CHEATSHEET TO AVOID THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES IN GP

Everyone aims to achieve high marks in their exams, but many students make mistakes that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Understanding these common errors can help you improve your scores. Here are seven frequent pitfalls students often encounter when writing essays, along with tips on how to avoid them so you can perform at your best.

1. Choosing “Easy” Questions That Seem Deceptively Simple

Many students believe that questions which look straightforward are also easy to answer. However, often these questions require careful interpretation. For example, an exam question about social issues like cyberbullying might seem simple because the topic is familiar. But if you misread the question—perhaps focusing only on your personal opinion and ignoring specific requirements—you risk giving an incorrect answer. In English tuition at Bishan, teachers stress the importance of reading questions carefully, underlining keywords, and understanding the task before writing. What appears simple may actually be tricky because it asks for detailed analysis, not just opinions.

2. Supporting Your Ideas with Weak or Fake Evidence

Many students rely on stories or facts they find online, but unverified or exaggerated information can lead to losing marks. For instance, citing an unreliable news story or an untrustworthy website as evidence can be harmful if the examiner judges the source as lacking credibility. To avoid this, always verify facts before including them in your essay. When studying in Best English tuition, students learn how to select credible evidence and analyse the information thoroughly, making their arguments more reliable and stronger.

3. Making Too-Broad or Unsubstantiated Statements

Avoid vague or overly broad statements, such as “Most students spend hours online,” without providing supporting evidence. Such claims look like guesses and can annoy examiners because they’re not backed by specific data or examples. Instead, include detailed examples or research findings to support your points. In Secondary English tuition, teachers encourage students to strengthen their responses with facts and specific details, making their arguments more convincing and precise.

4. Misreading the Question or the Text

Misunderstanding what the question asks can seriously harm your score. Sometimes, students interpret the tone or purpose of the passage wrongly—taking sarcastic remarks literally or missing clues within the question. Always read carefully, underline key phrases, and analyse what the question really wants from you. Teachers in GP tuition Bishan stress that students should thoroughly understand the question before beginning their answer to ensure accuracy and relevance.

5. Poor Time Management

In exams, inefficient time use can ruin a good answer. Many students spend too much time on the introduction or first section and then run out of time for the conclusion. To avoid this, divide your time into sections—perhaps 10 minutes planning and 20 minutes writing—and keep track of the clock throughout. Proper time management allows you to write complete, well-organised responses that meet all parts of the question and maximise your score.

6. Weak or No Counter-Arguments and Rebuttals

A strong, balanced essay must include opposing views or counter-arguments. If you present only one side, your essay appears biased. A good rebuttal shows your ability to think critically and handle different perspectives. In GP tuition Bishan, students learn to develop effective counter-arguments and respond convincingly, boosting the overall strength of their essays and proving their analytical skills.

7. Not Ending with a Strong Conclusion

Finally, many students forget to write a proper conclusion. A good ending should summarise your main points, revisit the question, and leave a lasting impression. Instead of finishing abruptly, wrap up with a statement that clearly links back to the question and shows that you’ve addressed all parts thoroughly. In English tuition in Singapore, teachers advise students to spend a few minutes on their conclusion to leave the examiner with a positive final impression.

These seven mistakes are common, but they are also easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for. Keep this list in mind whenever you write an essay, whether in English tuition Bishan, GP tuition Bishan, or in your school assessment. Focus on planning, supporting your points with evidence, and reviewing your work. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll be able to improve your writing and aim for that top score!