IELTS tips: Common IELTS writing mistakes and how to avoid them

If you want to achieve a high score on the IELTS writing exam, you will need to do the following during your test:

• Have a clear and logical structure
• Have a formal and academic manner of writing
• Manage your time correctly

In addition, you will need to avoid small, but crucial, mistakes to hit your target. Learn more about three important ones to avoid below, and visit us in London or Manchester for a free consultation about how we can help you improve your IELTS score.

Common IELTS Writing Mistakes

1. Making small, accumulative errors

Some mistakes are to be expected on your exam, and as long as the examiner can understand what you are trying to say, you will not be punished in a big way. If however you continue to make the same mistakes throughout, it will be difficult for you to score above 6.0.

How to avoid: Small spelling and grammatical mistakes can be removed by your teacher during the lessons you take before an exam. By taking IELTS preparation lessons, you will learn to avoid common errors.

2. No comparative discussion

In some parts of writing task 2, you are often required to compare two complementary perspectives or opinions. You need to discuss the pros and cons and issues and solutions of each argument. Do not forget to explain yourself when you agree with or propose the statement relevant to only one aspect.

How to avoid: Writing practice is essential. However, learning IELTS common subjects and relevant arguments on each topic will save you time during the exam and help you produce arguments in a more consistent manner.

3. Your essay does not answer the question

Our teachers have found that even experienced students sometimes miss answering the question altogether. Even though you can use advanced level vocabulary and complex grammar appropriately and your opinions are interesting, if you did not answer the question, you will not be able to achieve high score.

How to avoid: You need to organise and structure your argument within limited time. In order to produce well-organised essay, you need to plan essay structure before start writing. Most importantly, analysing and understanding the question help you to avoid the confusion.

IELTS Preparation in London and Manchester

If you want to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening ability ahead of applying to a UK university, visit us for a free consultation. An IELTS practice test will allow us to see where you need to improve before tailoring specific lessons to your requirements.