Top 10 Mistakes in Your English Paper
Scoring high in English isn't just about big vocabulary; it's about accuracy. Examiners often deduct marks for the same repeated errors. Below are the top ten mistakes students make in their English papers and how you can fix them to boost your score.
Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
This is the most common grammatical error. Remember: Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
Confusing Homophones (There, Their, They're)
Using the wrong word that sounds the same but has a different meaning is a major red flag for examiners.
Run-on Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Misuse of Apostrophes
Apostrophes show possession or contraction. They do not make words plural.
Inconsistent Tense
Switching between past, present, and future tense within the same story or paragraph confuses the reader.
Spelling Errors
Commonly misspelled words (e.g., receive, separate, accommodate) lose easy marks. Writing too fast often leads to careless spelling.
Using Slang or Informal Language
Academic papers require formal English. Avoid text-speak or casual slang unless writing dialogue in a story.
Sentence Fragments
A fragment is an incomplete sentence. It usually lacks a subject or a verb, or it is a dependent clause left alone.
Lack of Paragraphing
Writing one giant block of text makes your paper difficult to read. Examiners need visual breaks to process your points.
Not Proofreading
This is the fatal mistake. Finishing early and closing your paper means leaving simple errors behind.
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