Deleting Words in IELTS Writing

When taking the IELTS Writing exam, test-takers often worry about making mistakes or crossing out words. Some of the questions that confuse them are: Is deleting a word considered wrong? What if your handwriting becomes messy because of edits? Can you insert new words? 

In this blog, you will not only find answers to these questions but also receive clear guidance on how to manage deletions and corrections during the IELTS Writing exam.

Deleting Word/s in the IELTS Writing Exam

Whenever we make mistakes, we commonly delete or erase the wrong word/s to make things right. Similarly, deleting words in the writing module of the IELTS Pen and Paper Test and computer-based exam is perfectly acceptable. Whether you are correcting a spelling error, replacing a word with a better one, or just refining your ideas during proofreading, it is natural and expected.

Many students simply draw a straight, dark line through the word they want to remove. This is the preferred method. Avoid scribbling over the word so aggressively that the page looks messy. Instead, make a clear and dense line over the word so the examiner can easily see it was removed intentionally.

Important Questions Related to Deleting Words in IELTS Writing

Learn the answers to some important questions related to deleting words in IELTS Writing as given below.

• Can the ‘v’ symbol be used to insert new words in an answer?

It is acceptable to insert new words in your answers. However, you should make sure that the answers are easy to read and understand. Besides that, try to avoid doing that frequently because it will make it difficult for the examiner to follow and read. Planning your essay before you start writing is a nice way to avoid this problem. In addition, it helps in minimising errors.

• Will you get a lower band score if your writing is messy?

The words or phrases that are unclear to the examiner will not be counted. As a result, your scores would suffer. Ensure that the word you delete is clearly visible as deleted and your new words are understandable. It is highly advised that you improve your handwriting skills before taking the test. Get your written essays checked by someone, and see if they can read through what you have written. 

• Is it okay to delete any terms after the time limit has expired because you didn’t have enough time to finish my sentence?

You are not allowed to make any changes after the test time has ended. If you continue to write or make any changes, it will be considered equivalent to cheating, and you might have to face serious penalties.

Why Deleting Words in IELTS Writing Improves Your IELTS Score?

The IELTS Writing test is assessed based on four key criteria, and surprisingly, learning to delete, not just add, words can significantly enhance each of them. Let us see how it helps in the table below.

Common Types of Words to Delete in IELTS Writing

Only knowing whether deleting words in IELTS Writing is allowed or not might not help you increase your IELTS band score. Therefore, learn about the types of words or phrases you should consider deleting in the table below.

Tips to Practice Deleting Words in IELTS Writing

Deleting unnecessary words takes practice, but it's one of the most effective ways to boost clarity and coherence in your writing. Here are some tips to help you develop this skill, and apply it confidently in the exam:

• Use a word limit rule while practicing: Aim to write between 250–270 words instead of going over 300 for Task 2 essays and between 150-170 words for Task 1 . This encourages you to be selective with your vocabulary and focus only on relevant, well-developed ideas to achieve Band 8+ in writing.
• Review and edit actively: After completing your first draft, spend 5–7 minutes reviewing every sentence. This habit sharpens your editing skills and leads to more concise and focused writing.
• Read Band 9 samples critically: Instead of just reading IELTS Band 9 essay samples, analyze how top scorers express complex ideas with simple and elegant phrasing. Note how they avoid repetition, limit filler phrases, and maintain logical flow with fewer words.
• Use peer review or tutor feedback: Ask a friend, teacher, or tutor to highlight parts of your writing that feel repetitive or wordy. A second pair of eyes often notices what you may miss in your own work. You can book free IELTS online classes if you need expert help for your writing.

To sum up, while many IELTS candidates obsess over adding words, the real key to clarity often lies in deleting them. Strong writing is not about how much you say, but how well you say it. So next time‌ you write an essay or report, take a few minutes to trim the fat. It might be the easiest way to boost your band score.

Useful Links:

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• All Useful IELTS Writing Lessons for 2025 | Task 1 & 2 Tips, Samples
• Top Writing Techniques for the IELTS Writing Section
• Timing and Word Length in IELTS Writing Module
• The More You Read, The Better You Write : Band 8+ Tip for IELTS Writing