IELTS Writing Revaluation: To Recheck or Resit?
Recently, I received my IELTS results with scores of L-8, R-9, S-7, and W-6.5. One of the questions that comes to mind is whether to go for rechecking of the writing part. In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of rechecking your writing score and provide recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Why Not to Recheck?
When considering rechecking your IELTS writing score, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits. There are a few reasons why rechecking might not be the best option:
Cost**: The fee for rechecking is often comparable to taking the test again. Probability of Improvement**: The chances of a significant increase in your writing score are limited. For a new examiner to revise an existing score, they would need to provide substantial evidence that the first examiner overlooked critical points, which is rare.If you believe that a recheck would be worthwhile because there might have been an error, it's still a considerable financial investment. This factor alone should be a significant consideration.
When to Recheck?
However, if you are confident that there was a mistake in the scoring and you believe that your writing deserves a higher band score, then rechecking could be a viable option. Here are some pointers to consider:
Confidence**: If you are certain that the current score does not reflect your true abilities, rechecking could be worth the fee. Desired Band Score**: If you require a score above 7.5, rechecking could be your best option, as it might provide a higher score.It's also important to note that while rechecking can be beneficial, it is not a guarantee of improvement. The outcome might remain the same, but it’s worth exploring if you are in doubt about the fairness of the initial score.
EOR (Examiner of Review) Option
A better alternative to rechecking is the EOR (Examiner of Review) option. This process involves your test being reassessed by a senior examiner who is independent of the initial examiner. The senior examiner will provide a new band score based on their professional judgment. Here are the key points:
Purity of Assessment**: The EOR process is more thorough and less prone to human error, as the reassessment is done by a senior examiner. No Additional Cost**: The EOR option is often free of additional fees. Potential for Improvement**: If your writing really deserves a higher score, the EOR process is more likely to reflect that.If you are very confident that your writing should receive a higher band score, the EOR option is a more cost-effective and reliable way to achieve this. It is advisable to apply for the EOR if your initial score seems significantly lower than what you believe you deserve.
Seeking Professional Advice
Before deciding to apply for an EOR, it's wise to seek professional advice. My experience suggests that many students who perform well in reading and listening struggle in writing and speaking. It's important to ensure that you truly deserve a higher band score in your writing before taking further steps.
Professional evaluations can provide valuable insights into your performance and can help you understand where you might need further improvements. This way, you can make a more informed decision about whether to pursue an EOR or reattempt the IELTS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rechecking your IELTS writing score is not always the best option. The cost and limited chances of improvement should be considered carefully. If you are certain that there was a mistake and your score does not reflect your true abilities, the EOR option is a more viable alternative. Seeking professional advice can also provide clarity and help you make the right decision.
Congratulations on your reading and listening scores, and best of luck with your writing and speaking!