• VIP Course
  • Facebook
    Instagram
    Youtube
    • Skip to primary navigation
    • Skip to main content
    • Skip to primary sidebar
    • Skip to footer
    IELTS Advantage

    IELTS Advantage

    IELTS Preparation Courses

    • Success Stories
    • Resources
      • IELTS Writing Task 1
      • IELTS Writing Task 2
      • IELTS Speaking
      • IELTS Reading
      • IELTS Listening
      • IELTS Vocabulary
    • Contact Us
    • VIP Course

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

    Home » IELTS Blog » Should I use a pen or pencil in the IELTS exam?

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

    This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from IELTS students about whether or not to use a pen or pencil in the IELTS test:

    Will I lose marks if I use a pencil? Is it okay if I write my essay using a pen? Should I fill in the answer sheet using a pen?

    IELTS Writing

    You can use either a pen or pencil in the IELTS Writing Task 1 or Writing Task 2 paper.

    It makes no difference to your score or the marking process. The most important thing is that your handwriting is easy to read.

    Therefore, the best one to choose is the one you feel most comfortable using.

    If you make a mistake using a pen, you can either:

    • Cross it out and continue; or
    • Cross it out and write the correction in smaller letters above the mistake.

    The examiner will understand that a crossed-out word is to be ignored, so don’t waste time trying to make your answer sheet look perfect.

    IELTS Listening and Reading

    All of your answers must be written in pencil for the Listening and Reading tests.

    It is important that you do not use a pen.

    Will My Handwriting Affect My Score?

    No, your handwriting will not affect your score as long as the examiner is able to read it.

    For the reading and listening tests, your answers are either correct or incorrect. Handwriting is not factored in. However, I’d suggest bringing an eraser so that you can neatly correct any mistakes you might make on the reading and listening answer sheet.

    In the writing test, it is fine if your paper looks a bit messy as long as it’s easy to read. This exam assesses:

    1. Task response
    2. Coherence & cohesion
    3. Vocabulary and
    4. Grammar.

    Therefore, your writing style will not affect your score in any way.

    Tips:

    • It is fine to cross out mistakes when using a pen or pencil in the IELTS exam. Just make sure that it doesn’t affect the examiner’s ability to read what you’ve written.
    • You can check with your IELTS test centre to see whether they supply their candidates with stationary. However, you should bring your own just in case.
    • Finally, you should check out the IELTS website for more tips for the day of your exam:
      IELTS Test Day Advice

    Next Steps

    Now that you have decided whether you will use a pen or pencil in the IELTS exam, you can check out our resources below to help you with your IELTS preparation:

    [WPSM_FAQ id=1710011]
    Pen or pencil IELTS

    About Christopher Pell

    My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

    I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

    If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

    3.5 4 votes
    Article Rating
    Subscribe
    Notify of

    9 Comments
    Newest
    Oldest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Navigation

    • IELTS Preparation Guide
    • IELTS Writing Task 1: Everything You Need to Know
    • IELTS Writing Task 2: ✍️ Everything You Need to Know
    • Master IELTS Reading: Band 9 Strategies & Real Practice Tests
    • IELTS Speaking – ✍️ How to Get Band 9.0
    • IELTS Vocabulary Mastery: Essential Words, Tips & Techniques
    • Master IELTS Listening: Expert Tips, Strategies & Practice Tests (UPDATED 2025)
    • IELTS Tips
    • IELTS Practice: Ultimate Free Guide
    • IELTS For Teachers
    • IELTS Writing Correction Service

    Footer

    Contact us

    Email: chris@ieltsadvantage.com
    Over 4,000,000 collective followers!
    Facebook
    Instagram
    Youtube
    LinkedIn
    TikTok
    Twitter
    • Blog
    • Success Stories
    • Our Team
    • Our Principles
    • FAQ & Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms and Conditions
    • About Author
    • Subscribe
    • IELTS VIP Ambassador Program
    • Cookies Policy
    © 2021 IELTS Advantage All rights reserved. Registered Company Number NI637423. Advantage Exam Preparation Limited. 4 Castleglen Park, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0WL United Kingdom. The information on this site is for information purposes only. IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. For full information please refer to our terms and conditions and disclaimer.
    wpDiscuz