The IELTS writing test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in written English. This article identifies frequent grammatical errors and provides correct examples to enhance your writing skills. 

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Common Grammatical Errors in IELTS Essay Responses 

One of the most critical issues in the IELTS writing section is failing to fully address the essay question. While this may not be a grammatical error, it reflects a lack of understanding and completeness in your response, which can lead to a lower band score.  

It is essential to read the prompt carefully and ensure you cover all aspects of the question. This demonstrates your ability to follow instructions and provide a well-rounded answer. 

Many test-takers, particularly those considering immigrating to Canada, may struggle with fully addressing the prompt due to language limitations. 

Note: The examples provided below are not complete responses and are intended for illustrative purposes only. 

1. Understanding the Task 

Essay questions often contain multiple parts to address. They may ask you to discuss advantages and disadvantages of an issue, and then provide your opinion. 

2. Example of an Incomplete Answer 

Prompt: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in education. Provide your opinion. 

Incorrect: “Technology in education has many advantages. It makes learning more interactive and engaging for students.” 

Correct: “Technology in education has many advantages, such as making learning more interactive and engaging. However, there are also disadvantages, including the potential for distraction and dependence on electronic devices.  

In my opinion, while technology can enhance learning, it should be balanced with traditional teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive education.” 

The incorrect example, which shows a common issue in responses, only discusses advantages and lacks a fully developed opinion. The correct example addresses both advantages and disadvantages, providing a clear, balanced opinion.  

 The incorrect example, which shows a common issue in responses, only discusses advantages and lacks a fully developed opinion. The correct example addresses both advantages and disadvantages, providing a clear, balanced opinion.  

3. Strategies for Complete Answers 

1. Analyse the prompt thoroughly: break down the question into its components. Underline or highlight keywords to ensure you understand what is being asked, to avoid grammatical errors.  
2. Plan your response: create an outline before you start writing. This should include an introduction, main points for each part of the question, and a conclusion. 
3. Allocate time wisely: spend time on each section of the prompt. Ensure you have enough content to fully answer all parts of the question. 
4. Use a clear structure: each paragraph should address a specific part of the question. Use linking words to ensure coherence and flow between paragraphs and to evade grammatical errors.  

4. Additional Examples 

Prompt: Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Incomplete Response: “I agree that increasing the legal age for driving can improve road safety.” 

Complete Response: “I agree that increasing the legal age for driving can improve road safety by ensuring that drivers are more mature and responsible. However, this measure alone may not be sufficient.  

This is particularly important in a country with a vast and diverse geography like Canada, where road conditions can vary greatly and factors specific to Canadian culture must be considered. 

It should be combined with better driver education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Overall, while raising the minimum legal age is a step in the right direction, a comprehensive approach is necessary to significantly enhance road safety.” 

Prompt: “Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a significant negative impact on individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” 

Incomplete Response: “Social networking sites have had a negative impact on society by causing addiction.” 

Complete Response: “Social networking sites have had a negative impact on society by causing addiction and reducing face-to-face interactions. Additionally, they can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  

However, these platforms also offer benefits, such as staying connected with friends and family and providing access to information. In my view, while there are significant drawbacks, the benefits of social networking sites can be maximised by promoting responsible usage and digital literacy.” 

By thoroughly addressing each component of the essay question, you can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and provide a well-rounded response, which is crucial for achieving a high band score in the IELTS writing test. 

Conditionals 

Using conditionals correctly is vital for clarity and precision in the IELTS writing test. Conditionals are sentences that describe the result of a certain condition.  

They often confuse test-takers due to their varying structures and uses, leading to grammatical errors. Here, we delve deeper into the different types of conditionals with examples to help you master them. 

1. Zero Conditional 

The zero conditional is used for statements that are always true, such as scientific facts and general truths. The structure is simple: If + Present Simple, Present Simple. Using the zero conditional incorrectly can contribute to grammatical errors 

Examples: 

• Incorrect: “If water will reach 100°C, it boils.” 

• Correct: “If water reaches 100°C, it boils.” 

Usage: These conditional expresses general truths or laws of nature. It’s used to state facts that are always true whenever the condition happens. 

2. First Conditional 

The first conditional is used for real and possible situations in the future. The structure is: If + Present Simple, will/won’t + base form of the verb. Understanding how to use the first conditional correctly can help you avoid grammatical errors in your writing. 

Examples: 

• Incorrect: “If it will rain tomorrow, we stay inside.” 

• Correct: “If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.” 

Usage: This conditional expresses a possible future event and its likely result. It’s often used to make promises, offers, warnings, and predictions. 

3. Second Conditional 

The second conditional is used for hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future. The structure is: If + Past Simple, would/wouldn’t + Base Form of the Verb. Misusing the second conditional can lead to grammatical errors in your writing. 

Examples: 

• Incorrect: “If I win the lottery, I would travel.” 

• Correct: “If I won the lottery, I would travel.” 

Usage: These conditional expresses hypothetical situations and their probable outcomes. It’s used to talk about unreal or imaginary conditions. 

4. Third Conditional 

The third conditional is used for situations that did not happen in the past and their imagined results. The structure is: If + Past Perfect, would/wouldn’t have + Past Participle. 

Examples: 

• Incorrect: “If she has studied, she would pass the test.” 

• Correct: “If she had studied, she would have passed the test.” 

Usage: This conditional talks about past events that did not happen and speculates about their possible outcomes. It’s useful for expressing regrets or hindsight. A firm grasp of the third conditional will help you prevent grammatical errors in your writing. 

5. Mixed Conditional 

The mixed conditional is used for situations with a past condition and a present result. The structure is a combination: If + Past Perfect, would/wouldn’t + Base Form of the Verb. 

Examples: 

• Incorrect: “If he checks the map, he would not be lost.” 

• Correct: “If he had checked the map, he would not be lost.” 

Usage: This conditional combines elements from the second and third conditionals to describe a past action with a present consequence. Mastering the mixed conditional can help you eliminate grammatical errors from your writing. 

The Use of Commas 

Comma usage is another area where mistakes are common. Commas can be overused, underused, or misplaced, affecting the readability of your writing. 

1. Overuse of Commas: 

• Incorrect: “He, went to the store, and bought, apples.” 

• Correct: “He went to the store and bought apples.” 

2. Missing Commas: 

• Incorrect: “However the project failed.” 

• Correct: “However, the project failed.” 

3. Comma Splice: 

• Incorrect: “I like tea, it is my favourite drink.” 

• Correct: “I like tea. It is my favourite drink.” 

Subject-verb agreement 

Subject-verb agreement errors occur when the subject and verb in a sentence do not match in number. This is a common mistake that can affect the clarity of your writing. 

Examples: 

1. Singular: 

• Incorrect: “The book are on the table.” 

• Correct: “The book is on the table.” 

2. Plural: 

• Incorrect: “The books is on the table.” 

• Correct: “The books are on the table.” 

Mastering grammatical accuracy is crucial for success in the IELTS writing test. By addressing common errors such as partially answering questions, misusing conditionals, and improper comma usage, you can significantly improve your writing quality and achieve a higher band score. 

Visit the IELTS Canada homepage to find out more 

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