Memorised phrases will get you a high band score — Myth or fact?

A common myth related to the IELTS test is that using certain memorised stock phrases/sentences, particularly in the written and spoken sections of the test, will increase your band score. This idea is not only patently false, it actually lowers the student’s band score instead of improving it.

Here are the reasons why:

1. The examiners are experienced professionals who have evaluated countless IELTS candidates. They are familiar with most of the common memorised phrases that students routinely use.

Using memorised phrases or sentences tells the examiner that you lack the ability to speak or write English using natural, colloquial language (which is what the examiners are looking for). This will lower your score.

The official IELTS assessment criteria are very clear about this. The IELTS band descriptors clearly mention that using memorised phrases/sentences will result in a low band score of band 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 0! (According to the assessment criteria, you can get a 0 score in case you give an entirely memorised response in the written section).

2. If there are certain phrases that you feel you need to memorise, it is because you are unfamiliar with them. This will make it more likely that you will use them incorrectly or inappropriately.

The following example illustrates this point –

Question – What are your hobbies?

Answer – That’s an interesting question (memorised sentence). I am a fitness freak, and in my spare time I love exercising at the gym or playing sports.

Asking someone about their hobbies is a very routine and straighforward question. It is not particularly interesting or deep in any way. So, prefacing your answer with a memorised phrase like ‘that’s an interesting question’ is totally illogical. It will backfire and lower your score.

What, then, should a candidate do instead?

Opting for simple language that you can use confidently and without fear of making mistakes is a much better idea. Also, if you are interested in growing your vocabulary in order to use sophisticated language properly, the best way to do so is to read more and listen to native English speakers. This will expand your knowledge of English gradually but organically. This way, you will gain familiarity with such phrases due to repeated exposure over time. You will learn the proper context in which to use such complex, sophisticated language.