#15. Common Errors & How to Fix Them

Use this section as a quick repair kit. Spot the issue, grab the fix, and try the “Before → After” lines out loud.

A) Errors that hurt all four score areas

1) No clear opening

Problem: You start talking without a main point.
Fix: One-line opener that matches the task (advice/opinion/choice/location).

Before → After

• “There are many things to think about…”
• “I recommend Option B because it reduces wait time and costs less.”

2) Thin support (lists with no examples)

Problem: “It’s better, faster, cheaper” with no proof.
Fix: Add one tiny example (time/place/number) to each reason.

Before → After

• “It’s faster and more convenient.”
• “It cuts 20 minutes at rush hour, so I arrive on time.”

3) Vague wording and repetition

Problem: “things, stuff, good, bad” repeated.
Fix: Swap in precise, everyday words and rotate synonyms.

Before → After

• “This thing is bad.”
• “The delays are a serious issue because riders miss transfers.”

4) Weak listenability (fillers, run-ons, flat tone)

Problem: Long sentences, filler chains (“uh, like”), monotone.
Fix: Shorter sentences, one-beat pauses, simple connectors (because/so/for example), light stress on key words.

Before → After

• “Uh like the thing is buses are you know late.”
• “First, buses are late because of traffic. For example, last night…”

5) Off task / wrong tone

Problem: Not answering the prompt or using the wrong style.
Fix: Match the audience and purpose (speak to a person in Task 1; choose one in Task 5; use future in Task 4; make a direct request in Task 6).

Before → After

• (Task 5) “Both options are good.”
• “I choose Option A because it solves the main issue.”

6) Finishing early or running out of time

Problem: You end with silence or race the last lines.
Fix: Use a time map; add a wrap line if you finish early; if time is short, stop new points and close cleanly.

Wrap bank

• “In short, this choice helps more people daily.”
• “Please confirm the next step; I’ll follow it today.”

B) Dimension-by-dimension quick repairs

Content & Coherence

Error signs: No opener, mixed order, missing examples.
Fix: Use a simple arc: opening → reason A (+ example) → reason B (+ example) → wrap.

Ten-second drill: Write four cues: [Opening] / [A+ex] / [B+ex] / [Wrap].

Vocabulary

Error signs: Vague words, memorized phrases, unnatural “fancy” terms.
Fix: Use everyday collocations (rush hour, repair timeline, schedule update). Rotate structures, not only words.

Swap bank

• problem → issue/concern · help → improve/reduce/prevent · late → delayed/behind schedule

Listenability

Error signs: Filler chains, run-ons, choppy rhythm.
Fix: One idea per sentence. Use because/so/for example. Self-correct in a few words and move on.

Self-correct frames

• “—sorry, ten minutes.”
• “the route—I mean, the schedule.”

Task Fulfillment

Error signs: Ignored instruction, wrong tone, time not used.
Fix: Check the sub-task (choose, request, describe, predict). Use the full time with a clear close.

One-line check: “Did I answer exactly what they asked, with the right tone, and finish strong?”

C) Task-specific traps (and fixes)

Task 1 — Giving Advice

Common errors: Talking about the topic instead of to the person; weak steps with no reason.
Fix: Use you; give two steps with a brief reason/example.
Rescue line: “First, [step], because [reason]. Second, [step]; for example, [detail].”

Task 2 — Personal Experience

Common errors: Rambling story; no result or lesson.
Fix: Context → what happened → result → takeaway.
Rescue line: “Last week at [place], I [action]; as a result, [impact]. I learned [lesson].”

Task 3 — Describing a Scene

Common errors: Guessing stories; generic nouns; random order.
Fix: Overview → 3 concrete details → clue-based inference. Name roles/objects; choose a scan (left→right or front→back).
Rescue line: “This looks like [place]. I’ll go left to right. First, a cashier is scanning…”

Task 4 — Making Predictions

Common errors: Staying in the present; no reason.
Fix: Future forms (will/going to/might) + because/so + visible clue.
Rescue line: “Because I see [clue], they will [next], so [result].”

Task 5 — Comparing & Persuading

Common errors: Not choosing; describing both; no call to action.
Fix: Pick one in line 1; give two benefits with examples; one-line counterpoint; ask for action.
Rescue line: “I recommend [Option]. First, it [benefit]… Second, it [benefit]… Although the other [small plus], it doesn’t fix [main issue]. Let’s book this.”

Task 6 — Difficult Situation

Common errors: Long emotional backstory; no request; confrontational tone.
Fix: Problem → request → reason → option → confirm; polite and firm.
Rescue line: “Hello, this is [name]. [Problem]. Could you [request]? Because [impact]. If not, [option]. Please confirm.”

Task 7 — Expressing Opinions

Common errors: Hiding your position; repeating the same point; no wrap.
Fix: Position in line 1, two different reasons with small examples, brief nod, clear close.
Rescue line: “I support [X]. First, [reason + example]. Second, [reason + example]. Overall, it solves the main issue.”

Task 8 — Unusual Situation

Common errors: No exact location; no concrete clues; vague ask.
Fix: Who/why → where (landmarks) → what’s odd (2 clues) → action → reference.
Rescue line: “Hi [role], I’m at [place + landmark]. I see [clue 1] and [clue 2]. Could you [action]? Reference [#/time/unit].”

D) Device & timing slip-ups

• Mic too low/high: Place the mic a finger-width from your mouth; aim for a steady input bar.
• Skipping the warm-up: Use the practice task to set volume and pace.
• Timer panic: When the bar nears the end, stop new ideas and give a one-line close.

E) Memorization traps (and safer alternatives)

Problem: Scripted answers or reading a “perfect” speech.
Why it hurts: Raters value spontaneous, natural speech over memorized text.
Safer approach: Use flexible frames (POINT, CARE, SIGHT, WILL) and fill them with fresh details from the prompt.

Before → After

• “In modern society, it is imperative to consider…”
• “I prefer washrooms because they reduce lines during weekend events.”

F) One-minute rescue routine (use between practice takes)

1. Cut any sentence longer than two clauses.
2. Add one tiny example to each reason.
3. Replace two vague words.
4. Rehearse with one-beat pauses and a clean wrap line.

G) Fast checklists

All tasks

• Clear opener
• Two developed points with examples
• Natural words (no scripts)
• Smooth flow (because/so/for example)
• Full time + clean wrap

Task-specific

• T1: You speak to the person
• T3: 3 details + clue-based inference
• T4: Future language
• T5: Choose + ask for action
• T6: Request + option
• T8: Landmarks + two clues + reference