23/08/2026
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I asked a group of senior IELTS examiners a simple question: "What's the one mistake you'd warn students about before the test?"
Their answers changed how I viewed IELTS and revealed five crucial mistakes you should avoid.
Mistake #1: Neglecting Task 1 Writing
Many students focus too much on Task 2, thinking it's more important. However, Task 1 is worth a third of your writing score. Make sure you're equally prepared for both tasks before booking your test. This boosts confidence and helps you manage time better on test day.
Mistake #2: Taking the Test Before You're Ready
Examiners can often tell within seconds if you'll get a high score in Speaking. If you're nervous, it's likely because you know you're not fully prepared. Despite pressure from deadlines or family, taking the test before you're ready is a recipe for failure. Waiting until you're 100% prepared actually saves time and money in the long run.
Mistake #3: Overcomplicating Your Language
Using complex vocabulary and grammar only helps if it's accurate and appropriate. Most students who try to use advanced language use it incorrectly. It's better to use simpler words correctly than to misuse 'high-level' language.
Mistake #4: Treating the Examiner Like a Robot
Many students go into 'test mode', speaking to the examiner like they're a mix of a police officer and Siri. This robotic approach reduces fluency and increases errors. Instead, imagine you're chatting with a friend or colleague. The Speaking test assesses normal English, not formal or academic language.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Biggest Weakness
Examiners often see students who deserve higher scores, but one or two key weaknesses hold them back. For example, some have great grammar but struggle with articles, leading to errors in most sentences. Others speak well but have one pronunciation issue that makes them hard to understand. Many students are unaware of these problems. Having an expert identify and help you fix these issues is much cheaper than retaking the test.
Want to avoid these mistakes and boost your IELTS score? Send us a DM for expert advice!
