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In IELTS, if you don’t think your writing or speaking result is accurate, you can ask for an EOR (Enquiry of Results).  Your writing or speaking will then be checked by another examiner (in some cases a senior examiner but not always) to see whether your result is accurate or not.  You have to pay for this and the fee differs depending on the country you did the test in.  However, if your score is changed (up or down), you get this fee back a new score on a new certificate.

So, when might it be a good idea to go for an Enquiry of Results (EOR)?

If you have a score like this, then it might be worth trying.  Why?

Because one production skill (speaking) is a full band higher than the other (writing).  You will usually find that your production skills are very similar to each other in terms of level.

When is it a bad idea?

• If you want your reading or listening remarked, then it is a waste of money.  In reading and listening, the answer is right or wrong.  It is black or white.  In writing and speaking, the criteria is being interpreted so there is a chance of human error.

• If your speaking is Band 9 and your writing is Band 7 then it has already been double checked by IELTS.  When there is a big difference between your production marks, this is called a jagged profile.  This means that someone needs to double check your writing or speaking.  In these cases, although rare, EOR is a waste of money as it has already been double checked.

• If there is a 0.5 difference between your writing and speaking marks.  Both your production scores are very similar.  The chances of you getting marked up in writing here are very slim.  This isn’t to say that it is impossible, you will find stories of people succeeding in getting their score raised, but these cases are rare.

• If your writing and speaking are both Band 6 and you need 6.5, then save your money.  You have work to do on both these skills.

So, what should you do if you miss out on the score you need by 0.5 in writing or speaking?

1)  Don’t book another test straight away.

2)  Find out why you got 6.5 in writing/speaking.  Get an IELTS examiner to evaluate your writing or speaking here at upmyielts.com.

3)  Work on the feedback you receive from the examiners.  Do some online classes.

4)  Do another writing/speaking evaluation.  Book your writing here and your speaking here.

5)  Book another test when you are told you are ready.

6)  Get what you need in IELTS and celebrate not having to do the exam again!!