EAP study recommendations and score gains on the IELTS Academic Writing test

This paper reviews recent research relating to score gains on the IELTS test and reports on two linked studies of gains made on the Academic Writing. Phase 1 involved 15,380 candidates taking the official test on two occasions and phase 2, 476 learners on English for academic purposes (EAP) courses taking the IELTS Writing test at course entry and exit. The findings call into question the basis for the current guidelines. Initial scores prove to be a stronger predictor of outcomes than course length.