A top score in O Level English composition is achievable, but many students lose marks due to common mistakes. Whether you attend the Best English tuition or are studying with the Best English tutor, understanding these errors can help you avoid them and improve your writing. From organisation to language use, there are seven mistakes that frequently appear in students’ compositions. Knowing what to watch for will make your writing clearer, more engaging, and more likely to earn a good grade. Let’s explore these common errors and how to fix them.

1. Failing to Plan Before Writing

One of the most frequent mistakes students make is rushing into writing without organising their thoughts. This can lead to a disjointed story that confuses the reader.

Secondary English tutors often stress the importance of planning your story before you start writing. Spend a few minutes outlining your main ideas, character actions, and the sequence of events. Planning helps create a logical flow and ensures your composition includes all necessary details.

Instead of writing aimlessly, a well-planned essay will have a clear opening, middle, and ending, making it easier for the examiner to follow your story.

2. Repetition of Ideas and Details

Another common error is repeating the same ideas or details within your composition. This makes your story seem dull and unfocused.

When writing, ask yourself: “Have I said this before?” if the answer is yes, try to find a new way to express the idea or add new information. Teachers at English tuition Bishan often remind students to vary their vocabulary and sentence structures instead of repeating the same phrases or ideas.

Instead of repeatedly stating "it was very hot," describe how "beads of sweat trickled down my forehead as the sun blazed relentlessly."

3. Poor Organisation of Content

A composition with no clear structure—such as no paragraphing or logical sequence—will confuse the reader and lose marks.

At the Best English tuition, teachers regularly emphasise using paragraphs to separate ideas and ensure your story flows smoothly from one part to the next. Begin with an introduction, develop your story, and conclude with a reflection or ending.

Always think about the order of your ideas: what should come first? Do your paragraphs match the story’s flow? Wrap up your plot neatly by doing a mind map first.

4. Using Colloquial Language and Slang

Informal language, slang, or abbreviations like "LOL" or "gonna" are common in casual conversations but inappropriate in formal compositions.

Tutors stress the importance of using proper vocabulary and sentence structures. Practice writing using formal language, and always proofread your work to replace slang with appropriate words.

5. Overloading the Story with Too Much Action

Some students cram too many actions or events into their story, making it confusing and hard to follow.

Keep your story simple and focus on the main idea. At Secondary English tuition centres, tutors often remind students to stick to the most important events that contribute to the story’s theme or moral. Use detail to show emotion and character, but don’t overload.

Rather than describing every minor movement, focus on key moments that reveal character or advance the plot.

6. Failing to End Well

Many students write a story that just stops suddenly or forgets to wrap up their ideas.

Always include a conclusion that reflects on what the story teaches or how the experience affected the character. Tutors advise students to leave the reader with a final thought or a moral.

7. Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes can seriously lower your score, even if your ideas are good.

When learning writing skills at one of the secondary English tuition centres, you will encounter lessons on the importance of proofreading. Practice writing regularly and review your work for common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and spelling.

Avoiding these seven common mistakes can make a big difference in your O Level English composition. Proper planning, varied language, logical organisation, and careful proofreading will help you communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. Whether you attend an O Level English Tuition centres or prefer home school, focusing on these key areas will strengthen your writing. Remember, good writing is not just about what you say, but also how you say it. With practice and attention to detail, you can turn your compositions into confident, compelling stories that impress your examiners and earn you the grade you deserve.