Task Response
Coherence
Vocabulary
Grammar
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Biggest band killersTask Response Mistakes
- MISTAKE: Not answering all parts of the question. FIX: Underline every task word. If it says "discuss both AND give your opinion", you must do ALL THREE.
- MISTAKE: An inconsistent position — agreeing in paragraph 1, then disagreeing in paragraph 3. FIX: Write your thesis in your plan BEFORE you write. Stick to it throughout.
- MISTAKE: Writing a general essay about the topic instead of directly responding to the specific question. FIX: After every paragraph, re-read the question and ask: "Does this paragraph directly answer IT?"
- MISTAKE: Underdeveloped body paragraphs — one sentence per point. FIX: Every point needs: claim → explanation → example → link back.
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Structure errorsCoherence & Cohesion Mistakes
- MISTAKE: No clear paragraph structure — all writing is one big block. FIX: Always leave a blank line between paragraphs. 4 clear paragraphs minimum.
- MISTAKE: Overusing "Firstly, Secondly, Finally" — it signals formulaic, low-band writing. FIX: Mix connectors: "A primary concern is...", "A further consideration...", "Perhaps most significantly..."
- MISTAKE: Pronoun confusion — "It can help people. They should use it. This is important." FIX: Make every pronoun's reference crystal clear. When in doubt, repeat the noun.
- MISTAKE: Starting every sentence with a connector: "Moreover, ... Furthermore, ... Additionally..." FIX: Use connectors only when the relationship genuinely exists. Not every sentence needs one.
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LR errorsVocabulary Mistakes
- MISTAKE: Using the same word repeatedly: "Technology is important. Technology has changed our lives. Technology is everywhere." FIX: Use synonyms and reference words: "Technology... this innovation... such advances... it..."
- MISTAKE: Using informal language: "kids", "a lot of", "stuff", "things", "big". FIX: Replace with: "children / adolescents", "a considerable number of", "aspects / factors", "issues", "significant".
- MISTAKE: Incorrect collocation: "do a crime", "make a research", "strong rain". FIX: Learn vocabulary in chunks, not single words. "commit a crime", "conduct research", "heavy rain".
- MISTAKE: Memorised phrases that don't fit: "Since the dawn of time..." / "In today's world..." FIX: These phrases are known by examiners and penalised. Write naturally and specifically instead.
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GRA errorsGrammar Mistakes
- MISTAKE: Subject-verb agreement errors: "The number of people are increasing." FIX: "The number" is singular → "The number of people IS increasing."
- MISTAKE: Article errors: "Government should take action" / "It is an important issue." FIX: "THE government" (specific institution) / "an important issue" (first mention with vowel sound).
- MISTAKE: Using only simple sentences throughout the essay. FIX: Mix sentence structures: simple, compound (X and Y), complex (Although..., which..., where...).
- MISTAKE: Tense inconsistency within a paragraph. FIX: Decide your tense (present simple for general truths, present perfect for ongoing situations) and maintain it consistently.
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3-minute checkBefore You Submit – Checklist
- 1☑ Have I answered ALL parts of the question?
- 2☑ Is my position (thesis) clear and consistent throughout?
- 3☑ Does every body paragraph have: point + explanation + example?
- 4☑ Have I used a variety of linking words (not just "Firstly, Secondly")?
- 5☑ Have I avoided repeating the same word more than twice per paragraph?
- 6☑ Have I checked subject-verb agreement?
- 7☑ Have I checked my articles (the/a/an)?
- 8☑ Is the essay at least 250 words?
- 9☑ Have I written in paragraphs (not bullet points)?
- 10☑ Does my conclusion restate my thesis without adding new arguments?
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