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IELTS Writing: Stop Writing Like You Speak

Writing IELTS essays the way you speak feels natural, but it often lowers your score. Learn why conversational writing hurts clarity and how to fix it for a Band 7+.

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IELTS Pulse

• 2 days ago

If your IELTS Writing sounds "natural" when you read it aloud, this article is for you.

That might sound strange. After all, students are often told to "write naturally" or "use your real English." While that is great advice for the Speaking test, it quietly sabotages you in Writing.

Many candidates lose marks not because their English is bad—but because they write the way they speak.

The Hidden Writing Problem: Spoken vs. Written Logic

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: What sounds natural in speech often sounds unclear in writing.

In Speaking...In Writing...
Pauses and intonation help clarify meaning.Pauses disappear; meaning must be visual.
Fillers (like "you know") feel normal.Fillers weaken clarity and look unprofessional.
Repetition sounds human and reinforces a point.Repetition looks like a lack of vocabulary.

IELTS Writing cannot be treated like a written version of a conversation. It is a structured explanation of ideas.

The "Run-On" Trap

When you write the way you speak, your sentences tend to:

  1. Run too long: You use "and," "but," and "because" to keep the sentence moving.
  2. Stack multiple ideas: You don't stop to let one idea sink in.
  3. Sound fluent but feel unfocused: The examiner sees your structure, they don't hear your voice.

☒ Conversational Writing (Band 6.0 Style)

"I think technology is good because it helps people and also it saves time and you know it’s important nowadays for everyone."

Why this hurts: This is one long, loose sentence. It has three different points (helping people, saving time, importance) blended into one. The examiner has to work too hard to find the "main" point.

☑ Written Logic (Band 7+ Style)

"Technology plays a vital role in modern society. One primary benefit is time efficiency, as digital tools allow people to complete tasks more rapidly."

The Difference: The ideas are separated. The "importance" is the anchor, and "speed" is the explanation. It feels intentional, not accidental.

A Simple Rule: "The Breath Test"

Use this rule when reviewing your writing: If a sentence sounds like speech, tighten it.

Ask yourself:

  • Can this sentence be split into two?
  • Is it explaining a point—or just talking about it?
  • Are multiple ideas fighting for space in the same line?

If a sentence feels “chatty,” it’s probably doing too much. Examiners consistently reward shorter, clearer sentences over long, conversational ones.

Watch: Stop Writing Like You Speak

In this video, we break down:

  • Why “natural” writing often feels "thin" to an examiner.
  • Real examples of spoken vs. written logic.
  • How to tighten your sentences without sounding like a robot.

How to Practice (The Review Phase)

If you’re preparing for the paper-based IELTS, try this:

  1. Write one full Writing task on paper.
  2. Scan it using the IELTS Pulse app.
  3. Read each sentence silently and ask: "Is this explaining, or just talking?"

Use Scan & Score for Clarity Checks

Inside the IELTS Pulse app, our Scan & Score technology helps you spot conversational habits that lower scores. Instead of guessing, you will see exactly which sentences are working and which are just "filler."

👉 Download IELTS Pulse – Start Your Free Writing Mock Now

Final Takeaway

If your writing sounds natural but your score stays stuck, the problem isn't your vocabulary—it’s your written logic. Once you stop stacking ideas into long, conversational sentences, your writing becomes easier to read and much easier for an examiner to reward.

Next up: How to write introductions that sound professional without sounding memorized.