MEMORISED LEARNING: TO DO OR NOT TO DO?

In our dedicated slot called 'Inspired by the research', we select research articles to see what we can learn for the classroom. This month we look at the question of how beneficial memorisation is for candidates preparing for IELTS.

Click here to read the full story

AN ALTERNATIVE TO MEMORISING TOPICS FOR IELTS SPEAKING TEST: A 3-STEP APPROACH TO DEVELOPING YOUR STUDENTS' SPEAKING SKILLS

How can you help students move away from memorising whole texts? This month we share some useful activities that help students remember and learn useful language.

Click here to read the full story

Hello Colin,

I've only attended your workshop on Listening and Reading. But I have a question about writing.
As the test involves writing, how much does spelling matter?

Hello and thank you for your question.

Accurate spelling is a feature of higher bands. As IELTS Writing is focussed on a person's ability to communicate, errors in spelling need to be analysed in relation to their impact on communication. As teachers, we should encourage accurate spelling but at the same time, give feedback on errors that takes communication into account.

Accurate spelling is required for the written answers in the listening and reading papers.

Look at how errors in spelling are written in the band descriptors. You can find the band descriptors, updates and information about the test on www.chinaIELTS.org and www.IELTS.org

Best,

Colin