IELTS Writing Task 2 Grammar Mistakes | Band 6 to Band 8 Explained Simply
Grammar Focus File for IELTS Writing Task 2
(Band 6 Errors → Band 7–8 Accuracy)
This file explains the most common grammar problems that reduce band scores in IELTS Writing Task 2.
These mistakes are typical Band 6 errors, and avoiding them helps students reach Band 7–8.
1. Subject–Verb Agreement
Rule
The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural).
Common Band 6 Mistakes
- Pollution cause many problems.
- People is aware of this issue.
- Traffic are increasing.
Correct (Band 7–8)
- Pollution causes many problems.
- People are aware of this issue.
- Traffic is increasing.
Explanation
Students often forget to match the verb with the subject.
Uncountable nouns look plural but behave as singular.
Exam Tip
Words like pollution, traffic, information, education are uncountable → always use a singular verb.
2.Singular / Plural Errors
Rule
Countable nouns must be plural when talking in general.
Common Band 6 Mistakes
- Many problem exist in cities.
- Several factory release smoke.
- Old people are called as peoples ❌
Correct (Band 7–8)
- Many problems exist in cities.
- Several factories release smoke.
- Old people (❌ not peoples)
Explanation
Students often forget -s / -es, or add plural where it is not needed.
Exam Tip
After many, several, different, various, the noun must be plural.
3. Tense Errors
Rule
- Present simple → general facts
- Present continuous → changing trends
Common Band 6 Mistakes
- Pollution increase day by day.
- Government took action now.
Correct (Band 7–8)
- Pollution is increasing day by day.
- The government should take action now.
Explanation
Students use past tense without a clear past time reference, which lowers accuracy.
Exam Tip
Do NOT use past tense unless the time is clearly in the past.
4. Articles & Prepositions
Articles (a / an / the)
Common Band 6 Mistakes
- Government should take action ❌
- Pollution is serious problem.
Correct (Band 7–8)
- The government should take action
- Pollution is a serious problem.
Explanation
Articles are small words, but mistakes are very noticeable to examiners.
Use a / an before singular countable nouns.
Prepositions (in / on / at / for / of / to)
Common Band 6 Mistakes
- Reason of pollution
- Effect to people
Correct (Band 7–8)
- Reason for pollution
- Effect on people
Common Preposition Pairs for IELTS
- Impact on
- Reason for
- Increase in
- Suffer from
- Responsible for
Explanation
Prepositions are fixed pairs. Guessing them causes Band 6 errors.
Final Reminder for Students
- Simple grammar + correct form = higher band
- Avoid long sentences if grammar is weak
- Accuracy always scores more than complexity
| Band 6 Paragraph (With Mistakes) | Band 8 Paragraph (Without Mistakes) |
| Internet is important part of modern life. | The internet is an important part of modern life. |
| It provide information to people in easy way. | It provides information to people in an easy way. |
| Many students depend on internet for studies. | Many students depend on the internet for their studies. |
| This has positive impact to education system. | This has a positive impact on the education system. |