The document outlines common writing errors in IELTS and emphasizes the importance of grammar, which accounts for 25% of the score. Key errors addressed include sentence fragments, run-on sentences, dangling participles, and subject-verb disagreement, along with tips for correction. Additionally, it highlights the need for unity and coherence in writing, stressing that ideas must be closely related and flow logically.

1. How to fix common IELTS writing errors

2. The Importance of
Grammar
 Grammar is very important in IELTS and
in your general writing. Your grammar
determines 25% of your grade.
 You must explain your meaning
precisely and accurately.
 Grammar ensures that your precise
meaning is understood.
 Don’t be afraid to keep it simple.

3. Grammar for IELTS
7 Only 3 mistakes allowed
6 Natural mix of sentence types
No errors in simple sentences
5 Complex sentences
Really basic correct punctuation
Simple structures usually correct
4 Errors abound
Mostly simple sentences
Incorrect punctuation
Fragments/non-sentences

4. Remember
 Know your sentence types:
 Simple
 Compound
 Complex
 Compound-complex
 Pay attention to the related mistakes:
 Sentence fragments
 Run-on sentences
 Comma splices

5. Sentence Fragments
 This is the most common grammar error
 A sentence fragment fails to be a sentence
by itself. It does not even have one
independent clause.
 Sometimes it seems to be a sentence, but
if we examine it closely it lacks the
necessary parts and thus cannot stand
alone.

6. Sentence Fragments
Examples
 The doctor worked round the clock. Operating on
the boy.
 As Vietnam has entered the WTO. The local
entrepreneurs are faced with both challenges and
opportunities.
 How can we correct these sentences?

7. Sentence Fragments
 Corrections
 The doctor worked around the clock, operating on
the boy.
 As Vietnam has entered the WTO, the local
entrepreneurs are faced with both challenges and
opportunities.

8. Run-on Sentences
 A run-on sentence consists of two or more
main clauses that are joined together
without proper punctuation.
 We often speak in run-on sentences but
our pauses indicate meaning.
 However, when we write we need to use
punctuation to break up our sentences and
impart proper meaning.

9. Run-on Sentences
 Rodin is a world-famous artist his sculptures can
be found in many museums and art galleries.
 “Sesame Street” has been called the longest
street in the world, it can be seen in so many parts
of the world.
 How can we correct these errors?

10. Run-on Sentences
Corrections:
 Rodin is a world-famous artist. His sculptures can be
found in many museums and art galleries.
 Rodin is a world-famous artist, whose sculptures can
be found in many museums and art galleries.
 “Sesame Street,” the longest street in the world, can
be seen in many parts.
 “Sesame Street” has been called the longest street
in the world because it can be seen in so many
parts.

11. Dangling Participles
 Dangling participles are tricky words or
phrases that change the meaning of a
sentence so that we do not say exactly
what we mean or intend.
 The dangling participle is an error in
sentence structure where the grammatical
modifier is associated with a word other
than the one intended – for example,
modifying the object instead of the subject.

12. Dangling Participles
 Having conducted a comprehensive
investigation, some analysis is being
done to find the cause of the problem.
 Turning round the corner, an old church
appeared in front of us.
 How can we correct these errors?

13. Dangling Participles
 Having conducted a comprehensive
investigation, we are doing some
analysis to find the cause of the
problem.
 Turning round the corner, we saw an old
church in front of us.
 When we turned the corner, an old
church appeared in front of us.

14. Subject-Verb Disagreement
 You cannot put a verb in its plural form
for a singular subject and vice versa.
 This is another very common error.

15. Subject-Verb Disagreement
 The endless credits at the beginning and
end of the film confuses the audience.
 The president, accompanied by his wife
and children, are going on holiday.
 Salt is one of the traditional methods
that is used to preserve meat.

16. Subject Verb Disagreement
 The endless credits at the beginning and
end of the film confuse the audience.
 The president, accompanied by his wife
and children, is going on holiday.
 Salt is one of the traditional methods
that are used to preserve meat.
How do we correct these?

17. Unity and Coherence
 Unity means oneness – one thought,
one purpose
 In order for a sentence to have unity:
1. Its ideas must be closely related
2. The relationship of its statements must
be clear
3. The statements must compose only
one thought

18. Unity and Coherence
 Coherence means that all the ideas in a
sentence must flow from one to the next
thanks to the use of connectors.
 The reader should have an easy time
understanding the writer.

19. Unity and Coherence
 The committee first received many
proposals from the local people and
then an investigation began.
 He brushed his teeth, put on his coat,
and then driving to work.
 Having finished the typing, she gave it to
her boss for signature.

20. Unity and Coherence
 The committee first received many
proposals from the local people and
then began an investigation.
 He brushed his teeth, put on his coat,
and then drove to work.
 Having finished the typing, she gave the
letter to her boss for signature.

21. Unity and Coherence
 Also be careful of using the wrong
tenses, pronouns, and singulars or
plurals.
Example:
 They want to achieve self-fulfillment in
their career. However, if you don’t work
hard you won’t succeed.

22.  For more IELTS materials, see www.ted-
ielts.com and for IELTS teaching
information, head to www.ielts-
teaching.com