As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who wonder about the appropriate use of symbols and signs in their IELTS Writing responses. While the digital age has made us comfortable with shortcuts like “&” or “@” in informal writing, the IELTS Writing test demands a more formal approach. Let’s delve into whether using signs is acceptable and how it might impact your score.
Understanding the Importance of Formal Writing in IELTS
The IELTS Writing test assesses your ability to produce clear, well-structured, and grammatically accurate written English in an academic or semi-formal style. This means adhering to the conventions of formal writing, which generally discourages the use of informal symbols and abbreviations.
Why Using Signs Can Be Problematic
While the occasional use of universally understood symbols like “%” or “$” might not be heavily penalized, it’s generally safer to avoid them. Here’s why:
1. Ambiguity and Misinterpretation
Symbols can sometimes have multiple interpretations depending on the context. What you intend to convey with a symbol might not be how the examiner interprets it, potentially leading to confusion and affecting the clarity of your writing.
2. Informality
Using symbols like “&” instead of “and” or “@” instead of “at” immediately introduces an informal tone to your writing. This can be detrimental to your score, especially in the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, where a formal register is expected.
3. Grammatical Accuracy
Replacing words with symbols can sometimes lead to grammatical errors, particularly if the symbol is not a direct substitute for the word it replaces. For instance, using “+” instead of “and” in a complex sentence can create awkward phrasing and affect the grammatical accuracy of your writing.
IELTS Writing Test Format
What About Mathematical Symbols?
The use of mathematical symbols like “%”, “+”, “-“, “=”, etc., might be acceptable in the IELTS Writing Task 1 (graph description) if you are presenting data or describing trends. However, even in this context, it’s generally advisable to use the full words (“percent,” “plus,” “minus,” “equals”) to maintain a consistent level of formality.
Tips for Success
- Prioritize clarity and formality: Always prioritize writing in a clear, concise, and formal style. Use complete words and avoid any abbreviations or symbols that could be considered informal.
- Focus on grammar and vocabulary: Instead of relying on shortcuts, demonstrate your command of English grammar and vocabulary by using a wide range of words and sentence structures accurately.
- Review sample essays: Familiarize yourself with high-scoring IELTS essays to understand the expected tone and style of writing.
Conclusion
While the digital age has normalized the use of signs and symbols in informal communication, it’s crucial to remember that the IELTS Writing test demands a formal register and clarity of expression. Avoid using any symbols that could be perceived as informal or ambiguous. By focusing on accurate grammar, sophisticated vocabulary, and clear, formal language, you can effectively convey your ideas and achieve a high score in the IELTS Writing test.