Do you think that IELTS writing is the same as academic writing?
The two are not the same and if you work with a teacher who does not understand the differences between the two you will end up with a low Writing score.
We recently got upset when we heard that one of the students in our 3 Keys IELTS Success System got bad advice from an IELTS teacher who disagreed with our advice that students should use interesting adverbs in their essays.
#1) All advice must be connected to the scoring system:
The problem here is that the teacher is giving the student advice according to what works on academic essays but IELTS is different from other academic essays.
The teacher is not working from the perspective of the IELTS scoring system. He or she is probably an academic writing teacher.
Every single piece of IELTS advice must be connection to the scoring system.
Ask your teacher, “How is this piece of advice going to get me a higher score?”
For example, on an academic essay you should not use “I.”
The professor generally does not want to know your opinion on something.
However, on IELTS you often need to share you opinion and argue your point of view.
If you do not do this you will get a lower score.
#2) Stick to one system, don’t confuse yourself:
Even if you do find an IELTS teacher who really understands the IELTS scoring system it’s better not to try to work with many different teachers who all use different systems.
You need to choose one system with one professional who has real experience and only follow that system.
You cannot try to follow two or three different strategy systems.
You will get confused and this will lower your score.
#3) Invest in a course and get a better chance of success:
Also, don’t rely only on free advice when it comes to IELTS.
If you invest in a course you will be much more likely to focus your time and energy on getting the maximum results for your investment.
What is your experience?
Are you working with more than one teacher and trying to follow more than one system?
Let us know in the comments below.