Writing can be intimidating and demotivating. Most people try to shy away from doing writing tasks. However, this should not be the case.
Here's a list of common mistakes seen in writing task outputs.
1. Using the same words from the task topic
Writing an introduction usually takes much time for IELTS test-takers. This is because they are told to paraphrase the topic as their introduction. Many candidates probably have a list of common words used in both the writing task 1 and 2 and the synonyms for each of these words. Due to the overload of vocabulary, or lack thereof, IELTS takers contemplate too much on how they would start. As time passes though panic will overcome their feelings. As a result, they had no other choice but to use the same words from the task topic.
Solution: Change the word forms if you have not enough synonyms. Learn to make use of the other forms of words -noun, adjective, adverb, etc.- you have shortlisted in your vocabulary study. Just remember that it NEVER a good idea to use the same words from the task topic because it will definitely not be included in your word count!
2. Using contractions
A number of students forget that in IELTS, the way we speak should be different from the way we write. That is, speaking is more casual (depending on the situation) while writing is more formal (except in General writing). Also, as a result of poor time-management during the test, examinees rush to finish their output within the given time limit.
Solution: Make it a habit to write the words completely. When writing anything, never use the shortened way of writing words. For instance, instead of writing "It's a must," you ought to write "It IS a must." And another thing to remember, in the test, EVERY WORD COUNTS!
3. Writing assumptions (Task 1) and famous quotations (Task 2)
In task 1, many feel tempted to explain why a certain data had a certain result. That is, they assume why the trend happened on a specific period in time. For example, the graph shows the preference of people eating vegetables in various countries. Some may write that a certain nation may consume more healthy greens over another country because of religious beliefs or other probable reasons.
If the graph does not indicate the word “reasons,” it should NOT be written on your report. This usually happens because examinees need to reach the specified word count for the task. Adding assumption can lengthen the report therefore the word count target can be easily achieved. Never do this!
Solution: Write what you see and not what you feel. Your opinion is not needed in the first task. Have self-control and avoid adding your ideas.
As for the second task, the test takers simply forget that one of the descriptors checked in the test is Lexical Resource, a fancy word for vocabulary range. Adding a famous line or quote said by a popular entity may help explain your point further but it does not show the range of your vocabulary. Evaluators want to see how well we use our learned vocabulary. It might take a lot of creativity and grammar knowledge to do so but it is not impossible.
Solution: Consider paraphrasing the famous quote. Better yet, avoid using them. The trick is to explain your thoughts in the best way you can with the best possible vocabulary you can use.
1. Using the same words from the task topic
Writing an introduction usually takes much time for IELTS test-takers. This is because they are told to paraphrase the topic as their introduction. Many candidates probably have a list of common words used in both the writing task 1 and 2 and the synonyms for each of these words. Due to the overload of vocabulary, or lack thereof, IELTS takers contemplate too much on how they would start. As time passes though panic will overcome their feelings. As a result, they had no other choice but to use the same words from the task topic.
Solution: Change the word forms if you have not enough synonyms. Learn to make use of the other forms of words -noun, adjective, adverb, etc.- you have shortlisted in your vocabulary study. Just remember that it NEVER a good idea to use the same words from the task topic because it will definitely not be included in your word count!
2. Using contractions
A number of students forget that in IELTS, the way we speak should be different from the way we write. That is, speaking is more casual (depending on the situation) while writing is more formal (except in General writing). Also, as a result of poor time-management during the test, examinees rush to finish their output within the given time limit.
Solution: Make it a habit to write the words completely. When writing anything, never use the shortened way of writing words. For instance, instead of writing "It's a must," you ought to write "It IS a must." And another thing to remember, in the test, EVERY WORD COUNTS!
3. Writing assumptions (Task 1) and famous quotations (Task 2)
If the graph does not indicate the word “reasons,” it should NOT be written on your report. This usually happens because examinees need to reach the specified word count for the task. Adding assumption can lengthen the report therefore the word count target can be easily achieved. Never do this!
Solution: Write what you see and not what you feel. Your opinion is not needed in the first task. Have self-control and avoid adding your ideas.
As for the second task, the test takers simply forget that one of the descriptors checked in the test is Lexical Resource, a fancy word for vocabulary range. Adding a famous line or quote said by a popular entity may help explain your point further but it does not show the range of your vocabulary. Evaluators want to see how well we use our learned vocabulary. It might take a lot of creativity and grammar knowledge to do so but it is not impossible.
Solution: Consider paraphrasing the famous quote. Better yet, avoid using them. The trick is to explain your thoughts in the best way you can with the best possible vocabulary you can use.
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