Maximize Your IELTS Score: A Guide to Overcoming Common Mistakes (Part 2)

Welcome back to our exploration of common mistakes made by IELTS candidates! In our previous article, we discussed some of the most common errors that can affect your performance on this challenging test. Today, we're going to keep exploring and discover more mistakes to avoid. Whether you're familiar with the IELTS or just starting to prepare, this guide will assist you in understanding the test better. So, let's continue together as we reveal more valuable insights to make sure you're well-prepared for the IELTS journey.

Ignoring word limits in exam instructions:

When you're taking the Listening and Reading exams, it's important to follow the instructions about how many words you can use for your answers. If you use more words than allowed, you will lose points.

Consider this example from the Listening exam:

- Instructions: Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

- Question: Provide a stylish _____ for guests to use.

- Student’s answer: "sleek modern kitchen"

Even though "kitchen" is the right answer, it's marked wrong because it has more than one word. Also, "sleek modern" means the same thing as "stylish."

Advice:                                             

·      Read carefully: Get into the habit of carefully reading instructions before you start any task. This will help you understand what you need to do.

·      Pay close attention to word limits: To avoid making mistakes accidentally, you can mark the number of words or numbers you're allowed to use for each answer. This way, you'll stay within the limits and improve your chances of getting a better score.

Failing to address all parts of the question in the Writing exam:

In the essay portion , questions may have multiple parts. For instance, you might need to discuss two viewpoints of a topic and give your own opinion. If you only provide your opinion and fail to address the required viewpoints, you haven’t completed the entire task, leading to a lower score.

Consider this essay question:

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime and the motivation for committing it should always be taken into account when deciding the punishment.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In this example, the question has three parts:

1. Discussing the view that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime.

2. Discussing the view that the circumstances and motivations for committing a crime should be taken into account when deciding the punishment.

3. Giving your own opinion on the matter.

If you only state your opinion (e.g., "I believe that circumstances should always be considered") without discussing both viewpoints (fixed punishments and individual circumstances), you are not addressing the entire question, which can lead to a lower score.

Advice:

• Read carefully: Read the essay question closely so you understand everything it is asking.

• Underline key points: Highlight the important points in the instructions for the writing task. This way you can be sure to talk about everything the question asks for and improve your score.

Overcomplicating speaking and writing responses:

Sometimes, students make their speaking and writing too complicated by using very fancy words and difficult sentence structures. While it's good to learn new words and grammar to improve your scores, using overly complex language without understanding it well can lead to mistakes. Also, it might make it hard for others to understand you, which could lower your score.

Advice:

·      Make sure you express your ideas clearly.

·      Use vocabulary and sentence structures that you know well and can use correctly.

·      If you want to use fancy words or complex sentences:

• Make sure you fully understand them.

• Try to say or write them in a clear way so others can understand.

Remember, being good at using difficult language means using it effectively and clearly.

Not practicing all skills equally:

Some students tend to focus more on certain skills because they feel less confident in those areas. For instance, if someone struggles with writing, they might spend a lot of time practicing writing and not spend enough time on other skills. While it's important to work on your weaknesses, it's also crucial not to neglect the other skills entirely. Ignoring them could lead to a gap in your abilities, which might result in lower scores overall.

Advice:

·      Assess your strengths and weaknesses: You can do this through practice tests, self-assessment, or by asking a teacher for guidance.

·      Create a study plan to practice all 4 skills regularly: Allocate time for practicing listening, reading, writing, and speaking consistently. To avoid focusing too much on one skill, divide your study sessions into segments, each focusing on a different skill. For example, if you consistently score high in reading but low in listening, consider dedicating more time to listening practice while still maintaining your reading practice. Remember, it's important not to neglect any skill entirely, even if you're doing well in it.

If you need help with balanced preparation, I offer one-on-one tuition. I can evaluate your current abilities and create a tailored learning plan that addresses all four skills. Through personalized tutoring sessions, I will work with you to strengthen your weaknesses without neglecting your strengths. Visit about IELTS lessons to find out more.

As you continue preparing for the test, remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Whether you're practicing writing, speaking, or understanding complex language, it's essential to practice regularly. Make it a goal to recognize these common mistakes and fix them so you can achieve a better score in the IELTS exam.

In our next and final part of this blog series, we'll explore more common mistakes and how to address them to help you prepare for the exam. In the meantime, keep practicing and stay focused on your goals!