The term IELTS is not new for people, especially those who want to migrate to other countries with English as their native language. Undoubtedly, IETLS is the most famous among many countries and highly accepted by different countries, but many other options like TOEFL, NAATI CCL, or PTE exist as well. Here in this blog, we will talk about IELTS, but a specific part of this is known as IELTS writing. If you are an IELTS certificate holder or an applicant, you must know that IELTS writing is the most challenging part of the test. At the spot, we need to realize that the writing section is challenging for those who have not prepared well or did not try to overcome their errors even after the mock tests. In this write-up, we will tell you about ten common IELTS writing mistakes and how to avoid these flaws.
Ten common IELTS writing mistakes
As an applicant for any English language test, you must have surveyed or got the opinions from the people who have encountered these tests about the most challenging section. We ensure answers from the majority should be “written.” They find this segment challenging because of their committed preparation or ignoring its value. We made a list of 10 common IELTS writing mistakes that people usually make in our institute. On the other hand, you need to avoid these mistakes, and the only solution is to show your dedication while preparing. Have a look at these errors and ensure that you do not do them again.
1. Over-writing
It is a widespread myth that examiners have the option of negative marking in the IELTS. Though this statement is invalid, overwriting still increases the chance of making mistakes. Moreover, this segment is according to a word limit; on the other hand, using extra words does not let you provide a clear message. So, overwriting is a standard error that requires proper attention while preparing for this test.
2. Do not correctly answer the questions
If your essay doesn’t address the question, there’s no need to follow the format and word count requirements. Ensure your response addresses the questions posed. So, read the question two or three times if you are still unable to clutch it. Before you answer, take some time to comprehend what the query is attempting to express. At the same time, you can ask the examiner anything if you think you’re missing.
3. Ignore the grammatical mistakes
During the IELTS speaking, a person may be able to clear his point by ignoring the grammar, but there is no space for grammatical mistakes in writing. Framing all the content in both tests without grammatical flaws is essential. We need to realize that in the writing section, grammar is as essential as the context. The best suggestion to minimize this error is to make a clutch on the grammatical field.
4. Unfamiliarity with format
Candidates with a firm grip on the English language need to improve in IELTS as well. It might be strange to listen to you like it was for us, but we realized when we met such people. Do you know the reason? Yes, get it right, unfamiliarity or ignoring the format is being over-confident. Moreover, to get a better idea about the current format, you should consider joining any institution like “Learn with Hafiz,” just because they always keep themselves up-to-date with the format and preparation duties.
Q. Are writing samples from PTE and IELTS the same?
Both examinations have quite comparable scores. However, there is a clear distinction in the degree of difficulty between the two tests. According to students who have taken the PTE and IELTS examinations, the PTE exam’s writing component is more straightforward than the IELTS exams.
Q. Is there a format for writing on the IELTS?
An academic or neutral writing format is appropriate. Your thoughts must be well organized, and you must utilize pertinent examples and evidence—which, if applicable, may come from your personal experience. This work shouldn’t take more than forty minutes to complete.
5. Spelling mistakes
It was okay to discuss this point right after grammatical mistakes, but it is acceptable to discuss it here. Overusing different social media platforms has spoiled our practices of writing complete words and sentences. A typical example is that we write “plz” instead of “please,” and mostly, we follow the same practice even in the actual test, which results in mark deduction. So, we need to follow the practice of writing words with appropriate spelling to minimize this error.
Q. How many spelling mistakes are allowed in IELTS writing?
Talking about spelling mistakes in IELTS writing, the good news is waiting for applicants that small spelling mistakes do not affect their marks. But remember that a mistake is ignorable until it changes its meaning.
6. Limited vocabulary
Vocabulary in the IELTS writing matters a lot. Unfortunately, people consider their limited vocabulary enough to pass this challenging segment. Using similar vocabulary throughout the test results in lessening your scores. The best way to overcome this issue is to read books and newspapers and watch different podcasts to improve vocabulary.
Q. For the IELTS, how much vocabulary is sufficient?
The English language has an enormous vocabulary. An English-speaking high school graduate is thought to know at least 20,000-word families. In contrast, language learners require between 8,000– and 9,000-word families to comprehend a range of authentic texts, including the reading and listening passages for the IELTS.
7. Including personal opinion
It is an additional typical error most applicants make when taking the IELTS. Remember that this is not a personal or editorial blog, but you intend to go overseas, so you are penning this piece. It would help if you considered the remarks and opinions you offer. Make your response as factual and factual as you can while adhering to the facts.
8. Using inappropriate language
IELTS examiners are looking for writing that is clear, concise, and well-organized. Moreover, they also expect candidates to use a formal tone and avoid jargon, idioms, and taboo language. It can distract from your argument and make it difficult for the examiner to understand your point of view. If you are using inappropriate language, the examiner may be more focused on the language itself than on your ideas. This can make it difficult for them to assess your writing skills fairly.
9. Ignoring to summarize the main features
Candidates who need to prepare better for the test don’t consider the essential elements. They also don’t concentrate on the synopsis of the critical elements. Since the chart only represents a portion of the score, don’t limit your description to its contents. It needs to be more to do the assignment successfully. Give the summary; failing to do so will result in a fine.
Q. How summary should be written?
A summary needs to be written in your own words. A summary covers the ideas of the original text. You have no permission to insert any of your own opinions.
10. Lacking consistency in the use of tactics
Utilizing different tactics requires doing certain things again and over again. Knowing what to do, how to do it, and practicing will be the strategies that will help you achieve success in the writing section of the IELTS. What is indicated by this is that the more practice you put into using the same tactics, the less time it takes you to do the work each time. You should make using strategies a regular component of what you do.
Conclusion
Many people looking to move abroad need to pass an English language test, while the IELTS is the best option. Moreover, while preparing for this test, people usually commit various IELTS writing mistakes that deduct marks and create a barrier between the applicant and the desired country. The list includes grammatical mistakes, overwriting, ignoring the format, and many others. A suggestion to overcome these IELTS writing mistakes is to practice firmly, keeping in mind the purpose of this test.
