Should you pay for EOR?

Before you make your decision...

If you did not receive the score you expected, you can pay for your test to be re-marked. This is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR). When you apply for an EOR, your test papers are re-marked by a senior examiner/marker who is not aware of the original marks awarded for each of the test sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing). You can find out more about EOR at ielts.org

According to the British Council, most candidates that apply for an EOR do not get their score changed.

Remember, Listening and Reading scores will rarely change with remarking because they don’t depend on examiner interpretation.

Below, you will find some questions to help you make your decision over whether you should apply for an EOR to boost your Writing score.

If you are considering paying for EOR, make sure that the answer to all of the below questions is “Yes”- otherwise, you might be wasting your money.

Academic Task 1

Did you finish your answer? Yes/no
Did you mention all of the categories in the graphic? Yes/No (see video)
Did you write an introduction? Yes/No (see video)
Did you write an overview? Yes/No (see video)
Did you divide you answer into logical paragraphs? Yes/No (see video)
Did you make comparisons of the data? Yes/No (see video)
Did you write more than 150 words? Yes/No
Do you think your spelling was accurate? Yes/No

General Task 1

Did you finish your answer? Yes/no
Did you write your letter in the correct style (formal, informal, semi-formal)? Yes/No (see video)
Did you write a greeting, opener, closer, sign-off ? Yes/No (see video)
Did you write about all of the bullet points in separate paragraphs? Yes/No (see video)
Did you answer all of the parts of each bullet point? Yes/No (see video)
Did you write at least two sentences for each bullet point? Yes/No
Did you write more than 150 words? Yes/No
Do you think your spelling was accurate? Yes/No

Task 2

Did you finish your answer? Yes/no
If you were writing an opinion essay (e.g. agree/advantage/discussion), did you write a clear opinion in the introduction? Yes/No
Did you divide your essay into logical paragraphs? Yes/No
Did you develop all of your ideas with details and examples? Yes/No
Did you write a conclusion which restates your opinion? Yes/NO
Did you make sure not to add any new ideas in your conclusion? Yes/No

If the answer to any of these questions is “No” or “I’m not sure”, it may be better to just do the test again. If the answer to all of these questions is definitely “Yes”, consider applying for EOR. But remember, most people that apply for EOR do not get a higher score.

Disclaimer: These questions are here to give you some perspective on making your decision. Remember, the decision is yours and English Pro Tips is in no way liable.