Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing
Find and correct the mistakes in the sentences below. Then, click on "answer" to check your corrections.
1Most of scientific reports have demonstrated that using computers can have negative effects on children.
Most scientific reports have demonstrated that using computers can have negative effects on children.
most + plural / uncountable noun
when we’re talking about a group of things or people, or something in general
most of + the / these / your ... + plural / uncountable noun
when we’re referring to a specific group of people or things, or something in particular
2It can have several positive effects; eventhough a few studies have revealed some disadvantages as well.
It can have several positive effects(,) even though a few studies have revealed some disadvantages as well.
“Even though” must be written as two separate words with a space in between.We don’t usually use a semicolon before "even though." Instead, it is typically preceded by a comma or no punctuation
3These issues can be categorized as mental problem.
These issues can be categorized as mental problems.
“Problem” is a countable noun. Because “issues” is plural, “problem” creates a mismatch and should be plural too.
4Obesity is of one of the most serious consequence of overusing computers.
Obesity is one of the most serious consequences of overusing computers.
We need a plural noun after “one of”.
5Overusing computers can have a bad effect on eye sight.
Overusing computers can have a bad effect on eyesight.
“Eyesight” should be written as one word with no space in between.
6The treatment of eye muscles can take long time.
The treatment of eye muscles can take a long time.
In the expression “take a long time”, “time” is a singular noun referring to a period of time during which we do something or something happens.
7Several studies have been shown that using electronic devices can affect our brains.
Several studies have shown that using electronic devices can affect our brains.
The sentence is in the active voice because “Several studies” is both the subject and the agent of the verb.
8Using tablets and another electronic devices can be harmful to kids.
Using tablets and other electronic devices can be harmful to kids.
another + singular countable nounother + plural noun
9Children are not capable to cope with such difficulties.
Children are not capable of coping with such difficulties.
be capable of (doing) something
10Computer knowledge are really crucial today.
Computer knowledge is really crucial today.
“Knowledge” is an uncountable noun.
11The people think that it is not fair are mostly the inhabitants of developing countries.
The people who think that it is not fair are mostly the inhabitants of developing countries.
Add the relative pronoun "who" after "the people" to properly connect the subject (the people) with the relative clause (think that it is not fair).
12This can lead not to notice the distinct aptitudes of adolescents.
This can lead to not noticing the distinct aptitudes of adolescents.
lead to (doing) something (v) = result in ...The negative form of a gerund (doing) is "not doing".
13It motivates them to focus in sports.
It motivates them to focus on sports.
focus on (doing) something / somebody (v)
14This can improve society in term of health.
This can improve society in terms of health.
in terms of ...
15Concentrating on the fields that directly related to our life is a better idea.
Concentrating on the fields that are directly related to our life is a better idea.
be related to ... (v)
16Both of these views have their own cons and pros.
Both of these views have their own pros and cons.
The phrase "pros and cons" is usually used in this fixed order.
17Trying many different fields and activities can avoid being good at any of them.
Trying many different fields and activities can prevent you from being good at any of them.
avoid (doing) something (v): to prevent something bad from happeninge.g. We're trying to avoid conflict.prevent somebody (from) doing something (v): to stop somebody from doing something
18Resisting against such desires can result in better achievements.
Resisting such desires can result in better achievements.
Usually, the verb "resist" is not followed by a preposition.resist (doing) something
19Inheritance can affect on individuals' development.
Inheritance can affect individuals' development.
The verb "affect" is not usually followed by a preposition.affect somebody / something (v)
20They have the same personality to some extend.
They have the same personality to some extent.
"Extend" is a verb meaning making something longer or larger. "Extent" is a noun meaning degree or range.to some extent