A very common mistake is for candidates to start writing befor | IELTS

A very common mistake is for candidates to start writing before making a solid plan.
@ieltsw
Firstly, if a candidate can't think of ideas to back up the answer in the introduction, it might be too late to start again. Ideas that are difficult to support can be changed in the planning phase, but are difficult to change half way through the exam.

Secondly, it's very easy to lose focus of the main points that need to be addressed when not writing using a plan. While writing, focus is put on grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, format, and many other things. It's easy to get derailed and lose the main focus of the question. Having points to follow, and a main idea to write about in each body paragraph will ensure consistency in your position, and reduce or eliminate contradictions between ideas.

Spending 5 minutes writing the thesis statement, topic sentences, and a quick plan will make your writing go a lot more smoothly.