Introduction :
The Writing section of TOEFL is where many students lose precious marks — not because of poor grammar, but due to avoidable mistakes. Let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Not Understanding the Task
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Many students misread the prompt or answer only part of the question.
Fix: Carefully analyze what the task is asking before writing.
Mistake 2: Weak Thesis Statement
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The thesis is the backbone of your essay. Without a clear opinion or argument, your essay lacks direction.
Fix: State your main idea clearly in the introduction.
Mistake 3: Poor Paragraph Structure
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Long, unstructured paragraphs are hard to follow.
Fix: Use clear topic sentences and break long paragraphs into smaller chunks.
Mistake 4: Repetition of Words and Ideas
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Repeating the same words lowers vocabulary score.
Fix: Use synonyms and vary sentence structure.
Mistake 5: Not Using Examples
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Generic essays don’t score well.
Fix: Always back up your points with real or hypothetical examples.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Grammar and Punctuation
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Small errors can affect clarity.
Fix: Review grammar rules and proofread your essay before submitting.
Mistake 7: Running Out of Time
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Many students don’t leave time to revise.
Fix: Practice timed writing regularly and aim to finish 5 minutes early for review.
Conclusion:
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly boost your writing score. Focus on structure, clarity, and strong arguments — and always practice under exam conditions!
