What are the Common Do’s and Don’ts for the IELTS Academic Writing Test?

• Pause. Spend adequate time in understanding the questions. Never rush to answer any questions without reading them properly.
• Pay attention to the minute details you put on the paper.

• Be careful of spelling and punctuation.
• Stick to using simple words and phrases. When you write a sentence in complex words, pause and ask yourself if it can be broken down into simpler words and phrases. If the answer is yes, do it.
• Proofread! Proofread! Proofread your work multiple times and look for errors with keen eyes.

• Don’t exceed the word limit, if you are given one.
• Avoid using informal and emotive language
• Though it’s good to time yourself while writing, don’t keep looking at the clock, as it might only stress you out.
• Don’t let anxiety overtake you. Come up with some simple techniques to calm yourself down.
• Avoid using contractions in your sentences. Example, can’t, don’t, it’s etc.
• Slang words and colloquialisms should be avoided in the writing tasks.
• Do not use the same words repeatedly.

• Spend time to analyse the graph thoroughly.
• In Task 1, it is important to write an overview of the data.

• Explain graphs and charts based on your analysis and paraphrase the question while you write your response.
• Explain your points in terms of numbers and trends.
• Stick to the word count. Make sure you meet the word count.

• In your response, you don’t have to include all the information given in the visual. Covering the main points would do. If you have more time at your disposal, you can attempt explaining the minor ones too.
• Do not add points based on your assumptions. Stick to what is available in the visual.
• Don’t focus too much on task 1 that you can’t complete task 2 in time. Remember that Task 2 carries more marks.

• The first step is to read the question thoroughly
• Spend some time thinking and planning what to write in your essay.
• Plan your response in such a way that you respond to all the arguments or points stated
• Have a clear structure for your article with an introduction, 2 or 3 paragraphs and a conclusion
• Use words, phrases and idioms that you are familiar with. While it helps to show that you have a strong vocabulary, it also keeps you safe from making any obvious errors.
• Stick to one idea while writing. Don’t jump from one idea to another as it might not appeal to the reader. It’s quite natural to have different perspectives about a topic, but when you write it down, you should stick to one idea from the beginning to the end.

This is because when you drift from one idea to another, your reader (examiner) drifts too and might find it difficult to understand what you intended to say.

• In the introductory part of the essay, use expressions that match the entire content. If the expression is different from the topic that you choose to write about, it might leave the examiner confused.
• Try to avoid clichéd expressions that are often overused. For example, using words like ‘controversial or highly debated topic’ may not always sound right because certain topics that are controversial to a few people may not be the same to the majority.
• The conclusion should be as simple as possible. Words like above and below must be avoided in the concluding paragraph.

• Do not mix both ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments.
• Don’t go off-topic.
• Don’t copy words and phrases from the question while answering it. Try using synonyms because there is a penalty for copying words. 
• Avoid using emotive languages: filthy, cruel, slash, ugly, etc.
• Avoid giving examples based on your personal experiences.
• Do not use too many idioms. If something can be explained using everyday words and phrases, why use the idioms!