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January 14, 2022
Is it ok to use the ampersand (&) in IELTS Writing Task 2?
One of my students wrote this in our Writing Feedback session - is it ok?
Human essential requirements like food & health care are mandatory for anyone in order to live.
Unfortunately, the 'ampersand' (&) is considered an abbreviation, so I wouldn't recommend it for formal writing - just use 'and'.
Similar 'short' versions (abbreviations) to avoid:
- etc (just choose two examples so you don't need a long list)
- and so on (as above)
- e.g. (say 'for instance' or 'for example')
- i.e. (write 'that is')
- NB (write 'note that')
ACRONYMS like the WHO (World Health Organisation) are acceptable, but use the name in full on its first use, no matter how well known the acronym is.
In the first mention, write "the World Health Organisation (WHO)" and then use "the WHO" for the rest of the essay.
Can you think of any other examples of abbreviations that you should avoid?
Thanks for your feedback