How to Fix Common Grammar Errors in IELTS Writing Task 2
Quick answer: Check subject‑verb agreement, use articles correctly, choose the right preposition, keep punctuation clear, and avoid wrong word choices. Write a short draft, then read it aloud, fix each error type, and finally check for consistency. Practice these steps to raise your score.↗ Share on X
1. Keep Subject‑Verb Agreement Simple and Accurate
In IELTS essays the examiner looks for clear ideas, not for tricky grammar. The most common slip is mismatching singular and plural forms. For example, "The number of students is increasing" is correct, while "The number of students are increasing" is not. Remember that the verb follows the subject, not the noun after *of*.
A quick test: replace the subject with a pronoun. If you would say *it is*, then the verb should be singular. In my tutoring work with a student from Pune, we practiced this rule by writing ten sentences each day and checking the pronoun test. The habit of checking the subject first saved many points.
Another frequent error involves collective nouns. "The team has achieved" is right; "The team have achieved" is only acceptable in informal British English, but the IELTS scoring criteria prefer the standard form. Keep the verb simple and match the main noun.
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2. Use Articles the Right Way
Articles (a, an, the) cause many low scores. The rule is simple: *a* and *an* for any single, non‑specific item, *the* for a specific or previously mentioned item. For instance, "A good education helps people" is correct, while "The good education helps people" sounds odd unless you have already defined *the education*.
When you write about abstract ideas, you often do not need an article at all. "Education improves society" is smoother than "The education improves society". In my own practice, I asked learners to underline every article and then decide if it was needed. This tiny step cut down on unnecessary words.
Watch out for zero article with plural nouns used generally: "Students benefit from reading" not "The students benefit from reading" unless you refer to a specific group.
3. Choose Prepositions Carefully
Prepositions are tiny words with big impact. Common mistakes include mixing up *in*, *on*, and *at*. For IELTS, the phrase "invest in education" is correct, while "invest on education" is wrong. Similarly, "focus on the problem" beats "focus in the problem".
A useful tip is to pair the verb with its most common preposition and memorize the pair. Write a list like:
- *depend on*
- *concern about*
- *contribute to*
Then practice each pair in a sentence related to the essay topic.
During a workshop I ran for a group of teachers, we created flash cards with a verb on one side and a preposition on the other. The quick recall helped them avoid awkward phrasing in the exam.
4. Punctuate Complex Sentences Clearly
Long sentences can show range, but they must be punctuated correctly. A common error is a missing comma before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: "Many people think that technology harms the environment, but it also offers solutions" – the comma before *but* is essential.
Another issue is the misuse of semicolons. Use a semicolon only to link two independent clauses that are closely related: "Renewable energy reduces pollution; it also creates jobs." Do not place a semicolon before a dependent clause.
Read your essay aloud. If you stumble, the punctuation may be wrong. In my own writing practice, I record a short reading and pause at each comma. This habit highlights missing or extra punctuation.
5. Pick the Right Word and Collocation
Collocations are word pairs that sound natural together. Writing "make a decision" is correct, while "do a decision" is not. Common IELTS collocations include:
- *raise awareness*
- *address a problem*
- *play a role*
Using the wrong word can lower lexical resource score.
A simple exercise: write a list of key nouns from your essay topic, then add a verb that commonly follows each noun. Check a reliable dictionary for examples. When I helped a family member improve his essay, we rewrote each sentence to include at least one strong collocation.
6. Build a Proofreading Routine That Works
After finishing the essay, give yourself five minutes to scan for the error types above. Follow this order:
1. Subject‑verb agreement
2. Articles
3. Prepositions
4. Punctuation
5. Word choice
Read the text from the bottom up; this forces you to see each line fresh. Another tip is to change the font or print the page – a visual shift often reveals hidden mistakes.
Practice this routine in every mock test. Over time the steps become automatic, and the examiner will notice the cleaner language.
By focusing on these five error groups and using a short, disciplined review, you can raise your IELTS Writing Task 2 score without needing advanced grammar books.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common grammar mistake in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Subject‑verb agreement errors appear most often. Test the subject with a pronoun and make sure the verb matches in number.
How many articles should I use in an essay?
Use articles only when the noun is specific or singular. Avoid adding *the* before abstract nouns unless you have defined them earlier.
Can I use a semicolon in my essay?
Yes, but only to link two independent clauses that are closely related. Do not use it before a dependent clause.
What is a quick way to check prepositions?
Make a list of common verb‑preposition pairs and practice them in sentences related to your essay topic.
How much time should I spend proofreading?
Allocate about five minutes after writing. Follow a set order of error types to make the review systematic.