common errors in IELTS writing and speaking

What are the common errors in IELTS writing and speaking?

I'll address some techniques which can help you avoid these problems, specifically the ones outlined in the speaking article.

Silence: Please, please don't be afraid to take a few seconds to think about your answer before you start speaking. The only thing worse than taking too long to answer a question, is beginning to answer before I've finished asking. This is a fault that can often leade decent speakers to get poor marks, because you can't be sure if you're answering the question fully, if you don't let them finish asking it. Take your time, but not too much time. I suggest having practice conversations where you take a slow breath (2-3 seconds) before answering each question.

Memorized Answers: What happens when you prepare a memorized answer, but the question you're expecting never comes, or comes in a form you're not entirely familiar with, or differs in some small, important way from the question for which you've prepared? That's right, you've wasted your time. If you know certain kinds of questions are likely to appear, practice answering as many variations of those questions as possible, and try to get comfortable recognizing the question-words (who, what, where, and so forth), nouns and verbs which you'll need to take into account when you form your answer. I suggest making lists of questions, and alternative phrasings of those questions, and becoming familiar enough with them that you can form answers on the spot rather than memorizing specific answers.

Overuse of Transition Signals: Less is more. One or two per short response is fine. Learn and practice the most common, short conjunctions (and, but, or, because) and order-phrases (then, after that, next). Avoid longer, wordier ones (however, therefore, furthermore, in addition), and number-based order-phrases (first, second, third). I suggest reading short narratives and paying attention to how these words can be used effectively. Newspapers have many good examples of this kind of writing.

Parroting the Question: Don't do this. What you can and should do is use the exercise from the Memorized Answers section to answer in a different way that shows you understand the question. Don't parrot back the question that was asked. Listen to the question, think of an alternative way that question could be asked, and use that phrasing to answer. For example:

I suggest further practice recognizing different phrases which express the same or similar ideas.

Answering the Wrong Question: Answer the right question, and give them the answer they are expecting / the answer they want. This breaks down into three parts: Recognizing the question-word, recognizing the content (subject and verb) of the sentence, and (perhaps most difficult) recognizing the intent of the question. Listen for the question-word. You don't want to answer the question, "Where would you like to travel," when they asked you "why would like to travel." Recognize the content of the question. If they ask you, "What would you like to study," don't answer with a different subject and say something like, "well, my parents want me to study engineering." I suggest becoming familiar with what each of the many question words are asking about, and replying to questions with congruent subjects and verbs.

Saying Too Much or Too Little: The more you talk, the more likely you are to get off-topic, run out of things to say, or simply make mistakes. Unless otherwise directed, my opinion is that two sentences is always fine. One sentence answers the question, and the second clarifies, expounds upon, or supports the answer. For example:

Poor Pronunciation: This one can be hard. If you have only seen a word in print and you're not sure if you are saying it correctly, find out. There are numerous resources which can help with this, including audio entries in online dictionaries. I suggest you identify words you're unsure of, and become comfortable with your vocabulary. Cut out words that you're unsure of, and find suitable alternatives.

Asking For the Examiner's Opinion: I think this should be obvious, but I see it often enough. You don't want to answer a question with a question, and you want to seem confident. This means putting your ideas out there, and letting them stand. I suggest practicing strong, direct language which doesn't hedge or equivocate. Avoid phrases like, "I think, it seems, maybe, might, could be, should, possibly, etc..."

Hope this helps.