Common IELTS Writing Test Mistakes

05 Mar 2020 administrator Admin 0

The writing module is the toughest for all IELTS applicants in terms of the average band score. Even people from English speaking countries and people who engage in daily writing end up making these mistakes in IELTS writing.

The pattern examiners notice is that these mistakes get repeated quite often. There are usually some grammar rules or sentence issues that most English speakers won't be aware of many times.

As such, it is essential to get aware of one of the most common writing test errors if you wish to avoid them.

Here is a brief description of these common errors:-

1.WORDCOUNT ERROR

It's hard to believe that despite the repetition of the word count issue, many students still end up either not writing enough or too much. There is not enough time to count the word count during the test. Every minute counts, and you don't waste your time every single word.

Instead, experts suggest to do is to write every day using a timer like a real test and write everything you think you should. When your written test practice gets done, count the words.Keep practicing writing every day like this to master the correct word count, which experts suggest is 170 to 180 words for task 1 and 270 to 280 words for task 2.

2. ANSWERING the WRONG QUESTION

Understanding the question seems easy enough, especially you have been practicing for a while, but errors get made often.

But remember, you will be tired quite a bit having attempted listening and reading module already. So, it is vital not to hurry on understanding what answers the question is demanding from you. The information you provide has to be on the topic thoroughly. Wasting time with beating around the bush will lower your score.

3. NOT USING FORMAL WRITING

Informal writing can be catchy and cool online, but IELTS writing is not the place for that. So the advice is to avoid contractions like can't, don't do not, and can not primarily in the academic IELTS. Avoid informal words like 'in a nutshell' at all costs in an academic essay.

4. TAKING WORDS FROM TASK

Many times students of the IELTS test start the answer by copying most of the questions. This method is not the correct approach, according to experts.
They say this lowers your band score significantly and word count too. The question, when included in the task, does not count in the words. The general suggestion is to paraphrase the question, but some words can not be paraphrased and use them as per the use.

5. REPEATING WORDS

Repetition is one of those mistakes that can effect your band score. The message goes to the examiner that you have a minimal vocabulary.

Instead, try learning some commonly used words and their synonyms. The examiners are not looking for English majors in your writing test. They only seek the students who can explain their ideas without being at a loss for words at the very least. It is better to support your task with arguments and examples instead of repeating words.

6. USING UNKNOWN WORDS

While experts do agree that usage of complicated words does boast your band score. On the other hand, using words that you don't correctly know or understand can go the other way. IELTS experts cite two reasons. Not knowing the word can result in incorrect spellings, which will cost you points. Then, there is the issue of misusing them instead of the evident, simple words. Appropriate words will be much better instead of wrong but complex.

7. TOO COMPLICATED SENTENCES

Like again, complex grammatical sentences can boast band score. But the issue is that the sentences have to be error-free. Experts say that writing simple sentences will bring you a higher IELTS writing band score. The examiner won't waste time with the sentence If the sentence is too complicated or hard to understand after repeatedly going through essays.

8. NOT USING LINK WORDS

The examiner needs to view a range of linking words to improve your chances of a high band score. A student's field of words, accuracy, and flexibility of linking words.

There are a few suggestions for high band score with link words like:-
- List points with words like firstly, secondly, finally, etc.
- Support points with additionally, also, furthermore, etc.
- Provide examples with words like, for instance, to illustrate, for example, etc.

9. EXPRESSING YOUR OPINION IN TASK 1

Task 1 asks the student to analyze the bar, line, graph, chart, or process. You need to describe the critical points in the figure provided. A high band score in the writing test requires you to summarize the information. But it's important not to offer your opinion on the topic. The task gets designed to see your reading of the key points from the figure and nothing else.

10. NOT EXPRESSING YOUR OPINION IN TASK 2

The crucial thing in task 2 is to read the fine print. It will help you to see if it asks for your opinion or not. Most of the times, that is the purpose of task 2.
It is vital to clearly state your opinion in the introduction and conclusion and throughout the essay.

11. NOT HAVING THE RIGHT STRUCTURE

Having a clearly defined structure is one of the primary needs of the writing module in the IELTS exam.
- Task 1 typically contains 3 to 5 paragraphs.
- The first paragraph is the introduction, and then there are 1 to 3 paragraphs on an average.
- You need to have a conclusion about the whole topic.
- Task 2 follows the same structure.
- Experts suggest only have 1 idea per paragraph.

12. MISSING AN OVERVIEW OR CONCLUSION

The overview description and conclusion are vital ingredients of a writing module. Many students tend to make the mistake of focusing too much on the main body of the essay. They rush through the overview and conclusion. The suggestion is to have a one or two-line overview summarizing the key points. You can keep the body paragraph short but do not sacrifice the length of the conclusion or overview.

Conclusion

Writing is a part of the English language that most people don't need to attempt regularly. So when they have to try the writing module, it comes across as a huge challenge.

This fact is why going through these 12 common writing module mistakes is a must for students attempting IELTS—because of the hectic life's, trying IELTS online test preparation with eBritish IELTS for more pointers will be highly valuable. The online IELTS platform provides accurate feedback with not just attractively priced packages, but the writing and the other three modules available as add on options for more practice.

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