Common IELTS errors that cap you at 6.5
The repeated slips examiners see most — find and fix yours.
These are the errors that appear again and again in 6.5 scripts. Correct each one, then check whether it is on your personal error list.
Need a quick explanation? Grammar Bank →- 1
Correct the word form: 'The government should give more ______ (finance) support.'
- 2
Correct the article: 'Pollution is ______ serious problem in most cities.'
- 3
Correct the preposition: 'There has been an increase ______ the number of applicants.'
- 4
Correct: 'Nowadays people are more aware about health.' → aware ______ health
- 5
Correct the plural: 'Young people faces many challenges.' → Young people ______ many challenges.
- 6
Which overuses linking words?
- 7
Spelling in Listening: which answer would be marked wrong?
- 8
Start a personal error log: list your five most repeated mistakes, with a correct model sentence for each. Re-read it before every writing task.
- Most candidates repeat 3–5 errors, not fifty
- Check for them in the last 2 minutes of the exam
- Fixing repeated errors is the fastest route from 6.5 to 7