An Important Guide to Punctuation in IELTS

Different Types of Punctuations Used in IELTS Exam

The table below shows the different types of punctuation used in the IELTS exam.

Usage of Punctuations in IELTS Exam

Let’s understand the usage of different types of punctuation in IELTS writing exam:

Full Stop (.)

There should always be a capital letter at the beginning and a full stop at the end of each sentence. Further, to indicate to the evaluator where a sentence begins and ends, a full stop should be used between each one. A full stop must also be used at the end of any shorter forms of words written in English.

For Example:

Delhi is the capital of India.

Pizza, burgers, fries, etc. are unhealthy.

Commas (,)

Another punctuation rule for IELTS writing is the correct usage of commas. A comma must be placed to separate the different clauses or multiple items used in the sentence to avoid any confusion in the meaning. Apart from this, it is also used after the adverb at the beginning of a sentence.

For Example:

Some of my favourite fruits include mango, apple, orange, and banana.

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Apostrophe (‘)

Another IELTS punctuation rule is the right usage of apostrophes. An apostrophe is used when the noun shows possession ends with “s.” However, this rule eliminates informal words by placing an apostrophe.

For Example:

My friend’s brother is getting married this year.

Question Mark (?)

An inquiry is posed by placing a question mark at the end of a statement. Also, the full stop is avoided at the end of the questions asked.

For example:

Have you had breakfast today?

Are you alright?

Semicolon (;)

People find it a little more challenging to use this punctuation in IELTS. Generally, a semicolon is used when a sentence is finished but still needs more information or when two related sentences are sentence are used together.

For Example:

I have to wake up early tomorrow; I can’t stay up till late at night.

I have already had a heavy breakfast; still, I feel so hungry.

Colons

In the IELTS punctuation rules, a colon is used when we need to draw readers' attention to the next list or explanation.

For Example:

The most important 3 things in my life: are food, money, and parents.

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Exclamation Mark (!)

Use this punctuation when you need to convey your feelings to the reader. However, writers occasionally misuse the exclamation mark. Keep in mind that informally written documents shouldn't use exclamation points.

For Example:

Everything is going to be alright!

All the best for your exam!

Common Punctuation Mistakes that Students Do While Appearing for IELTS

Now, here are some common IELTS punctuation mistakes that students make while appearing for the test:

Absence of Full Stop

It is common for students to fail to use a full stop at the conclusion of their sentences, which makes it difficult for the examiner to determine where the following statement begins and where the previous sentence ends. Additionally, this alters the meaning of the entire sentence or paragraph, resulting in a low band score.

Improper Usage of Commas

Sometimes, students use commas repeatedly within a single sentence to continue speaking without ending their statements. Also, using unnecessary commas makes your text look unattractive and thus leads to a lower band score.

Usage of Exclamation Marks in Formal Writings

Many test-takers will make the error of putting too much emphasis on emotions when writing formal pieces of text. However, the exclamation mark is only used in casual writing to express astonishment, wrath, happiness, disgust, or danger.

Conclusion

In the IELTS, punctuation is a fundamental aspect of language proficiency assessment because it influences how well your ideas are understood, the coherence of your responses, and the overall impression you leave on assessors. Hence, by mastering punctuation rules and practising their application, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS, bringing you one step closer to achieving your desired score and future goals. Remember, effective punctuation is not just about following rules; it's about conveying your ideas with clarity and precision.

We hope you have got a clear idea about the IELTS punctuation rules. If you are also planning to appear for the IELTS test, we suggest you practice IELTS sample test papers by Registering on the PI Website. Further, if you need any guidance, please contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best advice related to the IELTS exam, both General and Academic versions. Moreover, you can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.