Can we write IELTS Listening answers in capital letters

In the IELTS Listening test, you can write your answers in lower case or upper case or a combination of both. In other words, you are not marked on your use of capitalisation so you can choose whichever works best for you. Some students prefer to ‘print’ their answers in capital letters, and this is a good idea if your handwriting is not very easy to read. Writing in capital letters usually requires more time, but in the listening test this is not really a problem as you have an additional 10 minutes at the end of the final recording to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

For the IELTS Reading test, the same rules about capital letters apply. You can write all your answers in upper or lower case or a combination of both [using capitals at the beginning of proper nouns]. Punctuation is not taken into account when marking reading papers so your score will not be affected by your use of capital letters. Remember, however, that in the reading test you do NOT get an additional 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers so if you write more slowly when using CAPITAL LETTERS it might be better for you to write in lower case.

In Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, you are given one minute in which to prepare your ‘long-turn’ answer and during that time you are given a pencil and paper on which to make notes. The notes that you make are not assessed in any way, so once again it doesn’t matter if you write in lower and upper case, as long as YOU can read what you’ve written!

In the IELTS writing test, we wouldn’t advise you to write all your answer in capital letters as it usually takes a lot longer and you only have 60 minutes to answer both tasks. In addition, it is not usually appropriate to write letters, reports or essays completely in CAPITALS. Instead you need to demonstrate that you can use capital letters correctly because punctuation IS assessed in the writing test as part of the criteria for grammatical accuracy. So, if you are copying any names of people or places from the question in Task 1, make sure you use the capitalise the initial letters in the same way. Also, ensure that each new sentence you write begins with a capital letter. Try to leave a few minutes spare when you finish writing so that you can read through your answer and check that you have used correct spelling and punctuation.

If you’re not sure about when to use capital letters, check out the iPass IELTS toolbox exercise on correct punctuation

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The International English Language Testing System [IELTS] is an English language proficiency test for study, work and migration. With more than 3 million test takers each year, it's recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.  Book your IELTS test with IDP. 

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It's simple. Just choose your preferred IELTS Test Centre and pick a test date that suits you. Once you've determined that, follow the instructions to book your test. Please make sure that you have your passport with you to enter your identification details. Feel free to contact our IELTS Australasia Customer Support team if you have any problems booking your test. We can help you complete your booking.

I need help preparing for my test. Can you help me?

Sure thing! IDP Education gives you access to a wide range of official IELTS preparation materials for all levels of English. Explore and view it here.

Will I be able to take all test components on the same day?

This will depend on where you sit your test so kindly check with your Test Centre for details. Contact details for our Test Centres are available here

How may I request a refund or test date transfer?

You must contact your test Centre as soon as possible if you seek to request a refund or transfer your test date. Your Test Centre will provide you information on your next steps and administration fees. Contact details for our Test Centres are available here.

When can I re-sit the test?

There is no time limit on sitting the test. However, we strongly recommend you practise your IELTS skills in Writing, Reading or Speaking until you're confident you've done enough to increase your band score before taking the test again. Most Test Centres offer one-on-one coaching or free IELTS Masterclasses, you may register for them here. We also offer a wide range of official IELTS preparation materials for all levels of English. Explore and view it here.

I have an accent - will I be understood?

IELTS is an international test , we hear all accents. In your Speaking test, you’ll not lose marks for speaking with an accent but your pronunciation is important. Rest assured, your examiner will match your speaking pace and proficiency. Feel free to clarify the question if you're unsure.

How soon will I receive my IELTS test results?

Computer-delivered IELTS:

Your results will usually be released between 2-5 days after you sit your test

Paper-based IELTS: 

Your results will be released 13 calendar days after you sit your test.

How you receive your results will depend on which IELTS Test Centre you sit your test with. You may collect your results at some Test Centres so, please check with your Test Centre first. You should receive your Test Report Form [TRF] within 5 days of postage. It will be mailed to the postal address.

Can I see my IELTS results online?

Computer-delivered IELTS:

Your results will be available online from 6pm AEST, between 2-5 days after your test date.

