Should I use a pen or a pencil in the IELTS test?

Should I use a pen or a pencil in the IELTS Exam?

It is one of the most commonly asked question from IELTS students whether they should use a pen or a pencil in their IELTS test. Specially, new test taker students always have this question in their mind that Will they lose marks if they use a pen? Is it okay using a pen in the IELTS test?

It will not make difference to your score or the marking criteria. The most important thing is your hand writing, it should be clear and easy to read.

You can use either a pencil or pen in the IELTS Writing Task 1 or Task 2.
It is highly recommended to use a pencil for the Listening test and Reading test. Do not use a pen for these modules.
Answers of Listening and Reading sections are checked through the computer scanner and therefore, it is compulsory to write answers with a pencil for these two sections so that computers could clearly scan your answer.
Moreover, mistakes to your answer could be erased and rewrite without any trouble of lacking space for correct answer in the OMR sheet boxes.
You should take your own pen, pencil and eraser to the IELTS test centre. You can neatly correct mistakes with an eraser you might make on the answer sheet.
At some test centre candidates are not allowed to bring their own writing material like pen, pencil, eraser with them. So, kindly check it before your test.
Make sure you erase the wrong word completely so that the new word is clearly visible to the examiner.
You can use any style of hand writing in IELTS test. It should be neat and readable to the examiner otherwise you will loss the marks.

If you think your handwriting is clearly visible and tidy you can use a pen; but, if not, I recommend you to use a pencil for IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing module.

Now that you have cleared your mind whether you will use a pen or pencil in the IELTS test, you can check out our other blogs to help you with your IELTS preparation.

Listening test format and strategies

Reading test format and strategies

Writing test format and strategies

Speaking test format and strategies

All the best for your test.

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