Should I use American or British English in the Writing Test?

In the IELTS Writing test, both British and American forms of English are correct. This means that using the American spelling of a word is fine, and the British spelling is also fine.

For example, you could write 'neighborhood' (AmE) in your essay and that would be correct. Alternatively, you could write 'neighbourhood' (BrE) and that would also be correct.

However, you should try to be consistent. Do not write 'neighborhood' and 'neighbourhood' in the same essay.

British and American vocabulary are also both accepted. For example, you could say "governments should invest in infrastructure like highways and railroads." (AmE) or you could say "governments should invest in infrastructure like motorways and railways." (BrE). Again, however, try not to mix the two forms in the same essay. Be consistent with which form you use.