We are Human beings, and we are bound to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of our life. It helps us grow and learn what not to do next. However, while attempting the IELTS examination, every mistake we make takes away our points, and each point is valuable if we want to get into our dream university. By losing marks, you lose your chance of getting admissions(and we do not want that)!

So we take the Mock Test!

The main motive of the mock test is to test your thinking, writing and listening abilities under the time boundation, to make it as stressful as a test can get. To maintain the same mindset at the test centre as in your home, we try to mock the same scenario, But eventually, our mind is aware of the fact that it is in a safe space. So to make it easy for you, in this article, we are listing five common mistakes which the majority of students make in an IELTS examination from which you could take a lesson and strategize to avoid them.

Spelling mistakes and Vocabulary stuffing-

Spelling, Grammar and tone of the sentences are the first thing that is noticed. Spelling mistakes have to be avoided at any cost. If you are not sure of any word spelling, do not use it. Try using its synonym that is easy to write, or try to change the sentence. Most IMPORTANTLY- Review your answers before moving on to next.

Moreover, Most people try to use a lot of fancy words which sometimes do not even fit in with the scenario depicted by the writer. Try using Vocabulary is limit, whereas minimal use of Vocabulary will raise questions on your abilities. Try to find your perfect balance and stick to that in the exam.

Time and its management-

Time is the most crucial aspect of the IELTS exam. Most people do not attempt mock tests in time limit and end up submitting the paper incomplete and panicking. Remember, Always practice in the time boundation. It will enhance your ability to think quicker and smarter.

It is essential to mark time for every question and prepare a strategy for it. You do not want to waste time on a doubtful question and end-up leaving an answer which you are proficient in. Time is the essence!

Special Tip- Skip the question if it seems difficult to answer and move to the next one. Come back again on it and you will have time to think.

Mispronunciation and Fumble-

IELTS exams are created in such a way that it tests a student's ability to understand the local language of any English speaking country. So, consequently, they would be using a lot of accents and would expect that you respectively pronounce the word they are meant to be. More importantly, it will not cause you loss of points but may cause confusion, which might lose you points.

Special Tip- Try practising speaking with a friend or in front of a mirror. Even if the other person is not willing to participate. This will help you gain confidence in public speaking, which is most important for avoiding mispronunciation.

Losing Focus and Panicking-

Focus is the key in the listening and speaking section. Most students lose their focus in the listening section and start panicking, eventually ruining the entire section of the listening test. If you lose focus, try to find the next possible phrase said by the voice and continue rather than predicting the previous answers.

Special Tip- Try reading Biographies and classic literature. They will help you gain hold of your focus. Read at least 50 pages daily if you are a beginner.

Transition in the sentence-

This applies to both speaking and writing. Your words and sentences should be in flow with professionalism in tone. There should not be fragmented sentences.

While speaking, try to be slow rather than speaking quickly and then taking a long pause. Try engaging with the test taker, making it a conversation.

While writing, try to be more engaging. As mentioned in the previous section. Reading Novels can be helpful. Try writing down your thoughts and what you did throughout the day as a daily practice. This will help! Try to learn local slang and jokes are generally used in every country. This will make an impression.

Special Tip- Try watching English news channels or International English Television series.