Common Mistakes in Ielts Writing

Over the years, I have identified that IELTS examinees make frequent mistakes in some common areas when they sit for the Writing module. The type of mistakes can vary from case to case but generally the following types are most frequent:

1. Use of contractions

Contractions are “I’m” instead of “I am”, “wouldn’t” instead of “would not”, “haven’t” instead of “have not” (these are only a few examples). Contractions are basically representation of speaking form and a very bad thing to be used in your Task 1 or Task 2. They shouldn’t be used in formal writing (as in the case of IELTS). They will not do any good to you, will not save you much time and can cost you marks. So, just forget the contractions, at least for the purpose of IELTS.

2. Use of informal English

Informal English is, to some extent, is acceptable for Speaking test – but, it is not acceptable for Writing test. Though each piece of informal words in your writing is not penalized, formal English style and language always helps you in achieving better score. To illustrate the difference, informal phrase “loads of / tons of” should be replaced with “many” or “much”; “fed up with” should be replaced with “lost his patience”, etc.

3. Use of slang expression

Slang expression is often mistakenly used by the students in Writing. Phrases such as “dunno”, “gonna” etc are used in IELTS. Please, avoid this as these expressions are applicable only when you are spending time with your friends or family members. You shouldn’t write “dunno” instead of “don’t know or “gonna” instead of “going to”.

4. Use of SMS-like spelling

We are all familiar and acquainted with SMS type writing, chatting on Skype and the like, and there is a bunch of shortest ways to write longer words. Use of “u” instead of “you”, “c” instead of “see”. None of these are acceptable in your IELTS exam. You need to write the full word and spell it correctly.

If you want to know more about the common mistakes in IELTS writing Task then you should follow http://writinghood.com/style/common-grammatical-mistakes-in-ielts-writing-task/

For further reading, visit the IELTS blog of the writer at http://junaid-ieltsguide.blogspot.com/