me good luck so that I can achieve the score required.
Sure, it’s fine. Just put your hand up when you need more paper. You can also ask about this before the test starts so you feel comfortable about it. Make sure you label your sheets accordingly: Page 1 of 2 / Page: 2 of 2. This way whoever marks your paper will know there are two sheets.
hello dear Liz ,
I can’t thank you enough for all your helpful hints and advices . I followed many of your instructions and I relied on your website to prepare for ielts writing . my exam was today and if i got any high score , it will be because of you .
My mind is occupied by two issues happened to me during the exam , i ll be more thankful if you could help me with it.
actually on the name category of listening and writing answer sheets : i wrote ( my family name ,, then my first name )
then on the writing answer sheets , i did it vice versa ( my first name ,, then my family name )
I so worried about that ,, will this affect my score or results any how ???
beside on speaking test , i did well but i asked the examiner after the test if she has any note on my performance ,, she said no , i got worried as well , will it have any impact on my score ??
GOD BLESS YOU.
For your first concern, just contact your test centre and let them know what you did. I’m sure it’s fine, but it’s best to inform them. Your second concern, about speaking, is not worth worrying about. Your score cannot be affected by anything that isn’t recorded and is only based on your language – nothing else matters. Good luck with your results π
Hi Liz, I have been going through your site to prepare for my IELTS. I just love your dedication to helping others. God bless you abundantly!
Hi Liz,
Thank you very much for your guidance. I have a question. When I take the computer-based examination, can I see my live word count while I am writing?
Thank you for your time.
Yes, the word count is shown on your screen.
Hi liz,
Can u plz tell me can we get extra sheet as my writing is big ( in case i am under word count)??
Yes, sure you can. Talk to the invigilator prior to the test. When you fill your answer sheet, you can put your hand up and ask for another sheet.
Hi Miss Liss, hope you doing well.
this is my questions:
1. From where the examiner know if we memorize an essay/report?
2. And what if actually we do not memorize but our answer look similar from samples on the books?
(because we learn to write from IELTS Cambridge books and I think we will become tend to write similar essay/report)
1. Memorised answers contain extremely high level language with very low level language mixed in. This means it’s easy for the examiner to spot. High level language users don’t need to memorise. Only the low level users try to do this and it is easy to spot.
2. It is unlikely your answer will be the same or “very similar” like anything from a book because topics, questions and instructions constantly change.
Hello Liz
What if I write and the spelling is wrong then i need to pen through it …How will I do it in the answer sheet
Just cross it out very clearly so the examiner doesn’t get confused between the correct and deleted words.
Hi Liz, your videos are fantastic, thanks for having the time to put this together for us π I have a question related with the computer based test, could you please advise if the computer will recognise if you have written and deleted any words? For instance, you have deleted a single paragraph many times, and you will be punished on your score? Many thanks. Best regards, Ricardo
Just the same as a word doc, you can’t see what has been altered, only what is currently on that page.
Hi Liz,
Hope you are doing good.
I have registered for Computer based IELTS exam. Can you please suggest how i can prepare for writing or if there is any videos which you have created for Computer based candidates, it will be very helpful.
There is no difference in the writing test. The only difference is that you type onto a screen instead of using pen on paper.
You have a good heart. We all wish you good health. Warm regards
Thanks
Dear Liz,
Your website is amazing. It is really helping me alot. All the points are explained in depth.
I have a question.
Can I use block letters in essay?
Thank You.
IT is not advisable to do that. You are being marked on the correct using of punctuation as well as capital letters. Just write normally.
Dear Liz,
I didn’t get the size of papers, are they A4? π
Yes, they are A4 size.
Do I get extra ‘rough sheets’ for making notes for my writing? Also can I write my writing tasks using pencil instead of pen? Just worried that I might make some mistakes while writing, miss some words, which I may correct during the review. It will be messy with a pen.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/. You use the question paper to plan your essay. Of course you can delete mistakes. All these points are answered on this site. Use your time to review all main pages – click on the RED MENU BAR at the top of the site.
Hi liz, you are amazing.i find your lectures is very helpful. I must say a big thank you to you. I spend most of the time watching your lectures which are very interesting and helpful.thank you so much dear
You’re very welcome π
Thank you so much mam for your guidance π!
Hi Liz,
Just want to ask something, can i write where the “do not write below this line” is being written? I got confused.. thanks in advance! More power!
