Frequently Asked Questions by IELTS Examiners

If you’re preparing for the IELTS exam, you might have several questions about what to expect and how to approach the test. One of the best ways to understand the exam format is by getting insights from those who are responsible for assessing the exam—IELTS examiners. In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that examiners encounter from test takers, so you can approach your exam day with confidence.

1. What does the examiner look for in the Speaking Test?

One of the most frequently asked questions by candidates is about what examiners are specifically looking for during the speaking section of the IELTS exam. The examiner assesses your ability to communicate clearly, answer questions coherently, and express yourself fluently.

Key criteria include:

 • Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak without unnecessary pauses and maintain the flow of conversation?

 • Lexical Resource: Are you using a wide range of vocabulary correctly?

 • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Are your grammatical structures varied and accurate?

 • Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and easy to understand?

Tip:

 • Speak naturally and confidently—don’t worry about being perfect. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

2. How is the Writing Test scored?

The writing section is often a challenging part of the IELTS exam for many candidates. Examiners score your writing based on four main criteria:

 1. Task Achievement/Task Response: Have you answered the question fully and addressed all parts of the task?

 2. Coherence and Cohesion: Is your writing organized logically? Do you use linking words effectively?

 3. Lexical Resource: Have you used a variety of vocabulary and expressions appropriately?

 4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Are your sentences grammatically correct and varied in structure?

Tip:

 • Plan your answers before you start writing. Ensure your ideas are clearly structured, and be mindful of word count limits.

3. What should I avoid during the Listening Test?

The listening test is another area where test takers often have questions. Examiners suggest that one of the biggest challenges students face is losing focus and missing part of the listening due to anxiety.

Some things to avoid:

 • Not reading the instructions carefully: Always check whether you need to write one word or more in your answers.

 • Overthinking: If you don’t understand a particular part, don’t worry—move on to the next question. You can always go back if time allows.

 • Not checking your answers: Make sure your spelling and grammar are correct before submitting.

Tip:

 • Stay calm, focus on the recording, and remember that it’s okay to miss one or two words. Just focus on understanding the general idea.

4. How can I prepare for the Writing Task 2 essay?

A common question from test takers is how to approach Writing Task 2, where you need to write an essay in response to a question. Examiners look for a clear, well-organized response, with a strong introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Tips for Task 2:

 • Understand the question: Identify whether it’s asking for your opinion, a solution to a problem, or an argument.

 • Plan your essay: Spend a few minutes planning your ideas before writing. This will help you structure your essay and stay focused.

 • Use formal language: Avoid informal language or slang, especially in academic writing.

Tip:

 • Focus on clarity and logical structure. A well-organized essay with clear arguments will score higher than one that is disorganized, even if the vocabulary is rich.

5. Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question?

Yes, you can! If you didn’t fully understand a question during the speaking test, don’t hesitate to politely ask the examiner to repeat or clarify it. Examiners will not penalize you for asking for clarification, as they want to give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your language skills.

Tip:

• If you don’t understand a question, say, “Sorry, could you please repeat that?” or “Could you clarify that for me?” The examiner will be happy to help.

6. How do I get a good score in the Reading Test?

The reading test can be tricky because of its time constraints and the fact that it tests a range of skills. Examiners suggest improving your reading speed and learning how to identify key information quickly.

Tips for Reading:

 • Skim the text: Before answering questions, skim through the passage to get a general idea of the content.

 • Identify keywords: Look for specific keywords that can help you locate the answers.

 • Don’t spend too much time on one question: If you can’t find the answer quickly, move on to the next question and return later.

Tip:

 • Practice reading different types of texts—newspapers, articles, and academic papers—to get used to various writing styles and vocabulary.

Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Confident

By understanding what IELTS examiners focus on during each section of the test, you can better prepare yourself for the exam. Stay calm, follow the guidelines, and approach each section with confidence. At Siahpoosh Institute, we offer comprehensive preparation courses to help you achieve your IELTS goals and guide you through every step of the process.