Below is the letter I sent to IELTS requesting for a re-marking
Dear Sir/ Madam:
I understand that IELTS has a good reputation in the world for its objectivity and standardization, and with all respects, I have to admit that I was so surprised to find out that my writing and speaking are graded so low at 6.0, 6.5 respectively.
As a keen English learner since teenager, I have a regular and intensive exposure on English via BBC, VOA and many other online resources, and I have been working in top 100 multi-national companies for almost 10 years, where English is the working language.
Right now, I need 8’s for all four parts of IELTS, in order to get a chance to move to a better place for me and my family, where a clean and free air could be breathed. What I am in desperate need to know is, if possible, could you please advise that where and why I lost points in the writing and speaking parts(better with my writing and recording of my speaking attached). Please understand that this is really important for me to identify my weakness which I don't notice by myself, and try to improve the next time I sit in IELTS test in case my target score not achieved.
I know that many IELTS takers, especially in China, prepare for the test by memorizing model answers, using template, things like that. But I am not one of them. I swear that every word in my writing and speaking is a direct output of my thinking on the spot.
A fair and standardized IELTS scoring is critical for every IELTS taker, as even the smallest difference of 0.5 point could have a so profound impact on them that could shatter their life-long dreams.
Your kind and careful reassessment and feedback are highly appreciated.
Sincerely,
其实正如你在信中说的，雅思就是个标准化考试，有着严格的评分标准。雅思分数高只代表你达到了band descriptor中的各个得分点。所以要高分的话不能只是“direct output of my thinking on the spot”，而是应该根据band descriptor来写、来说，这样考官才能给你相应的分数。 举个栗子，Writing Task1 Band8的Grammatical range and accuracy描述是“• uses a wide range of structures • the majority of sentences are error-free • makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacies”，lz的这封信显然没有达到这个标准咯。
没详细看，但有两个地方问题比较明显，跟楼主探讨一下：
"... I sit in IELTS test in case my target score not achieved"
sit in ... test 搭配奇怪，可以说participate in，或者直接说take
in case后应接从句，你缺谓语，可以说 in case my target score is not achieved
还有列举用AND things like that
作者: 152125 时间: 2014-11-4 02:38
四个8太难考了，可遇不可求。
作者: 其实丶很单纯 时间: 2014-11-4 06:49
复议结果出来了， 写作涨了0.5分
后面回忆下，当时作文可能有点跑题了。
这段时间集中精力抓写作， 各位大神帮忙看看下面这篇习作：
Some people believe that the best way to improve the general well-being of schoolchildren is to make physical education compulsory in all schools. Others, however, think that this would have little effect on overall health and that other measures are needed.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
It is a frequent topic of discussion on how to improve the overall well-being of schoolchildren. Some people suggest that compulsory physical education is the best approach, while others think there could be better ways to achieve that. In this essay I will analyze both arguments and aim to find out a comprehensive solution to this issue.
It is true that a compulsory physical education at school could benefit students in a number of ways. Apparently more physical exercise means better physical fitness, and this is particularly important considering the worrying fact that a growing number of children spend much of their spare time on watching TV and playing computer games. Furthermore, sports activities contribute to the development of social and teamwork skills. For example, playing football in a team allows students to learn how to communicate with each other and work together in order to win a game.
That is not to say that physical education alone could improve the overall well-being of the students, there are other equally important measures that help to fulfill the purpose. Firstly, students should be encouraged to join more after-school activities, such as volunteer work and public events. An active engagement in the surrounding communities is beneficial for young people to cultivate a strong sense of responsibility towards society and a spirit of caring to the people in need. Secondly, to better prepare schoolchildren for their future career, the curriculum might be adjusted regularly to be in alignment with the fast changing requirements of the highly competitive job market.
In my opinion, the well-being of a student refers to a well-rounded development on many aspects of human qualities, including intellectual, emotional, social as well as physical. Therefore, a concerted and comprehensive approach is preferred to tackle this issue, rather than focusing on physical education alone.