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Part 5WritingSection 8 of 8

5.8The ten mistakes that cost the most marks

  1. Not answering the exact question asked.
  2. No clear position, or a position that changes between the introduction and the conclusion.
  3. Writing fewer than 250 words.
  4. One long paragraph, or paragraphs that contain two unrelated ideas.
  5. Listing ideas without explaining or exemplifying any of them.
  6. Memorised sentences that do not fit the topic. Examiners recognise them immediately.
  7. Starting every sentence with a linking word.
  8. Repeating the words of the question instead of rephrasing them.
  9. Introducing a brand new idea in the conclusion.
  10. Running out of time and leaving the essay unfinished. An unfinished essay is heavily penalised.