Introduction

IELTS examiners grade you on accuracy, organisation, and clarity.
Even strong vocabulary or ideas can’t compensate for repeated errors.

For example:
❌ The people is very happy about the government decision. → Grammar error
✅ People are very happy about the government’s decision.

Each small mistake weakens impression and control — both essential for Band 8+ performance.

1️⃣ Grammar & Sentence Structure Errors

1. a) Subject–Verb Agreement

This is the most common error among IELTS candidates.

❌ The number of students have increased.
✅ The number of students has increased.

Tip: Remember — the number of + plural noun = singular verb; a number of + plural noun = plural verb.

1. b) Run-on Sentences

Joining multiple ideas without punctuation lowers coherence.

❌ People want to study abroad it is very expensive many students cannot go.
✅ Although many people want to study abroad, it is very expensive, so many students cannot go.

Tip: Break ideas into manageable, well-punctuated clauses.

1. c) Overly Long Sentences

Trying to sound complex often leads to confusion.

❌ Due to the fact that many people who are living in cities where the population is increasing tend to suffer from many problems which are related to housing and traffic, governments should…
✅ As urban populations grow, governments should address housing and traffic problems.

Tip: Aim for clarity, not length.

2️⃣ Vocabulary & Word Choice Errors

1. a) Informal Words

Using conversational language reduces formality.

❌ Nowadays, lots of people get stressed out.
✅ In recent years, many individuals have experienced high stress levels.

Tip: Replace a lot, get, good, bad, things with formal equivalents.

1. b) Repetition

Repeating the same words lowers your Lexical Resource score.

❌ Technology is important. Technology helps people. Technology is useful for jobs.
✅ Technology plays a crucial role in employment and communication today.

Tip: Use synonyms and paraphrasing: vital, essential, significant, beneficial.

1. c) Misused Collocations

Common problem for non-native speakers.

❌ Do a crime → ✅ Commit a crime
❌ Big rain → ✅ Heavy rain
❌ Strong money → ✅ Stable currency

Tip: Learn word partnerships, not isolated words.

3️⃣ Task Achievement Mistakes

1. a) Ignoring Part of the Question

Many essays lose marks because the writer answers only half of the question.

❌ Only discussing problems without giving solutions.
✅ Discuss both problems and their solutions, as asked.

Tip: Underline keywords in the question — advantages, disadvantages, causes, effects, solutions.

1. b) No Clear Opinion

In Opinion and Discussion essays, unclear positions reduce scores.

❌ Some people agree, some disagree. It depends.
✅ Although opinions differ, I strongly believe public transport should be improved rather than restricted.

Tip: State your opinion clearly in both introduction and conclusion.

4️⃣ Coherence & Cohesion Mistakes

1. a) Poor Paragraphing

Some candidates write one long paragraph or separate every two sentences.

❌ No structure → hard to follow.
✅ Use 4 paragraphs: Introduction – Body 1 – Body 2 – Conclusion.

1. b) Overusing Linking Words

Using too many connectors makes writing unnatural.

❌ Moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, additionally…
✅ Use one or two linking words per paragraph naturally.

Tip: Link ideas with meaning, not memorised connectors.

1. c) Missing Logical Flow

Ideas must follow a clear progression.

❌ Firstly, people need education. Secondly, pollution is dangerous. (Unrelated ideas)
✅ Firstly, governments should invest in education because it leads to environmental awareness.

Tip: Always connect ideas logically — one should lead to the next.

5️⃣ Tone & Style Mistakes

1. a) Informal Tone

Using personal language, slang, or contractions lowers your academic style.

❌ I think kids should learn stuff about money.
✅ Children should be taught financial literacy from an early age.

1. b) Over-Generalisation

Making broad statements like “Everyone loves technology” or “All governments fail” sounds unrealistic.

✅ Many people rely heavily on technology for daily communication.

Tip: Use cautious language — many, most, some, often, likely.

1. c) Mixing Registers

Avoid mixing casual and formal phrases.

❌ The government should totally ban cars, which is kind of crazy though.
✅ Although banning cars completely may seem extreme, it could significantly reduce pollution.

6️⃣ Time Management & Planning Mistakes

Even strong writers lose marks when they don’t plan.

Tip: A well-structured essay written calmly scores higher than a rushed one.

7️⃣ Misunderstanding Data in Task 1 (Academic Only)

Some candidates misread diagrams or describe everything in detail.

❌ The chart shows 20 categories, so the student lists all.
✅ Select and summarise key features only — major trends or differences.

Tip: Describe what stands out — not every number.