Many students lose valuable marks due to small, avoidable errors. Let’s break down the most frequent pitfalls and how you can steer clear of them.
🚫 Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- Misreading the Question
- Tip: Underline or highlight keywords (e.g., “discuss both views,” “to what extent,” “advantages and disadvantages”) to ensure you’re responding accurately.
- Bonus Strategy: Rephrase the question in your own words before answering. This helps you confirm you’ve got the right idea.
- Poor Time Management
- Tip: Divide your time by question type. In IELTS Reading, for instance, allocate about 20 minutes per passage.
- Bonus Strategy: Always use a timer when practicing. Training yourself against the clock builds an internal sense of pacing.
- Lack of Structure in Writing
- Tip: Have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use transitional words (e.g., “Firstly,” “In addition,” “However”) to guide the reader.
- Bonus Strategy: Spend the first 2–3 minutes outlining main ideas. This prevents going off-topic.
- Memorizing Speaking Answers
- Tip: Examiners recognize overly rehearsed responses. Instead, master functional language and adapt it to each topic.
- Bonus Strategy: Focus on fluency rather than perfect diction. If you make a slip, correct it naturally and move on.
- Ignoring Spelling and Grammar (Listening/Reading)
- Tip: If you’re unsure about a spelling, check how it appears in the text. Small slips can cost you marks.
- Bonus Strategy: Keep a “spelling log.” For repeated grammar errors (e.g., subject-verb agreement), do targeted practice to eliminate them.
📌 How Ijada Helps
We run diagnostic tests to spot these mistakes early, giving you targeted feedback so you won’t repeat them on exam day.
