The TOEIC Writing test evaluates your ability to produce clear, grammatically correct English in a business context. Avoiding common grammar mistakes is crucial to achieving a high score.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Ensuring that subjects and verbs agree in number is fundamental.
- Incorrect: The team are preparing the report.
- Correct: The team is preparing the report.
Tip: Identify the subject and ensure the verb matches in singular or plural form.
2. Misuse of Verb Tenses
Using the correct verb tense is essential for clarity.
- Incorrect: She works here since 2015.
- Correct: She has worked here since 2015.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with time expressions and their corresponding tenses.
3. Incorrect Use of Articles
Articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are often misused.
- Incorrect: She is manager of the department.
- Correct: She is the manager of the department.
Tip: Use “a/an” for non-specific nouns and “the” for specific ones.
4. Confusing Prepositions
Prepositions can change the meaning of a sentence.
- Incorrect: He has been working since two years.
- Correct: He has been working for two years.
Tip: Learn common prepositional phrases and their correct usage.
5. Misplaced Modifiers
Modifiers should be placed next to the word they modify.
- Incorrect: Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by John.
- Correct: Running quickly, John crossed the finish line.
Tip: Ensure modifiers are close to the words they describe to avoid confusion.
6. Overuse of Passive Voice
While passive voice is acceptable, overusing it can make writing less direct.
- Passive: The report was written by the manager.
- Active: The manager wrote the report.
Tip: Use active voice for clarity and conciseness.
7. Incorrect Comparative and Superlative Forms
Comparatives and superlatives must be used appropriately.
- Incorrect: This is the more efficient process in the company.
- Correct: This is the most efficient process in the company.
Tip: Use comparatives for two items and superlatives for three or more.
8. Run-on Sentences
Connecting multiple independent clauses without proper punctuation leads to run-on sentences.
- Incorrect: I finished the report I sent it to the manager.
- Correct: I finished the report, and I sent it to the manager.
Tip: Use conjunctions or punctuation to separate independent clauses.
9. Sentence Fragments
Incomplete sentences lacking a subject or verb are fragments.
- Incorrect: Because the meeting was canceled.
- Correct: Because the meeting was canceled, we rescheduled our plans.
Tip: Ensure each sentence has a subject and a verb.
10. Incorrect Word Forms
Using the wrong form of a word can alter the meaning.
- Incorrect: She is a success manager.
- Correct: She is a successful manager.
Tip: Pay attention to noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms.
FAQs
Q1: How can I improve subject-verb agreement in my writing?
A: Practice identifying the subject and verb in sentences to ensure they agree in number.
Q2: What are common verb tense mistakes in TOEIC writing?
A: Mixing past and present tenses incorrectly, such as using the present tense for past events.
Q3: How do I use articles correctly in sentences?
A: Use “a/an” for non-specific nouns and “the” for specific nouns.
Q4: Why is active voice preferred over passive voice?
A: Active voice makes sentences clearer and more direct.
Q5: How can I avoid run-on sentences?
A: Use proper punctuation and conjunctions to separate independent clauses.
By focusing on these common grammar mistakes and practicing regularly, you can enhance your TOEIC writing skills and achieve a higher score.
