How can I check my writing to reduce mistakes?
We all make grammar and vocabulary mistakes when we write. The question is are you checking your work effectively to ensure that you reduce the number of mistakes your are making. Here's how to do that.
Here is what you should do.
1. Have a clear idea of what your own personal grammar and vocabulary mistakes tend to be.
2. Write slowly. Don't worry about exam conditions until you are getting the scores that you need.
3. Plan well. Make sure you have a clear idea of what is in EACH sentence before you begin to write.
4. Write your first sentence.
5. Stop. Don't write your next sentence just yet.
6. Read that sentence again checking for 3 things if it is Task 2, or 4 things if it is Task 1.
Task 2:- Does the sentence have the same meaning as in my plan?- Have I made any of the usual types of grammar mistakes I tend to make?- Have I made any of the usual types of vocabulary mistakes I tend to make?
Task 1:- Does the sentence have the same meaning as in my plan?- Have I made any of the usual types of grammar mistakes I tend to make?- Have I made any of the usual types of vocabulary mistakes I tend to make? - Have I written any data accurately? (Academic) // Have I been consistent in tone? (General Training)
7. Make any changes.
8. Write the next sentence, and then repeat the process.
9. Once you have completed the whole essay, you should scan through the whole text again looking for any other mistakes you might have missed and making sure your writing is coherent.
Yes, this will take time - at first. But, once you have mastered this technique, it will significantly cut down the number of mistakes you are making and increase your score. The more you do it, the faster and more efficient at it you will get. Soon enough, it will be a very natural thing to do, and you will be able to do it under exam conditions.
