IELTS Writing Tips: 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
June 14, 2021
Writing is not a strong topic in many English courses around the world. However, you can strengthen your writing skills during your IELTS preparation for a high score on exam day with the IELTS writing tips shared below.
Writing is a skill developed over time with patience and persistence. Writing is learned by doing. If you are fortunate, let an English teacher read and correct your papers with suggestions for improvement. Above all, don’t get discouraged!
Avoid these 3 Common IELTS Writing Mistakes
The IELTS has two (2) writing tasks. Writing Task 1 requires candidates to write a report with comparisons of data in charts or graphs or descriptions of a map or process.
Writing Task 2 asks candidates to write an essay (4 paragraphs) on a variety of topics from technology to public affairs.
Read on to learn how to avoid three (3) common IELTS Writing mistakes!
Not allowing 3-5 minutes for the pre-writing stage.
Strong writers know that the first step is not writing but thinking and organizing. It is crucial to reserve 3 to 5 minutes at the beginning to analyze the prompt, understand how many parts of the task to answer, and organize your response before you write one word.
For Writing Task 1, take 3 minutes and 5 for Writing Task 2 for your pre-writing stage. What does your task require you to do? What are the keywords? Find synonyms! Don’t repeat these words in your answer. Use your scratch paper to create an outline. Note the key ideas for each paragraph and reasons and examples (for the essay response). Once you have outlined your response, you are ready to write!
Not using Academic English.
The Academic IELTS exam is often used by candidates who seek to study at a university in an English-speaking university. Candidates, therefore, need a modest level of Academic English to succeed on the test.
Use of university-level English on the exam often requires students to upgrade their level of writing (and speaking!). Therefore, “Facebook English” is not acceptable on the test. The good news is that it is possible to acquire this higher level of English during your IELTS preparation with concentrated study and practice.
Not using Complex Grammar Structures.
IELTS tells you exactly what you need to do for a high speaking and writing score. (See the grading criteria for Writing Tasks 1 and 2). A 7.0 Band Score calls on candidates to use “complex grammar structures.”
By this time of your English career, you should have solid grammar skills. It's important to learn more sophisticated grammar structures to maximize your IELTS score.
Remember – IELTS graders reward a higher level of grammar with a higher score.
Conclusion
You can boost your writing skills and score high on the IELTS Academic exam. Begin by avoiding the three mistakes above and utilizing the IELTS writing tips shared in this article.
Avant Healthcare Professionals is the premier recruiting and staffing specialist for internationally educated healthcare professionals. When you join the Avant Healthcare Professionals program, you have entire teams of experts who are dedicated to your success in the USA! Take the first step toward your new life and a new career. Apply today to find out if you qualify to be part of this exclusive program!. You could be working in the U.S. in as little as 12 months!
