COMMON ERRORS

WHY CANDIDATES FAIL THE IELTS WRITING TEST

http://passieltsonline.com/thetenmostcommonieltswritingtesterrors/

Error
1 Writing down memorised answers (uploaded 29.03.10)
2 Not writing enough (uploaded 30.03.10)
3 Not writing like an individual ( uploaded 30.03.10)
4 Using national stereotypes ( uploaded 01.04.10)
5 Using clichs. ( uploaded 02.04.10)
6 Writing inappropriately. ( uploaded 05.04.10)
7 Not using paragraphing. ( uploaded 08.04.10)
8 Not answering the question. ( uploaded 09.04.10)

1.

Writing down memorised answers

Explanation
A memorised answer is written by a non-native speaker is easy to recognize and will
stop you passing the exam
How to avoid this error:
Repeatedly practise writing down your own answers-with the feedback from
passieltsonline.com you will learn to be able to write your own high-scoring
answers.
2.
Not writing enough
Explanation
Failure to write the minimum amount means that the candidate will be marked
down.
How to avoid this error:
Practise writing the minimum word amounts in the required time limits (task 1-141
words in 20 minutes. Task 2, 241 words in 40 minutes.)

3. Not writing like an individual

Explanation
Although it is common to think as part of a group in many countries, most
Examiners come from countries where they expect people to write personal or
individual answers to questions.
How to avoid this error:
Avoid writing things such as because I am (your own nationality) I think...
4. Using national stereotypes.
Explanation
Describing one ethnic/national group as unique and deserving special treatment is
considered offensive by most IELTS Examiners.
How to avoid this error:
Recognizing that there are many different types of people in the world and that
there no one country or ethnic group can be the best at anything. So writing
something such as the following would be acceptable: The (your own nationality)
have a reputation for being very hospitable...
5. Using clichs.
Explanation
A clich is a phrase used to describe a situation such as every coin has two sides
which is overused by many candidates. Choose your own way of describing
something..
How to avoid this error:
Try to avoid using sayings where possible. If you can describle something directly,
without making a comparison, then do it. For example, do not write it was raining
cats and dogs Instead, write; it was raining heavily. It is always better to describe
something with adverbs or adjectives rather than nouns. This is because in real life
everyday english, people descrbie things as they experience them, and not in an
abstract way.
6.Writing inappropriately
Explanation
Unless the question asks you to write to a friend, your answers should always be
written formally.

How to avoid this error:

Use formal speech always unless specifically told otherwise in the task question
(this applies only to General Training candidates.
7. Not using paragraphing
Explanation
It is essential to use paragraphing in Task 2 of the Writing exam.
How to avoid this error:
Practise writing essays with paragraphing and using connective devices.
8. Not answering the question.
Explanation
If you do not answer the question, then e you will not pass the IELTS test
How to avoid this error:
Always try to answer the question.