The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic exam is widely recognized for assessing English language proficiency for non-native speakers. The Writing section can be quite challenging, as it evaluates your ability to write clear, and grammatically correct responses. However, many candidates make common grammar mistakes that can affect their overall score.
1. Subject-verb Agreement Errors
One of the most frequent mistakes candidates make is failing to match the subject with the correct verb form. Remember, singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. For example:
Incorrect: The students was happy with their results.
Correct: The students were happy with their results.
2. Incorrect Use of Tenses
Incorrect use of tenses can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of your ideas. You should use the appropriate tense for the context of your writing. For example, if you are talking about a past event, you should use the past tense. If you are explaining about current events then, you should use the present tense.
Incorrect: She study in the library yesterday.
Correct: She studied in the library yesterday.
3. Run-On Sentences
It occurs when two or more independent clauses are not joined properly. You should use appropriate punctuation, such as commas or periods, or conjunctions like and, but, or because to link sentences correctly.
Incorrect:The weather was hot we decided to go swimming.
Correct: The weather was hot, so we decided to go swimming.
4. Sentence Fragments
A sentence without a noun, a helping verb, or a verb can never express clear ideas in the exam. In this section, all your sentences must be completed and convey a clear meaning.
Incorrect: Because he was ill.
Correct: He did not go to school because he was ill.
5. Misplacing Modifiers
Modifiers are words or phrases that describe other elements in a sentence. When modifiers are placed incorrectly, it can create confusion.
Incorrect: I almost drove the car for an hour.
Correct: I drove the car for almost an hour.
6. Confusing Homophones
Homophones have different meanings but have similar sounds. Commonly confused homophones include right and write, hole and whole. These errors can severely impact the clarity of your writing.
Incorrect: Their going to the party tonight.
Correct: They are going to the party tonight.
7. Incorrect Punctuation
Proper punctuation is essential for clear communication. Incorrect punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence or make it hard to read. You should use punctuation marks like commas, periods, and apostrophes correctly.
Incorrect: The book is on the table, I have to read it.
Correct: The book is on the table. I have to read it.
8. Misuse of Articles (a, an, the)
Using articles incorrectly is a common mistake, especially for non-native English speakers. Articles are used to specify or generalize nouns. For example, a and an are indefinite articles used for non-specific things, while “the” is a definite article used for specific things.
Incorrect: Riya is a tall girl among her friends.
Correct: Riya is the tallest girl among her friends.
9. Overuse of Commas
Commas are essential for separating ideas within a sentence, but overusing them can
confuse your reader. You should only use commas when necessary to separate clauses, items in a list, or introductory elements.
Incorrect: The book, is on the shelf, next to the window.
Correct: The book is on the shelf next to the window.
10. Using Double Negatives
In English, using double negatives that means using two negative words together in a sentence, which can lead to confusion. Avoid using two negatives in a single sentence unless you intend to convey a specific emphasis or nuance.
Incorrect: I don’t need no help.
Correct: I don’t need any help.
11. Lack of Parallel Structure
Parallel structure refers to the use of the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas are of equal importance. When your sentence has mixed grammatical structures, it can lead to confusion.
Incorrect: She enjoys to read books and playing tennis.
Correct: She enjoys reading books and playing tennis.
12. Confusing Prepositions
Prepositions can be tricky in English, and incorrect preposition use is common. You should pay attention to which preposition pairs with certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
Incorrect: She is good in English.
Correct: She is good at English.
13. Improper Use of Capitalization
While capitalization rules are straightforward, many students make mistakes, especially with days of the week, months, nationalities, or specific terms. You should ensure that you capitalize these correctly to avoid errors.
Incorrect: She is from canada. Correct: She is from Canada.
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