Mistake #6 - Bad Referencing (this/they/it)
Using pronouns without clear reference creates confusion.
❌ Example
“People are eating more fast food, and this is harmful.”
What is this? Fast food? Eating more? People’s habits?
🎯 Why Examiners Penalise This
Ambiguous referencing = unclear meaning.
Band-8 requires precise anaphoric reference.
✅ Band-8 Fix Method: “Name → Refer”
“People are eating more fast food, and this trend is harmful to their long-term health.”
✔ Quick Checklist
- Does this refer to one clear noun?
- Is the referent close enough?
Continue to: Mistake #7 - Off-Question Paragraphs
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📖 Series Navigation: IELTS Writing in Action — The Smart Way to Band 8+
- Part 1 — Top 10 Fatal IELTS Writing Mistakes
- Part 2 — Task Response: Avoid These Common Errors
- Part 3 — Top IELTS Grammar Pitfalls
- Part 4 — Vocabulary Misuse: Words That Hurt Your Score
- Part 5 — Coherence & Cohesion: Make Your Essay Flow
- Part 6 — IELTS Essay Types: How to Approach Each One Smartly
- Part 7 — Sentence Structure: Writing Naturally and Clearly
- Part 8 — Paraphrasing: Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Part 9 — Tone & Academic Style: Sound Band 8+ Formal and Clear
- Part 10 — Practice & Revision: Build a Smart IELTS Writing Routine
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