Does IELTS mark apostrophe errors wrong?

Yes, spelling must match the word form required. Writing its when the answer is it's (or the reverse) is marked incorrect.

How can I hear the difference under exam speed?

You often cannot by sound alone. Use grammar context: contraction needs a following verb or adjective; possessive needs a noun.

Should I practise apostrophe drills separately?

Yes, short dictation sets focused on homophone pairs beat general vocabulary lists for this trap.

Comparison Language Trap in Task 1: Always, Never, All

Comparatives · Data language · May 2026

Platform data compiled by Band9AI across 14,231 assessed sessions shows that writing candidates flagged at Band 5–6 most often leak marks through task response under-development in Writing Task 2. Verification methodology

Last updated (factual triplet change): 2026-06-30

Direct answer

The comparison language trap is stating higher or lower without saying higher than what, by how much, or over which period, so Task Achievement stays at Band 6. Task 1 reports data relationships, not opinions. Examiners want explicit comparisons (X was twice Y). Pair every comparative with a referent and a number or clear rank.

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Why vague comparatives cap bands

Students import Task 2 phrases into reports. See personal opinion in Task 1 and data selection traps.

Trigger Line and bar charts with multiple series

Symptom Essays full of noticeably higher with no baseline

Score leak Missing overview comparison sentence

Trap phrases and upgrades

Trap phrase	Problem	Upgrade
significantly higher	No data	by 12% / double
fluctuated	Vague	rose and fell between X–Y
while	No figures	Add both values
respectively	Wrong order	Match list to data

Training protocol

1. Overview first

One sentence: largest trend + biggest comparison.

2. Compare in pairs

Never lone higher, always higher than B.

3. Number sandwich

Claim + figure + unit in one clause.

4. Ban list

Delete dramatically, clearly, obviously from Task 1.

Key takeaways

Every comparative needs a referent and evidence.
Overview must state the main comparison.
Replace vague adverbs with numbers or ranks.
Keep opinion language out of Task 1.

FAQ

Yes, if the chart supports it. Pair with a clear value or range.

Two to three well-developed beats six vague ones.

Letter tasks use different language, this guide targets Academic graphs.

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Make every comparison provable from the chart.

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