Complete the following corrections and check your score. You will have to be alert while correcting these Reports and Essays.
- Copying the question prompt. Many candidates repeat the task description word-for-word. This is not counted in the word total and reduces Task Achievement. Always paraphrase the question in your own words.
- No clear overview paragraph: Skipping or hiding the overview is a major mistake. Examiners expect a summary of main trends. Write a concise overview after the introduction.
- Misinterpreting data: Incorrectly describing figures or trends shows poor analytical skills. Double-check numbers and focus on accurate comparisons.
- Listing data without analysis: Simply reporting numbers without highlighting trends or differences weakens coherence. Group data logically and emphasize significant changes.
- Overgeneralization: Using vague statements like “all countries increased a lot” without specifics. Support claims with precise figures or ranges.
- Poor organization: Jumping randomly between years or categories confuses the reader. Structure by time periods or groups of countries.
- Inappropriate language: Using informal words (“went up a lot”) or incorrect tense. Use academic vocabulary (“rose significantly,” “declined gradually”).
- Ignoring comparisons: Task 1 requires highlighting similarities and differences, not just describing one set of data. Compare highest vs. lowest, fastest vs. slowest growth.
- Word count issues: Writing fewer than 150 words leads to penalties; writing excessively wastes time. Aim for 160–180 words: concise but complete.
- Grammar and cohesion errors: Frequent mistakes in sentence structure, linking devices, or verb forms reduce scores. Use varied sentence types and connectors (“while,” “whereas,” “in contrast”).
