Mistake #1: Subject–Verb Disagreement
Problem: Many IELTS candidates mismatch singular/plural forms (e.g., people is, technology have).
Why It Matters: SV agreement errors hurt both Grammar and Coherence because they interrupt readability.
Common Causes
- Noun phrases with long modifiers
- Collective nouns
- Uncountable → treated as plural
Fix Technique: “Head Noun Check”
Identify the core noun, ignore the modifiers, match the verb accordingly.
Examples:
❌ The rise of online courses have changed…
✔️ The rise … has changed…
Next Steps:
Next: Misused Articles →
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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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