IELTS Common Mistakes: 50 Errors That Lower Your Score

Quick Answer: The 50 most frequent errors in IELTS include misinterpreting the question, poor time management, overusing complex vocabulary incorrectly, weak grammar like subject-verb agreement issues, and failing to structure essays logically. Fixing these can boost your score by 1-2 bands.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Question

2. Grammar Errors

3. Vocabulary & Lexical Resource

4. Coherence & Cohesion

5. Task Achievement/Response

6. Pronunciation & Fluency (Speaking)

7. Writing Task 1 Specific

8. Time Management

1. Understanding the Question

Mistake #1: Not reading the question carefully

Many students skim the prompt and answer a different question. For example, if Task 2 asks "discuss both views and give your opinion," you must do all three parts.

Mistake #2: Missing keywords

Underline words like "agree/disagree," "advantages/disadvantages," or "causes/solutions." Ignoring them leads to off-topic answers.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the word limit

Writing 150 words for Task 1 or 250 for Task 2 is the minimum. Writing too few reduces your score.

Mistake #4: Not paraphrasing the question

Copying the question verbatim is penalised. Always rephrase in your own words.

Mistake #5: Misinterpreting data in Task 1

If the chart shows percentages, don't confuse them with actual numbers.

2. Grammar Errors

Mistake #6: Subject-verb agreement

Example: "The number of students have increased." → Correct: "The number of students has increased."

Mistake #7: Incorrect verb tenses

Use past tense for past events ("In 2010, the rate rose"), present tense for general facts ("Water boils at 100°C").

Mistake #8: Missing articles (a/an/the)

“Government should invest” → “The government should invest” or “Governments should invest.”

Mistake #9: Overusing passive voice

Passive voice is fine but too much makes writing weak. Use active voice: "The government built a hospital" not "A hospital was built by the government."

Mistake #10: Wrong prepositions

“Interested in” not “interested on”; “depend on” not “depend of.”

Mistake #11: Incorrect conditional sentences

“If I would have time” → “If I have time” (Type 1) or “If I had time” (Type 2).

Mistake #12: Run-on sentences

Joining many ideas with commas without connectors. Break into shorter sentences.

Mistake #13: Sentence fragments

“Because he was late.” – this is not a complete sentence. Add an independent clause.

Mistake #14: Using ‘more better’ (double comparatives)

Correct: “better” or “more effective,” not “more better.”

Mistake #15: Confusing ‘its’ and ‘it’s’

“Its” = possessive; “it’s” = it is.

3. Vocabulary & Lexical Resource

Mistake #16: Repeating the same words

“Important” repeated five times → Use synonyms like “crucial,” “vital,” “essential,” “significant.”

Mistake #17: Using big words incorrectly

“The government should ameliorate the predicament” – if you’re unsure, use simpler words. Accuracy matters more.

Mistake #18: Idioms in formal Writing

IELTS Writing is formal. Avoid idioms like “a piece of cake” or “hit the nail on the head.” Save them for Speaking.

Mistake #19: Wrong collocations

“Make a decision” not “do a decision”; “take a photo” not “make a photo.”

Mistake #20: Spelling errors

Common words: “accommodation” (double c, double m), “government” (no ‘n’ after ‘t’), “necessary.”

Mistake #21: Using informal contractions

Don’t use “don’t,” “can’t,” “won’t” in Writing. Write “do not,” “cannot,” “will not.”

Mistake #22: Overgeneralisation

“Everyone agrees that...” – avoid absolute statements unless you have evidence.

Mistake #23: Not using topic-specific vocabulary

For environment topics, use “sustainability,” “carbon emissions,” “renewable energy” instead of vague terms.

Mistake #24: Misuse of transition words

“Moreover” means “in addition” – don’t use it for contrast. “However” is for contrast.

4. Coherence & Cohesion

Mistake #25: No clear paragraph structure

Each paragraph must have one main idea. Start with a topic sentence, support with details, then link to next paragraph.

Mistake #26: Overusing ‘Firstly, Secondly, Finally’

This is mechanical. Vary with: “The first reason is... Additionally... Furthermore... In conclusion...”

Mistake #27: Missing linking words between sentences

Use connectors like “As a result,” “Consequently,” “In contrast.”

Mistake #28: No clear introduction

Your intro must: paraphrase the question + state your thesis (your main argument) + outline what you’ll discuss.

Mistake #29: No clear conclusion

Conclusion should restate your position (in different words) and summarise main points. Don’t add new ideas.

Mistake #30: Writing long, confusing sentences

Aim for 15-20 words per sentence. Mix simple and complex sentences.

5. Task Achievement/Response

Mistake #31: Not fully answering the question

If the question asks “Do you agree or disagree?” you must clearly state your position in the intro and conclusion.

Mistake #32: Writing off-topic paragraphs

Every sentence must relate to the task. If you talk about crime when the question is about education, you lose marks.

Mistake #33: Not developing your ideas

Don’t just list points. Explain, give examples, and show cause and effect.

Mistake #34: Using personal examples in Task 2

Avoid “In my experience...” Use general examples like “For instance, in many countries...”

