Most common mistakes of IELTS writing

Most common mistakes of IELTS writing 

Recently we have reviewed lots of writing tasks done by our students at our mock tests and classes. We have noticed some common mistakes of  IELTS writing tasks done by our student. Hopefully these information will help everyone to avoid these errors in future.

Not Understanding the question 

This is one of the most common mistake of IELTS writing task 2 which we have seen at the mock tests. Please the read the question thoroughly and try to understand it properly. Otherwise, you will end-up writing the wrong/irrelevant answer.

Poor time management

Such as, taking more than 20 minutes in Task one. For the IELTS task 1 you should not spend more than 20 minutes. IELTS task 2 contains double marks than task 1 that means you need to spend more time on task 2. Task 2 requires extra time for planning and organising the answer coherently. Smart thinking is save some times on task 1. It will be extremely helpful if you could save around 3 minutes from task 1.

Not writing in formal way

Writing in formal manner is really important at IELTS exam. Avoid using contraction ( use ‘do not’ instead of ‘’don’t ‘’ ) which is okay in spoken English. You will lose some marks if you write those.

Writing less words than minimum requirement

You need to write more than 150 words at task 1 and 250 words at task 2. There is a penalty if you write less than the minimum words requirements.

Writing in the first person at Task 1

At writing Task 1 you need to state what are on the graph/chart. You can’t give your own opinion. You will lose marks by using ‘’ I think ’’ or ‘’ according to my opinion’’ at IELTS writing Task 1.

Using numeric number instead of words

Some students insert number instead to words which is also informal and not suitable for IELTS writing.

Wrong, ‘’ Recent study shows that 4 out of 12 people are not interested on desktop computer.’’

Right, ‘’ Recent study shows that four out of twelve people are not interested on desktop computer.’’

Double negative

Using negative words or phrases is another common mistake of IELTS writing tasks. For couple examples;

Wrong ‘Karim says that he has not seen neither Ali or Nadia all day’’

Right, ‘Karim says that he has not seen either Ali or Nadia all day’’

Wrong, ‘ I can’t see no one in the crowd.’

Right, ‘I can’t see anyone in the crowd.’

Please try your best to avoid these common mistakes of IELTS writing . Good luck   

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