IELTS Writing Task 2 Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Band Score

Introduction

Many students preparing for IELTS believe they are writing well — but still end up stuck at Band 6 or 6.5. The reason? Repeating common IELTS Writing Task 2 mistakes that silently reduce their band score.

After mentoring 3000+ students, I have observed clear patterns. Even strong English speakers lose marks due to structural errors, unclear arguments, or poor task response.

If you are aiming for Band 7 or above, avoiding these mistakes is more important than learning “fancy vocabulary.”

Let’s break down the top mistakes that cost students valuable marks.

❌ Mistake 1: Not Answering the Question Properly

This is the biggest mistake.

Students write a good essay — but not the correct essay.

For example:The question may ask:

“To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

But students:

• Partially discuss both sides without clear position

• Forget to clearly state opinion in introduction

• Write conclusion without answering extent

Examiner checks: Task Response first.

👉 Always:

• Clearly state your position in introduction

• Support it in body paragraphs

• Restate it in conclusion

If your answer is unclear, you cannot score Band 7+.

❌ Mistake 2: Weak Essay Structure

A Band 7 essay must have:

✔ Clear introduction✔ 2 well-developed body paragraphs✔ Logical conclusion

Common structural problems:

• Too many ideas in one paragraph

• No topic sentence

• Poor paragraph flow

• No linking devices

Remember:Quality > Quantity.

A simple, well-structured essay scores higher than a complex but messy one.

❌ Mistake 3: Memorised or Overly Complex Vocabulary

Many students try to impress examiners with difficult words.

This backfires.

Examples:

• Incorrect word usage

• Forced vocabulary

• Unnatural phrasing

IELTS rewards:✔ Clarity✔ Accuracy✔ Natural language

Band 8 vocabulary is not about difficulty. It is about precision.

❌ Mistake 4: Poor Idea Development

Students often:

• Write short body paragraphs

• Don’t explain their ideas

• Give no real examples

A Band 7+ paragraph should:

1. Present idea

2. Explain it

3. Provide example

4. Link back to question

Without development, your score stays at Band 6.

❌ Mistake 5: Grammar Errors That Affect Clarity

Minor grammar mistakes are allowed.

But repeated errors in:

• Articles

• Subject-verb agreement

• Sentence fragments

• Run-on sentences

Reduce your Grammatical Range & Accuracy score.

You don’t need complex grammar.You need correct grammar.

How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Score

If you are stuck at Band 6–6.5:

• Get your writing evaluated by an expert

• Focus on structure first

• Practice timed writing

• Learn feedback-based improvement

Self-study rarely identifies your blind spots.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these IELTS Writing Task 2 mistakes can immediately improve your band score. Writing is not about talent — it is about structure, clarity, and strategic preparation.

If you are preparing in West Delhi, consider expert guidance to accelerate your progress.