Must-Know Self-Check Points for IELTS Writing
AiELTS Part 1 - Must-Know Self-Check Points for IELTS Writing
After finishing your IELTS Writing Task answer, it’s a good idea to take two minutes to review what you’ve written. Focus on grammar, spelling, and sentence structure to improve the quality of your response. Make sure you’ve checked the following key points:
1. Is every sentence complete?
Every sentence must have at least one subject and one verb. A sentence without a subject or a verb is incomplete. Also, do not use a dependent clause on its own. It must be connected to a main clause.
1) Missing subject
Incorrect
In addition, argues that advertising has negative effects on children.
What’s wrong
There is no subject. Who is arguing?
Improved
In addition, many experts argue that advertising has negative effects on children.
2) Missing verb
Incorrect
The benefits of working from home, such as flexibility and reduced commute time.
What’s wrong
There is no verb. This is a phrase, not a full sentence.
Improved
The benefits of working from home, such as flexibility and reduced commute time, make it an appealing option for many employees.
3) Only a dependent clause
Incorrect
Although online learning is becoming more popular.
What’s wrong
This is a dependent clause without a main clause. The sentence is incomplete.
Improved
Although online learning is becoming more popular, some students still struggle with a lack of interaction and motivation.
2. Do the subject and verb agree in number?
Check that the subject and verb in each sentence agree in number. A singular subject must be followed by a singular verb, and a plural subject must be followed by a plural verb. Errors in subject-verb agreement are common but can easily be fixed with careful review.
1) Singular subject – singular verb
Incorrect
Technology have changed the way we live.
What’s wrong
"Technology" is a singular noun, but "have" is a plural verb.
Improved
Technology has changed the way we live.
2) Plural subject – plural verb
Incorrect
Online courses offers more flexibility than traditional classes.
What’s wrong
"Courses" is a plural noun, but "offers" is a singular verb.
Improved
Online courses offer more flexibility than traditional classes.
3. Do your verb tenses match consistently?
Make sure the verb tense in the main clause and the subordinate clause is consistent. Also, check that time expressions such as “last year,” “nowadays,” or “in the future” match the verb tense used. Inconsistent tense use can confuse the reader and lower your score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
1) Tense agreement between main and subordinate clauses
Incorrect
He said that he is tired.
What’s wrong
The main clause is in the past tense ("said"), so the subordinate clause should also be in the past tense.
Improved
He said that he was tired.
2) Matching tense with time expressions
Incorrect
Last year, she starts studying economics at university.
What’s wrong
“Last year” is a past time expression, but “starts” is present tense.
Improved
Last year, she started studying economics at university.
4. Are modal verbs and infinitives used correctly?
Check whether verb forms are used correctly. After modal verbs, the base form of the verb must be used. The same applies to infinitives: "to" must be followed by the base form. Using the wrong verb form is a common grammar mistake that can affect your accuracy score.
1) Modal verb + base verb
Incorrect
Students should studies harder to improve their results.
What’s wrong
"Should" is a modal verb and must be followed by the base form, not "studies."
Improved
Students should study harder to improve their results.
2) To-infinitive = to + base verb
Incorrect
Many people hope to improving their English skills through online courses.
What’s wrong
“To” must be followed by the base form "improve," not the -ing form.
Improved
Many people hope to improve their English skills through online courses.
🌱Take this quick quiz to test your grammar skills based on today’s must-know self-check points for IELTS Writing. Leave your answers in the comments!
1. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A. In addition, believes that online education is effective.
B. In addition, many people believe that online education is effective.
2. Choose the correct version:
A. The number of international students increase every year.
B. The number of international students increases every year.
3. What’s wrong with this sentence?
Last year, I start a new job in marketing.
A. The subject and verb don’t agree
B. The verb tense is incorrect
C. The sentence is incomplete
4. Fill in the blank with the correct form:
Students should __________ more attention to task achievement.
A. pays
B. pay
C. paying