7 Error Students Make In IELTS Exam- CTI

The IELTS exam (International English Language Testing System)  is created to assess English proficiency for international students who wish to study abroad. Preparing for the IELTS exam can be challenging as even the most prepared students make errors from time to time.

If you are looking for a reputable training institute to help you ace your IELTS exam, look no further than Chhundu Training Institute. 

1. Follow The Instructions

Students who take IELTS frequently need to remember the instructions listed at the beginning of each section, which is one of the most common errors.

They are essential for progressing in the test. Examiners deduct points if they are not followed completely. 

One of the most typical IELTS exam errors is needing to follow the instructions in the Reading test. Students should carefully read the instructions to avoid being inaccurately scored.

For instance, you are given the following information for a particular question.

Complete the sentence below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Question: Passenger ships across North Atlantic Ocean had an excellent safety record in ______.

Ans: past forty years [insert a ‘right mark’ here]

Ans: the past forty years [insert a ‘wrong mark’ here]

You will certainly lose marks if you answer in more than three words.

2. Remember The Word Count

IELTS exam writing tasks are based on word count, so you must follow the word limit when doing these things. 

Another common IELTS exam error is that students must count their words after completing the task.

The word count for IELTS writing assignments is strictly followed. You must write 150 words for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Letter or Report) and 250 words for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay).

If the number of words is less than what they require, it is strongly advised that you count them and immediately add more details.

You will earn points for task completion this way. Make sure to calculate your word count after completing each task because the length of these tasks is important.

3. Lack Of Focus

Focus is key, especially when it comes to listening and speaking. You must give your undivided attention when taking the exam. 

While lack of focus is also one of the most common IELTS exam errors, it’s easily avoidable.

Make sure you understand everything being communicated to you before you respond. Focus on giving the correct response. Only try to memorize the questions and answers when preparing for the exam. 

Focus on absorbing what’s being communicated and delivering clear information.

4. Never Overdo Connecting Word

One of the important criteria is coherence and cohesion, based on which your IELTS Exam, especially your Essay Writing Task, is marked. 

While performing the IELTS exam, which is the better way to demonstrate your Coherence and Cohesion skills? Is it by using more and more connecting words?

If your answer is YES, then you need to work on it. Reduce the Excessive usage of connecting words.

The reason is that most students need to be more fluent in the language and try to fill the gaps using connecting words or fillers. 

The examiner sees through this and may deduct bands, as this is an important criterion while evaluating IELTS exam scores.

5. Stick To The Topic

In such cases, students get anxious and change the actual topic while giving the IELTS exam. Regardless of how beautifully you present your ideas and work, it will not be considered. 

Although this is not a very common error in the IELTS exam, it is close to becoming one. As more and more students think this is the best way out.

6. Cover All The Key Points

Instructions are the most important part of the IELTS exam. Similarly, it is equally important to cover all the key points mentioned in the task.

Let’s take an example to understand it in a better way:

A family member has agreed to look after your house and plants while you are on holiday.

Write a letter to your family member. In your letter:

• Provide contact details for when you are away
• Give specific instructions about how to care for your plant
• Mention details of other household duties

While writing the letter, you must include all three points mentioned above. If you overlook any one of them, it will lower your score.

This is a common error while giving the IELTS exam; they omit a point, assuming that covering the rest of the points will be sufficient.

Read the given instructions carefully and cover all the key points given in them.

7. Pronunciation Is Important!

IELTS is an exam assessing your English language skills, so your accent does not affect your score. 

Pronunciation is essential for a good score on the IELTS Speaking Test as students giving the IELTS exam make the error of faking their accent, thinking it will lead to better bands.

But understand this is a common error in the IELTS rather than a common misconception. Its pronunciation, sentence delivery, and correct use of grammar that the examiner evaluates.

Build your confidence, and your efforts will undoubtedly reflect your IELTS score!

Want to learn more about the IELTS exam and how they calculate the scores? Read Understanding The IELTS Reading Score Chart With CTI today!