Paper-based IELTS:

Your results will be available online from 6pm AEST, 13 calendar days after your test date.

Your test centre will notify you when they become available.

Access your results online here

Kindly have your passport, personal and test date details handy to view your results online.

I want my test remarked. How do I request for one?

Kindly apply for an IELTS Enquiry on Results within six weeks of sitting your test. Please contact the team at IELTS Customer Support team for more information. 

Will test be easier if I sit the IELTS in a different country?

IELTS is an international test created by Cambridge University. Cambridge carefully develops each element of each new test to ensure the level of difficulty is consistent. Rest assured that everything about the test is the same, regardless of where you take the test in the world. 

We recommend that you take the test at your preferred centre, a place that makes you feel most confortable and is ideal for you based on your needs. Browse here to see our list of centres in your city.

How is IELTS marked?

A strong structure and process is in place to ensure the marking is consistent no matter where in the world you take your IELTS. Our expert examiners strictly follow comprehensive assessment criteria to grade your skills. Training is also provided to our examiners globally and a firm monitoring process is in place to make sure marking quality and consistency is met always.

If you would like more information about our marking and band scores, click here

What is the IELTS Band scale?

You will be given a score from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The average produces your overall band score. You can score whole [e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0] or half [e.g., 5.5., 6.5, 7.5] bands in each part of the test.

For more information on the 9 band scale and how it is calculated, click here

Do I still need to prepare for IELTS if I'm from an English-speaking background?

It’s important that you prepare for the test even if you come from an English-speaking background.  We strongly recommend that you become used to the test format as understanding what to expect on test day is key to performing well. We also recommend you be familiar with the assessment criteria to fully understand how the examiner will mark your test. Download IELTS Support Tools to help you get ready for test day.

What can I take into the examination room?

You can only bring in pens, pencils, erasers and the valid passport you used on the IELTS Application Form with you to the test. Everything else must be left outside the examination room. 

Is it necessary to write an essay header before starting the essay or is it not required? Which is the best way? 

There is no need for a headings or subheadings in the Task 2 IELTS Writing. You will be marked down for incorrect format if you use subheadings. The examiner has the question in front of them, so you don’t need to repeat it by using a heading. Simply start your essay with the introduction as you would normally do. Task 2 starts with an introduction, then the body paragraph[s] and then the conclusion.

For IELTS General Training Task 1, we’re instructed to begin our letter with “Dear Sir” or “Madam”. Should we begin the letter as suggested or should we follow the proper format of writing a letter? Which one is the correct way?

If you have been asked to start the letter with Dear Sir or Madam, this is how you should start your letter – “Dear Sir” or “Madam”. This will also signal that the letter must be written in a formal tone.  If the instructions say ‘Begin your letter with “Dear…”, this means that the letter will be semi-formal/friendly, and you should start your letter by inserting a name. Eg. Dear John.

If I make a mistake while writing a letter or essay, is it better to use an eraser or should I cross out the wrong word and carry on. Which is the correct method?

If you have an eraser, it is better to erase the error and to replace it with the correct word. If your writing has lots of crossed out lines, it looks messy and may make it difficult for the examiner to read.  Neat presentation and clear handwriting aid the reading process. If you are in a centre where they only use pen, try and cross out the word or phrase neatly and write over it, or beside it as neatly as you can.

Can I write in capital letters?

We recommend you write all your Reading and Listening answers in capitals, so it is clear for the examiner. However, in Computer-delivered IELTS handwriting is not an issue, so you should try to write all words using upper and lower case. 

However, in the Writing test, it is very important to write Task 1 and Task 2 with correct capitalisation, as punctuation is marked as part of the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criteria. 

For computer-delivered IELTS, do we get a paper and pencil to take notes for the Listening test? Do we also get 10 minutes to transfer answers?

There is no transfer time for computer-delivered IELTS Listening test. You input answers directly as you hear them. You will get a pencil and a sheet of paper [with your Log-in details] that you can write notes on.

For more information, please learn more about computer-delivered IELTS here.