No. You must always follow instructions. If it says “do not write below this line” it means you must not write below the line. Your writing must be in the lines provided and always be clear and easy for the examiner to read.
Can we write in the line which says “Do right below this line”, this last line is lesser than other lines in height.
It won’t make any difference. But I advise you not to – the other lines are spaced to make your writing easier to read for the examiner.
Hi Liz,
I want to ask one thing about answer sheet for Task1 and Task2 papers.
Can we use the back of the papers for writing or just first pages to write report or essay? I didn’t understand this part. Because, just first page won’t be able to write enough words.
You use the lines on the paper to write which are usually front and back. You can ask for more paper if you run our of space. For planning, use the question paper.
Thanks so much Liz!!
Hey liz,
Thank you so much for your guidance. I couldn’t find any link to download the answersheet s there any another link for that?
I got it. Thank you so much Liz.
Hey liz,
thank you for your guidance. I couldn’t find any link to download the answersheet there any another link for that ?
The link is provided just above the video.
Hey Liz
Awesome work with the website. Just discovered it today as it was recommended by my friend. I tried to download the writing task answer sheet; however couldn’t do that. Is there any other link on your website to download it?
Thanks and regards
Hey Liz
I tried it again from the same link and it worked this time. Thanks for it. This will help a lot.
Thank you so very much for such a wonderful website!!
I can’t stress enough on how helpful your lessons are.
My ILETS was today and I did pretty well in all reading, writing and listening but in My writing test I mistakenly wrote the answer of task 1 in the task 2 paper and answer of task 2 in the task 1 paper!!!
The supervisor did cross out the 1 and made it 2 but I’m so worried will the examiner cancel it now?
I’m sure it will be fine if the examiner marked it correctly on the paper. If you are still really worried, contact your test center and talk to them. Good luck with your results π
Hi Liz. I have a query with writing in official IELTS sheet. Can I leave single empty line in paragraph and two empty lines between paragraphs? Thanks in advance for your sincere guideline.
It is confusing for the examiner to purposely leave an empty line inside a paragraph. Just leave one empty line between paragraphs and that’s all. If the examiner can’t see your paragraphs easily, you will get a low score. Paragraphing is a very important aspect of your essay. If you plan your essay correctly, you will be able to write it without worrying about filling a paragraph. Each sentence should be planned before you start writing. See my Advanced Lessons and Ideas E-book if you need help: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Thank you madam for sharing.
Hi Liz, you are amazing. I find your lectures very helpful. I must say a big thank you to you. I spend most of my time watching your lectures which are very interesting.
I’m pleased my lessons are helping you tackle IELTS π
Hi Liz
Recently I gave my IELTS exam On 19th
By the mistake I writes the task 1 on task 2 then I told that with teacher , he said that U write task 2 by pen on the top of sheet
It’s right or not plz give me replay
Hope U will give me feedback regarding my concerns
If the examiner marking the paper knows what you’ve done it’s fine. So, writing “Task 2” at the top of the paper makes it clear for the person marking.
Hi Liz,
Could you please update me that why i can’t see your any new videos or you didn’t upload any new?
Looking forward your answer!
Thank you
This is because I’ve been fighting a serious illness for the last few years and have not been well enough to make videos. Hopefully I will get better one day.
πππππ I’m so sad to hear this from you . I hope Soon you’ll get better. πππ
Wishing you a quick recovery and sending you warm hugs.
Thanks
I hope you get well soon, please take care of yourself. Sending Warm Hugs.
Thanks
Hi Liz,
Very sorry to hear this, I was also feeling that you are not uploading any New video, but trust me I found all your videos quite helpful as prepared with lots of efforts, I really appreciate ππ. I pray to God, you will be perfectly fine very soon π
Thanks
Hi Liz,
Thanks for the good work.
I’m preparing for this exam for the first time.
The Tasks 1&2 video I watched, you often made references to “ACADEMICS EXAMS PAPER” with graph (bar chart) illustration and so on. What about the General Paper? Are the questions and approach for both papers (exams) the same?
Secondly, is it compulsory to write out the planning on the sheet? Can’t I have it planned out in my mind?
Thanks
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/ and for more information about task 2, go to this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ for all
You are an angel..thank you
Hello Liz,
I just came across your channel tonight and the first video i just watched is insightful.
Please i will like to ask if there are specific number of words i must write on each line in the writing tests?
You should write normally and clearly. This means each person will have a different number of words per line.