Mistake #5 - Using Informal Phrases
Words like kids, stuff, a lot, super, wanna, kind of ruin academic tone.
❌ Example
“Kids these days spend a lot of time on their phones, which is super bad.”
🎯 Why Examiners Penalise This
IELTS Writing requires a formal academic register.
Informal vocabulary = Band 6 tone.
✅ Band-8 Fix Method
Replace with academic equivalents:
- kids → children
- a lot → a great deal / a significant amount
- super bad → harmful / detrimental
Continue to:
Mistake #6 - Vague or Empty Vocabulary
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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
Use this navigation to jump between parts of the series and **master IELTS Writing step by step**.