Is IELTS English really harder than the normal English I use in my daily life?
No, IELTS English is not a separate or harder form of English. The test asks you to show your ability under specific test conditions, including understanding different information, organizing ideas, using suitable vocabulary and keeping grammar accurate. A clear sentence with a common word can beat a complicated one.
No, IELTS English is not a different or more difficult form of English. What changes is the setting, because you must show your ability under specific test conditions.
What IELTS Actually Asks of You
| Skill area | What you need to show |
|---|---|
| Understanding | Follow different types of information |
| Organization | Arrange your ideas clearly |
| Vocabulary | Use words that are accurate, flexible and suited to the context |
| Grammar | Maintain accuracy throughout your answers |
Why Difficult Words Do Not Guarantee a Higher Score
- For higher scores, using difficult words alone is not enough.
- A clear sentence with a common word can work better than a complicated sentence with an incorrect synonym.
- Your vocabulary and grammar should fit the context rather than sound impressive.
My Advice
Stop trying to sound advanced and start trying to sound accurate. Practice with everyday topics, write short clear sentences first, and then add range once your accuracy is steady. Check the official IELTS page for the latest scoring descriptions.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which should you take?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
More IELTS questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
- Do I need to score well in GRE, GMAT, or IELTS to get good scholarships in top business schools for a MBA?
- Is it possible to get an IELTS exemption if my transcript states that my medium of instruction was English?
- Can I still take IELTS as a paper-based test?
- How are my Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections marked in IELTS?