IELTS Writing. Is it ok to delete words in IELTS writing? Read recommendations about this below.

Many students ask me:

1. Is it ok to delete words and make corectons corrections to your writing?
2. Can I write news words above using the “∨” sign to insert the new word?
3. If your writing is messy, will you get a lower score?

Answers

Deleting Words

It is completely fine to delete words in your IELTS writing. Is it natural that might want to change a word when you proof read your writing or when you have made a mistake. Many students put a line through the word they want to delete – make sure it is a strong thick line so it is easy to see. You want the examiner to be able to see clearly that the word has been deleted.

Adding Words using “∧”

It is fine to add new words into your sentences. However, make sure it is easy to read. You should not need to do this often if you plan your essay properly. You should not start writing your essay until you have a very clear plan with all ideas and supporting points planned.

Messy Writing

If the examiner can’t read your writing, then the words or sentences that can’t be read will not be counted. This means it could have a serious impact on your score. So, make sure your deleted words are clear, new words are easy to read and that your handwriting is legible. It might help to practise handwriting your essays before the test.

All the best

Liz

Answers to improving sentences.

Below you will find different ways sentences could be improved to get a higher band score in IELTS writing task 2.

International charities have large funds. Local charities have small funds.

1. International charities have large funds, while local charities have small funds.
2. Larger funds are available to international charities compared to local charities which have relatively smaller funds.

Some natural disasters affect thousands of people. These situations require the aid of international charities.

1. Some natural disasters affect thousands of people and, therefore, require the aid of international charities.
2. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, can have disastrous consequences for thousands of people and for this reason the amount of aid required can only be provided by international charitable organisations.

Local charities know the needs of local people. Local charities can support both individuals and small groups.

1. As local charities know the needs of local people, they are able to support both individuals and small groups.
2. Local charities are able to support both individuals and small groups because they understand the needs of local people.

Local charities do not have big financial resources. They are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.

1. Even though local charities do not have big financial resources, they are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.
2. Despite local charities having limited funding and resources, they still play a vital role in providing support and caring for the welfare of people within local communities.

All charities need donations. International charities can draw donations from many wealthy countries. International charities have the money needed to promote their organisation. Local charities are less known but still require donations. Local charities must rely mainly on fund raising events.

1. It is clear that all charities need donations in order to do their work effectively and offer aid when needed. International charities are able to draw donations from many wealthy countries through their capacity to promote their cause on a global scale. This is not the case with local charities who are not as well known and rely on receiving money through fund raising in local communities.
2. It is clear that all charities need donations in order to do their work effectively and offer aid when needed. While international charities are able to draw donations from many wealthy countries through their capacity to promote their cause on a global scale, local charities are not as well known and rely on receiving money through fund raising in local communities. (This last sentence is very long. Do not try this unless you are excellent in English)

Let me know if this lesson was useful to you. 

Thanks

Liz

Below are some sentences about the topic of international aid organisation.

How can you improve the sentences below?

Write them again by linking sentences together. You can also alter words and change the order of information if you need to. Question 5 does not need to be written as one sentence, it might be written as two or three.

1. International charities have large funds. Local charities have small funds.
2. Some natural disasters affect thousands of people. These situations require the aid of international charities.
3. Local charities know the needs of local people. Local charities can support both individuals and small groups.
4. Local charities do not have big financial resources. They are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.
5. All charities need donations. International charities can draw donations from many wealthy countries. International charities have the money needed to promote their organisation. Local charities are less known but still require donations. Local charities must rely mainly on fund raising events.

Answers

the answers and model sentences are now available to view.

Click here: Answers to improving sentences