http://www.businessenglishace.com/ieltserror1 - First of three articles containing 3 common IELTS Errors. Check out these grammar and test mistakes now so you don't make them on the IELTS exam! Get an explanation of how to sidestep these mistakes so you don't lower your exam score.

1. Headline: Avoid these 9 Common IELTS Errors /1
Original: http://www.businessenglishace.com/avoid-these-9-common-ielts-
errors-1/
Don’t make these 9 IELTS errors. Your test performance is just too
important to waste so carelessly.

2. Welcome to the first of three articles in a series detailing how to avoid 9
common IELTS errors.
Whether you plan to take the General or Academic IELTS, you can use
these 9 pieces of advice to help boost your score.
You get 3 IELTS errors to avoid today and the two consecutive days:
 Day 1: Answer the question, use “the” correctly, and make subjects
and verbs agree
 Day 2: Use commas with discourse markers correctly, answer with
the right number of words, and pronounce words correctly
 Day 3: Spell English well, know how many words you’ve written, and
proofread your writing.
If you plan to take the IELTS this year or in the near future, start sharpening
your English and test skills now.
The IELTS is not just an English test. You need to know how to take the
test and don’t let the test take you!
Join the 7-Day IELTS Boot Camp today.
IELTS Error #1: You don't answer the question.
The paramount criterion for IELTS examiners is to verify that your response
actually answer the test question.
If you write an off-topic answer to a question, you are going to lose marks.
The examiner probably thinks your English is not sufficient either to
understand the question or to answer it adequately.
Read the exam questions carefully and underline all the information you
need to include.
For essays and reports, underline keywords in the given text and circle the
question to make sure you address all points in your response.

3. IELTS Error #2: You don't know how to use "the."
You must have solid English grammar skills to do well on the IELTS.
The indefinite article “the” stumps students of English mainly because of
interference from their native language.
You’re in luck!
Below is a mini-lesson on the use of the definite article “the.”
Use the after you have talked about the noun the first time.
Ex: This is a cat. The cat is black.
Use the when the person you are talking to already knows what you
are talking about.
Ex: I am going to the supermarket to buy bread and jam.
There is someone knocking at the door. It must be the plumber. He’s going
to fix a leak in the kitchen.
Use the when you talk about general places in nature like the lake, the
mountains, the ocean, the beach, etc.
Ex: Let's go swimming in the lake. The mountains in Yosemite Park are so
beautiful.
Use the when you are talking about something that there is only one
of and everyone knows about it. The sky, the earth, the stars (as a
group).
Ex: Is there life on the planet Mars?
The stars are so beautiful tonight.
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4. However, if you write or speak about a noun in general - you don’t use the
definite article “the,” sometimes called the Zero Article.
Ex: Honesty is the best policy. Birds migrate southward for the winter.
But: The bald eagle is elegant in flight. (a specific bird)
When we talk about an institution, we use the Zero Article. When we talk
about it as a physical building, however, we use “the.”
Ex: The perpetrator was sentenced to twenty years in prison. (Zero Article)
But: The perpetrator was sent to the prison on Zeta Island. (specific place,
refers to the building)
Now, you’re turn!
Complete this exercise to test your understanding of the definite article.
Join the 7-Day IELTS Boot Camp today.
IELTS Error #3: You don't make subjects and verbs agree.
In my opinion, after teaching English over 8 years, subject-verb agreement
is the top grammar mistake of students.
Even native English speakers have difficulty.
Here are some pointers to help you avoid one of the most common IELTS
errors.
Simply, singular subjects require singular verbs. Plural subjects require
plural verbs.
Ex: Michael needs to study harder to pass his French exam. (singular)
Ex: Jan and Ahmed are studying in the library. (plural)
The difficulty is finding the subject in a sentence and determining if it is
singular or plural.
Some pronouns are potentially misleading.

5. Pronouns like nobody, anyone, anybody, somebody, and much are
singular.
Ex: Nobody likes to work on Saturday night. Does anybody know how to
cook quiche?
Other pronouns like few, both, several, many, and others are plural.
Ex: Several students fear the French exam. Others are confident.
Some pronouns like some, all, most, none, and half of can be plural or
singular.
The key is the object of the prepositional phrase following these subjects.
Ex: Some of the meat is spoiled. Most of the students don’t agree.
Now, try these exercises - I and II.
Get more grammar tips - check out my eBook , 21 Essential English
Grammar Lessons.
Conclusion
IELTS preparation is a momentous time in your career as a student or
professional.
Make the most of this opportunity to notch a high score and reach for your
goal!
Get more IELTS tips. You and I can partner up.
Join my IELTS Tips email list and get the 7-Day IELTS Boot Camp
eCourse today.
You get my top tips, insights, and resources to power up your English and
IELTS skills.
Start your 7-Day IELTS Boot Camp eCourse today.

6. I look forward to helping you maximize your score on the exam.
Good luck!
Professor H. E. Colby