15 Common IELTS Mistakes That Keep You at Band 6 (and How to Fix Them)

Writing Task 1 mistakes

• No overview paragraph — caps Task Achievement at Band 5. Fix: always write paragraph 2 with the two biggest trends and no numbers.
• Listing every number — fix: select 8–10 key figures and group the rest.
• Giving opinions about why data changed — fix: report facts only.
• Copying the question word for word — fix: paraphrase with synonyms and a changed sentence structure.

Writing Task 2 mistakes

• Not answering every part of the question — fix: underline each part and check your plan covers all of them.
• Listing five shallow ideas — fix: two ideas, each explained and exemplified fully.
• Memorised template phrases — fix: use simple, accurate linking instead.
• Changing position halfway — fix: decide your view before you write and keep it.
• No conclusion — fix: leave 3 minutes; one sentence restating your position is enough.

Speaking mistakes

• One-word Part 1 answers — fix: answer + reason + detail, every time.
• Stopping after 60 seconds in Part 2 — fix: practise with a timer until 2 minutes feels natural.
• Memorised speeches — fix: prepare ideas and vocabulary, not scripts.
• Long silent pauses — fix: learn to paraphrase and use natural fillers.
• Talking only about yourself in Part 3 — fix: generalise about society.

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