9 Common Mistakes that Make Your IELTS Writing Style Wrong

Need some guidance in getting a 7+ band score in the IELTS writing task. Here we are back with another valuable topic on common signs that prove that your IELTS writing style is wrong and might resist you from getting desired band score in the IELTS exam.

We have also designed a success formula for all our candidates to get desired band score in IELTS Writing Task 2 with the use of IELTS Essay Writing Templates Course specifically designed by Dr. Roma with years of experience. 5000+ Learners Already Enrolled, so what are you waiting for enroll now and get ready essay templates on common IELTS essay writing topics.

Join IELTS Essay Writing Templates Course

Here is the list of common mistakes that make students writing style go wrong in IELTS exam-

1. Not Using the Technique of Paragraphing

However, this is one of the most common mistakes that students commit in their IELTS writing exam that is lack of paragraphing in their content. Having sufficient paragraph in IELTS essay writing is important because-

  • It promotes readability of the passage.
  • Each idea can be explained separately through paragraphs.
  • Makes your passage look clean and structured.

Tip- Don’t use one-line paragraphs.

Take a closer look on- How paragraphing help in getting desired band score in IELTS writing?

Band 8

uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately

Band 7

presents a clear central topic within each paragraph

Band 6

uses paragraphing, but not always logically

Band 5

may not write in paragraphs, or paragraphing may be inadequate

2. Lack of IELTS Writing Format Understanding

The correct format that must be used in IELTS writing task 2 is of using paragraphs where each paragraphs explains ideas separately.

Here’s the format-

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraphs
  • Conclusion

Guide on how to write an effective introduction and conclusion in IELTS writing task?

Avoid Using the following things while writing-

  • Headings
  • Sub-headings
  • Numbers
  • Bullet Points

Here’s an example of how to shift the bullet points which is marked as inappropriate in IELTS writing into full-fledged complete sentences and gain the desired band score.

3. Using Contractions While Writing

A contraction is a combination of two words such as

  • Don’t for “do not”
  • Haven’t for “have not”
  • Can’t for “cannot”
  • Isn’t for “is not”

and more. Contractions are informal but if we talk about IELTS then it is a formal exam. So avoid using contractions in IELTS.

Where contractions can be used?

There is only one situation in the IELTS exam where you are recommended to use contractions i.e. in IELTS General Training exam- Writing Task 1 letter to a friend. Only while writing a letter to a friend, you are allowed to switch on informal writing, other than that avoid using contractions in IELTS exam.

4. Partial Answer to Questions

Give a good time to read the question carefully and understand that what is asked to write in the answer. Here’s an example-

In the given question a student is asked to discuss both sides of the topic

  • Side one- Discipline is the Responsibility of the teachers
  • Side two- Discipline is the Responsibility of the Parents

And at last, student is asked to give his/her own opinion on the topic.

So the correct format or this question will be-

  • Paragraph 1- View of the first side
  • Paragraph 2- View of the second side
  • Paragraph 3- Your own opinion

5. Not providing enough clarity to what your opinion is

Having the unclear discussion of what your opinion is, affects the IELTS writing score adversely. Try to be clear about your opinion first and maintain a good pace by sticking to that opinion throughout the essay writing. The examiner must be clear with what your opinion is at the end of the passage. Don’t merge your opinion with what some people think, what others think, at last examiner is keen to know what you think.

Here are some tips

- Make sure about your opinion at the beginning of the writing the essay

- Use adequate personal pronouns to express it as your own opinion.

- Stick to that opinion throughout the essay writing, don’t change it during the essay

6. Common Spelling Mistakes and Typos

Written messages can be best be delivered by correct spellings. Spellings play a vital role in IELTS writing exam band score. Whether it paper-based exam or computer-delivered IELTS exam, spell check is not available in both situations.

How you can improve?

Just turn off the “spell-check” in your computer system and write a paragraph. After completing your writing task turn it on and check where you just made a writing mistake. Follow this technique multiple times and observe the pattern of which words are commonly written wrong by you. Now it’s time to time.

After completing IELTS essay writing, make yourself left with some time to review the spelling mistake in the passage so that you can make corrections.

Common typos and spelling errors include:

  • teh/ the
  • adn/ and
  • tehm/ them
  • thier/ their

7. Don’t Use Abbreviations and Signs

As mentioned above, IELTS is a formal exam so avoid using informal writing patterns in IELTS writing.

Such as usage of abbreviations and signs must be avoided in the IELTS writing exam. Here is an example-

The above mentioned three sentences include e.g., etc. abbreviations and & sign which affects the candidates IELTS writing score.

However, these sentences can be corrected by using a complete form of abbreviations and special symbols.

8. Don’t support your answer with surveys and research

Using research and survey data in your passage makes the examiner unsure about the figures used and they are not going to check what you have mentioned is accurate.

Rather it is suggested to use real-life examples and evidence from your life to support your answer. It looks more relevant and genuine to the examiner.

9. Using Slangs and Informal Language

Slangs are used in informal language having words that are not appropriate for formal exam IELTS. Using alternative words instead of slangs can help in getting high band score.

For example-

Mistakes-

Kids whose parents hold a university degree are more likely gonna go to university.

Correction-

School Students whose parents hold a university degree are more likely going to university.

Some more examples

  • kind of = somewhat significant
  • a couple of = several
  • basically = fundamentally

Also avoid colloquialisms, which means words that are used on regular basis by all people from ages. Instead of this use synonyms. For example-

  • Give = This chapter gives an overview = This chapter (provides/offers/presents) an overview…
  • Good = A good example = A (useful/prime) example…
  • Show = The below figure shows = The below figure (illustrates/demonstrates/reveals)…

Conclusion

IELTS writing task 2 is one of the most difficult sections for students preparing for the IELTS exam but not anymore. If you are observing any of these common mistakes in your writing pattern then there’s always room for improvement, just begin with the improvement phase today.

Enroll for IELTS Dr. Roma Writing Templates + Cue Cards Course and get access to pre-built IELTS templates, solved IELTS essay topics, video lectures with a detailed explanation, the solution to cue cards and a short question,s and much more with one course.

Dr. Roma

Content Writer