Introduction
Clearing IB ACIO Tier I is just the first hurdle. The real differentiator lies in Tier II Descriptive English, where many promising candidates lose marks — not for lack of knowledge — but due to avoidable mistakes. Recognizing these pitfalls and adopting prevention strategies can significantly improve your performance. This post outlines the most common blunders aspirants make in the essay, comprehension, and long-answer sections of the descriptive paper — along with practical fixes to help you avoid them.
1. Mistake: Overwriting / Overshooting Word Count in Essays & Long Answers
Why it hurts: You’ll spend excessive time writing and revising, and risk diluting your core message with fluff. The examiner may not read or reward padding.
How to avoid:
- Before writing, draft a tight outline (2–3 arguments + suggestions).
- Stick to roughly 350–400 words for essay (or per your exam’s limit) and ~150–180 words for long answers.
- Use short, focused paragraphs — avoid long winding sentences.
2. Mistake: Weak Structure & Poor Transitions
Why it hurts: Without clear structure, arguments seem disjointed; readers lose the thread. Abrupt shifts confuse.
How to avoid:
- Always use signposting phrases (“Firstly… Moreover… However… In conclusion…”).
- Maintain a logical flow: introduction → arguments → counterpoint / limitations → suggestions → conclusion.
- In long answers, use mini structure per point (Point → Explain → Example → Link).
3. Mistake: Neglecting Long Answers & Overemphasizing Essay
Given the confirmed 2025 pattern, long answers carry significant weight (two × 10 marks). Many candidates overinvest in the essay and leave long answers weak or superficial.
How to avoid:
- Allocate practice time proportionally — long answers must get 40% of your prep focus.
- In mocks, force yourself to finish long answers even if essay remains unfinished.
- For each long-answer topic, include at least one suggestion / policy measure to boost content depth.
4. Mistake: Using Generic / Clichéd Content
Phrases like “In today’s modern world…” or “it goes without saying” are overused and weaken originality.
How to avoid:
- Back up your points with recent data, examples, government schemes, events.
- Use unique angles or case studies (local, state, global) to make your answer stand out.
- Keep a topic bank of recent events so you can draw fresh content while writing.
5. Mistake: Ignoring the Comprehension / Sub-Answers Section
Some aspirants skip practicing comprehension or treat it lightly, losing out on “easy marks.”
How to avoid:
- Regularly practice 200–300 word passages with questions on inference, vocabulary, data interpretation.
- Answer each sub-question in 1–2 concise sentences, restating the question briefly.
- Use linking words (thus, moreover, however) to connect your answer to the passage context.
6. Mistake: No Revision / Proofreading
Grammatical errors, repetition, stray words, poor punctuation can cost marks. Many forget to proofread under time pressure.
How to avoid:
- Reserve last 2–4 minutes in every mock / exam for a quick proofread.
- Maintain an error log — recurrent mistakes (e.g. subject-verb agreement, articles, redundancy).
- In revision, consciously avoid errors from your log.
7. Mistake: Going Off Topic
Sometimes surface knowledge tempts writers to stray from the prompt and write tangential ideas.
How to avoid:
- Underline / highlight key words in the question (e.g. “impact”, “challenges”, “solutions”).
- After the first draft, re-check every paragraph: Does it address the topic?
- Use your outline as a map; if a paragraph diverges, either cut or realign it.
8. Mistake: Avoiding Counterarguments / Limitations
Writing only one-sided positive points looks shallow. Examiners often expect you to acknowledge complexity or drawbacks.
How to avoid:
- Always include a short counterpoint or limitation (1 paragraph) and then rebut or balance it.
- Follow it with suggestions — this shows maturity in thinking.
9. Mistake: Weak or No Suggestions / Way Forward
Points without solutions feel incomplete. Many overlook this and lose marks in long answer / essay evaluation.
How to avoid:
- For every topic, prepare at least 3–4 feasible suggestions.
- Make them specific (policy, institution, timeline) rather than vague directives (e.g. “improve health system” vs “increase PHC funding, telemedicine, mobile clinics”).
10. Mistake: Poor Time Management & Skipping Sections
Spending too long on one part (essay) and leaving long answers or comprehension incomplete.
How to avoid:
- Use a time split plan (e.g. 5 min planning, 18–20 min essay, 8–10 min comprehension, 15 min long answers, 2 min review).
- In early mocks, practice cutting off — force yourself to move on even if one part isn’t perfect.
- Carry a watch / timer and check your pace every ~15 minutes.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Avoiding these common pitfalls can transform your descriptive performance from average to excellent. The difference often lies not in what you know, but how you express and structure your answers under pressure.
💡 Challenge for Bank Whizz readers: Pick one of your past mock descriptive answers. Identify which of the above 5 mistakes you made. Rewrite under timed conditions applying the corrections. Share it in 7982774960 (WhatsApp) your version — I’ll pick top ones and give feedback.