Mistake #35: Forgetting to discuss both sides (if required)

If the prompt says “discuss both views,” you must give balanced coverage of each view in separate paragraphs.

Mistake #36: Not reporting data in Task 1

In Academic Task 1, you must describe the chart, graph, or map. Don’t write opinion or reasons for trends.

Mistake #37: No overview in Task 1

Always include an overview paragraph summarising the main trend(s). This is crucial.

6. Pronunciation & Fluency (Speaking)

Mistake #38: Speaking too fast

This reduces clarity. Speak at a moderate pace. Pause between ideas.

Mistake #39: Using filler words excessively

“Um,” “uh,” “like,” “you know” – replace with silence or “Let me think...” once or twice is okay.

Mistake #40: Monotone delivery

Vary your pitch and stress important words. This shows natural fluency.

Mistake #41: Not answering the question directly

In Speaking Part 1, give a direct answer first, then expand. Don’t ramble.

Mistake #42: Memorised answers

Examiners spot robotic responses. Be spontaneous. Even if you prepare, adapt to the question.

Mistake #43: Poor pronunciation of common words

Words like “February” (Feb-ru-ary, not Feb-u-ary), “Wednesday” (Wens-day).

Mistake #44: Not using intonation for questions

In Part 3, when asking for clarification, use rising intonation.

7. Writing Task 1 Specific

Mistake #45: Writing too much detail

Pick key features (highest, lowest, major trends). Don’t mention every tiny fluctuation.

Mistake #46: Using opinion words

Avoid “I think,” “in my opinion.” Task 1 is a report, not an essay.

Mistake #47: Not using comparative language

Use “compared to,” “whereas,” “while,” “in contrast.”

Mistake #48: Incorrect data language

For bar charts: “The figure for X stood at...”; for line graphs: “The rate increased steadily from... to...”

8. Time Management

Mistake #49: Spending too long on Task 1

Task 1 should take 20 minutes max. Task 2 is worth twice the marks, so give it 40 minutes.

Mistake #50: Not leaving time for review

Always save 2-3 minutes to check for spelling, grammar, and question compliance.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Limited range of vocabulary; some errors but meaning clear; basic paragraphing; answers question partially.
7	Good range of vocabulary; few errors; clear paragraphs; addresses all parts of question; uses some less common words.
8	Wide range of vocabulary; very few errors; logical organisation; fully addresses question; uses complex structures accurately.
9	Full flexibility; precise vocabulary; no errors; flawless structure; complete task achievement.

Sample Answers

Band 7: “The government should invest more in public transport. Firstly, it reduces traffic congestion. For example, in London, the congestion charge decreased car use. Additionally, it helps the environment. Therefore, I recommend more spending on buses and trains.” Band 8: “One compelling argument for increased government investment in public transport is the alleviation of traffic congestion. In cities like London, the introduction of the congestion charge saw a notable decline in private vehicle usage. Moreover, such investment yields significant environmental benefits. Consequently, I firmly advocate for prioritising funding towards expanding and modernising public transport systems.” Band 9: “A paramount justification for escalating government expenditure on public transportation resides in its capacity to mitigate urban traffic congestion. The implementation of London’s congestion charge, for instance, demonstrably curbed private vehicle reliance. Furthermore, the environmental dividends are profound, encompassing reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality. Thus, I wholeheartedly endorse the allocation of substantial funds to both the expansion and technological enhancement of public transport infrastructure, a move that simultaneously addresses mobility and ecological concerns.”

Common Mistakes

❌Mistake: Using “according to me” – This is unnatural. Use “In my opinion” instead.

❌Mistake: Writing “many peoples” – “People” is already plural. Say “many people.”

❌Mistake: Saying “more and more” in formal writing – Replace with “increasingly” or “a growing number of.”

Top Tips

Tip 1: Always read the question twice. Circle keywords like “both views” or “your opinion.”

Tip 2: Practice paraphrasing the prompt in your intro – this immediately shows vocabulary range.

Tip 3: In Speaking, if you don’t know a word, describe it. For example, “a tool for cutting paper” instead of “scissors.”

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials.

FAQ

Q: How can I avoid repeating words in IELTS Writing? A: Use a thesaurus but only for words you know well. Practice synonym substitution in daily writing. Q: Is it okay to use contractions in IELTS Writing? A: No. Use full forms: “do not” not “don’t,” “is not” not “isn’t.” Q: How many paragraphs should I write for Task 2? A: Aim for 4-5 paragraphs: introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Q: What if I run out of time in Writing Task 2? A: Write a brief conclusion anyway. Even one sentence shows structure. Never leave the essay incomplete. Q: Can I write in British or American English? A: Yes, but be consistent. Don’t mix “colour” (UK) and “color” (US) in the same essay.

Key Takeaways

✅Read every question twice and underline keywords

✅Avoid memorised answers; be flexible in Speaking

✅Use a range of vocabulary, but prioritise accuracy over complexity

✅Structure your essays clearly: intro, body, conclusion

✅Always leave time to review your work

Related Posts:

IELTS Writing Task 2: Band 9 Sample Essays

IELTS Speaking Part 2: How to Speak for 2 Minutes

IELTS Grammar: 10 Rules to Avoid Mistakes