The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized and accepted test for assessing English language proficiency, particularly for academic and immigration purposes. Achieving a high score in IELTS is crucial for many individuals, and avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your performance.
In this article, we will highlight some of the most common mistakes made by test-takers in IELTS and provide corrections to help you ace the exam.
1. “People is impatient” – “People are impatient”
One of the fundamental rules of English grammar is subject-verb agreement. In this case, “people” is a plural noun, and the correct verb form is “are,” not “is.”
2. “Government is corrupt” – “The government is corrupt”
In English, we generally use the definite article “the” before a noun when referring to a specific entity. Therefore, it should be “the government” instead of just “government.”
3. “I was stolen” – “I was robbed”
The verb “robbed” is more appropriate when referring to a theft involving a person. “Stolen” is used for objects or items.
4. “I want to present IELTS” – “I want to take IELTS”
When you intend to participate in an exam, such as IELTS, you should use the verb “take” rather than “present.”
5. “She’s married with John” – “She’s married to John”
When indicating a marital relationship, it’s correct to use “to” rather than “with.”
6. “I live by my own” – “I live on my own”
To express that you live independently, use “on my own” instead of “by my own.”
7. “I left smoking” – “I gave up smoking”
When discussing quitting a habit, like smoking, it’s more accurate to say “I gave up smoking” to convey the idea of stopping the habit altogether.
8. “Internet is essential” – “The internet is essential”
As mentioned earlier, we use “the” before a noun to specify it, so it should be “the internet.”
9. “My city is insecure” – “My city is unsafe”
While “insecure” may refer to a lack of confidence, “unsafe” is the correct term when describing a city’s lack of safety.
10. “I want to enjoy the life” – “I want to enjoy life”
The article “the” is not needed when referring to life in a general sense. It should be “enjoy life.”
11. “I know many foreign” – “I know many foreigners”
To refer to people from other countries, use the plural form “foreigners” rather than “foreign.”
12. “Know new people” – “Meet new people”
When expressing the act of getting to know unfamiliar individuals, “meet” is the appropriate verb to use.
13. “In this moment…” – “At the moment…”
When discussing the present time, “at the moment” is a more suitable phrase than “in this moment.”
IELTS assesses not only your ability to use English vocabulary and grammar but also your proficiency in understanding and conveying ideas effectively. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your chances of obtaining a higher score and achieving your academic or immigration goals.
Remember to practice regularly and seek guidance from experienced teachers or study materials to further enhance your English language skills for the IELTS exam.
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