Can you write an error-free sentence?

Yes? How about an error-free paragraph? That's not so easy.

If you want to get a band 7 or higher for IELTS writing, the examiner needs to see that you "regularly write error-free sentences". This means that some (maybe half) of the sentences in your essays should contain no mistakes.

The best way to improve your grammatical accuracy is by learning from your mistakes. Try to find a teacher or native speaker who can check your work and highlight the errors. Then make sure you understand the mistakes you made, and try to avoid making them again. Aim to write more error-free sentences each time you write an essay.

Comments

[Oana]

Hey Simon!
I've recently received my scores: I got an overall band 8 from my first attempt.(Listening 9, Reading 8, Writing 7, Speaking 8.5)
I'd like to thank you a lot! Your blog was the only real IELTS preparation I did and it appears that it worked out pretty well for me. Keep up the good work. The entire population is grateful : )
Best wishes, Oana

[Veena]

Hi, oana u got really good score. I need a band 7 in each section. Plz let me know that did u prepare only by following Simon blog? However plz tell me what r the tips u followed for reading becoz I m not very good I'm reading. I m preparing for academic.

[Azerbaijan-son]

Hi. Congrotulations! And i would like to know what did you study with? Thanks.

[daniel luo]

Hi Oana,

Congratulation Oana. I am trying to get IELTS band 7.5. Please write your experience how to achieve that band on this web.

Daniel

[Oana]

Hey guys, thank you a bunch! Actually, I had been preparing for the Cambridge Advanced Exam but I changed my mind 3 months before the Ielts exam.
I did all the exercises from this blog, I did all those Cambridge Ielts Tests Books as well as one called Vocabulary for Ielts. I found all these books on torrent sites. Also, I watched a lot of TED videos and tons of movies and tv-shows without subtitles. About the reading: in order to get a good reading score you have to.. read. I read books, short stories (anything which interested me) in English and I wrote down the unknown words. I have attended English private classes for some years but my teacher isn't familiar with the Ielts format. He helped me with the speaking part and corrected my essays. I hope this helps!
Best wishes, Oana

[katia]

Hi Simon! i did my exam yesterday! your has really helped me. However there was problem with a speaker during the exam. We complain to the british council since we couldn't hear part of the listening. What do you think we can do? I think i have done pretty well on the other part so i wouldn't like to repeat the whole test only because of their problem. Please give me an advice. Thank you so much
Katia

[Yuuga]

Dear Simon:
First of all, I want to express my appreciation to your website. It's quite helpful. The only flaw is that there is less information in Task 1 in General module.Thus,I think that T1 has already become one of my weak point. I wonder to know how many percentages a T1 eassy roughly accounting for in general writing in G module? and if I failed to keep a consistent tone (for example: in closing sentence) in T1, will it decrease my scores badly? Thanks for your time and look forward to your reply^^

[sarah]

Hi Simon ,
You advice somebody to correct our essays please, can you advice somebody who can recieve and correct my essays.I saw something like that in yourwebsite but i can't find it again. please, help me as I'm so depressed as I have set IIELTS exams repeatedly but can't get 7 in writing yet.

[Simon]

Hi Oana,

Congratulations on getting such great scores in your first test!

Your advice for other students is perfect! If you don't mind, I'd like to re-post it in one of my lessons - I think it would be useful for people to read such good advice from another student.

...

Hi Katia,

I'm sorry to hear about the listening problem. The only thing you can do is speak to the test centre - I'm not sure what happens in a case like that. I hope it works out ok.

...

Hi Yuuga,

Yes, I'm afraid I only provide advice and materials for the academic test. I think that task 1 is worth 33% of your writing score. An inconsistent tone won't have a bad effect on your score - maybe just a small effect.

...

Hi Sarah,

Here's the link to find out about essay correction:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/10/essay-correction.html

[katia]

I have written a complain! but they did not answer!
i will keep you posted!
thanks

[Simon]

Ok, good luck Katia!

[Magi]

Hi Simon,

I noticed that Yuuga asked about General Training task 1.

The GT task 1 is only worth one-third of your overall band score. As long as you answer the question fully, and maintain the correct tone throughout, it should not affect your score.

Plan your letter, use the vocabulary you know and use it well.

If any of your students need materials I can help out as long as they come through you first.

Magi

[Simon]

Thanks Magi. It's great to have your help with GT issues!

[TheIELTSSolution]

Hi,

Yes, I do agree with what you've said, writing an error-free paragraph is not that easy. You'll undergo a lot of circumstances in terms of your sentence and structures, grammar and the correct usage of words. But then, your advice is perfect! It would be useful for people especially to those IELTS writing students to read such good advice. Keep it up! TheIELTSSolution.com

Thank you.

[Jessica]

Hi Magi,

I'm sitting for the IELTS GT module next week. I've been reading Simon's blog and practicing from the example questions for task 2 but it would be great if you could grab some materials (and tips) for task 1 from you! Please let me know how this is possible (via email, etc). Thank you and thanks Simon!

[Tasnuva Islam]

Hi Simon.
I try to follow your IELTS related advise and I find that is helpful.I'm sitting for IELTS exam next Saturday.I want to get 8 in each band but its getting tough for me to get 8 in writing....i have problem in complex sentence and in singular ..plural...would you kindly give some quick solution?

Kind regards
Tasnuva

[Simon]

Hi Tasnuva,

For singular/plural problems, you just need to check what you have written carefully.

Try not to worry too much about complex grammar - focus on expressing your ideas well. To get an 8, you need to explain your ideas and opinions in detail. Have a look at the lesson I added today to see some band 9 paragraphs:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2012/01/ielts-writing-task-2-main-body-paragraphs.html

[MONIKA THAKUR]

Hi monika I HAVE SOME PROBLEM IN READING AND LISTING .I HAVE GIVEN EXAM OF IELTS BUT I DID NOT GET GOOD BAND.BUT SHOULD I DO.I AM WORRIED ABOUT THAT.I NEED 7 BANDS .GIVE SOME SUGGESTION TO ME.IT IS A QUESTION OF MY LIFE.PLEASE HELP.IF YOU CAN CHECK THAT WILL BE MUCH BETTER FOR ME.

[Simon]

Hi Monika,

You just need to keep practising and working hard. Try to follow the daily lessons on this site, use the Cambridge IELTS books for test practice, and try to find a teacher or native speaker who can check your work, correct your mistakes, and help you to improve.

[jobs]

HAi simon,when i write complex sentences i tend to make mistakes.However ,i believe that we need to write comples sentnces to score 7 band