Avoid these mistakes on the Praxis Core Writing test

Standardized exams like the Praxis Core can be stressful for any test taker. When you sit down for the Praxis Writing and Praxis Reading sections, even confident writers often feel the pressure, which can lead to small, costly mistakes.

The good news? Most errors on the Praxis test are predictable and repeat across test takers. By practicing with Praxis practice tests and questions and studying common pitfalls, you can easily spot these issues before test day. This preparation not only helps you recognize familiar patterns in Praxis questions but also boosts your confidence, increasing your chances of achieving a higher Praxis Core score.

Whether you’re brushing up on grammar rules or reviewing strategies for the multiple-choice section of the Praxis Writing exam, keeping these 10 common writing errors in mind can make a big difference. Your future self, walking out of the Praxis exam room with a stronger score, will be glad you took the time to prepare.

The Praxis Writing section consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on grammar, sentence structure, and other writing areas, along with two essays. Praxis Reading contains 56 passage-based questions that test interpretation, your ability to assess the author’s intent, and logical inference. The tips below will strengthen your essay skills and help you tackle grammar and reading comprehension questions with ease.

1. Run-on sentences: When two sentences crash into one

Run-on sentences are a common pitfall on the Praxis Writing exam, occurring when two independent clauses are written together without correct punctuation. This mistake frequently appears in Praxis writing practice and is among the simplest errors to correct for test success.

Example (Incorrect):

The teacher loved the essay it showed real insight.

How to fix it:

• Use a period: The teacher loved the essay. It showed real insight.
• Use a semicolon: The teacher loved the essay; it showed real insight.
• Use a conjunction: The teacher loved the essay because it showed real insight.

Many Praxis Writing examinees encounter run-on sentences in daily writing and may even write them unintentionally under exam pressure. To avoid losing points on the Praxis Core Writing section, make a habit of reviewing each sentence for more than one complete thought. Mastering this fundamental grammar rule is crucial for earning higher scores on the Praxis Writing test.

2. Pronoun errors: Case and number confusion

Pronouns must match their antecedents in both number and case. In simpler terms: if the subject is singular, the pronoun should be singular. If the pronoun is acting as the subject, it should be in the subject case.

Example (Incorrect):

Each student must bring their pencil.

Correct:

Each student must bring his or her pencil.

It might sound overly formal, but in academic and test settings, formal grammar matters. Avoid using “they” as a singular pronoun unless it’s clearly permitted.

3. Sentence fragments: When sentences feel incomplete

On test day, you’ll see sentences that look like they could work, but something’s missing. Sentence fragments often lack a subject or a complete verb.

Example (Fragment):

Because she enjoys hiking in the mountains.

Example (Complete):

Because she enjoys hiking in the mountains, she visits the Adirondacks every summer.

If it reads as if it leaves you hanging, it probably does. Make sure every sentence has a subject and a verb, and that it expresses a complete thought.

4. Parallel structure: Keep it consistent

Parallelism might sound like advanced grammar, but it’s a straightforward concept often tested on the Praxis exam and emphasized throughout any Praxis practice test. Parallel structure simply means that items in a list, or parts being compared, should follow the same grammatical pattern.

Incorrect:

He likes skiing, to swim, and biking.

Correct:

He likes skiing, swimming, and biking.

The Praxis Core, as well as most Praxis practice questions, frequently assesses your understanding of balanced and consistent structure in sentences. Reading the sentence aloud can help you spot points where the pattern breaks. If it sounds uneven, the parallelism needs work. Mastery of parallel structure will boost your performance not only on the Praxis test but also in everyday writing.

5. Verb tense & subject-verb agreement errors

This is a grammar fundamental, yet it’s incredibly easy to miss when you’re rushing.

Incorrect:

The committee meet every Friday.

Correct:

The committee meets every Friday.

Even though “committee” refers to a group of people, it’s treated as a singular subject in American English. Watch for singular/plural confusion and make sure your verb tense stays consistent throughout the sentence.

6. Misplaced modifiers: Clarity is key

Modifiers must follow the word they modify, or else your sentence could end up unintentionally hilarious.

Incorrect:

Dripping on his shirt, Harvey bit into the hamburger.

(So… Harvey is dripping?)

Correct:

Harvey bit into the hamburger, dripping ketchup on his shirt.

Always reread your sentence and ask: What exactly is being described here? If it’s unclear, a simple rearrangement can fix it.

7. Ambiguous pronoun reference: Who’s who?

Every pronoun needs a clear noun to which it refers. When it’s unclear, your sentence becomes confusing, especially in a test setting.

Ambiguous:

Sam told Alex that he needed more time.

Clearer:

Sam told Alex, “You need more time.”

If you spot a sentence where “he,” “she,” or “they” could refer to multiple people, that’s your red flag. Always aim for clarity.

8. Adjective vs. adverb errors: Description matters

Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs. If you can remember that, you’re halfway there.

Incorrect:

She sings beautiful.

Correct:

She sings beautifully.

Many adverbs end in “-ly,” which makes them easier to spot. Listen to the sentence; if it sounds off, try switching the descriptive word to its adverbial form.

9. Idiomatic preposition use: Trust your ear

Idioms don’t always follow logic. They’re just combinations of words that sound right to native speakers.

Incorrect:

She is capable for solving the issue.

Correct:

She is capable of solving the issue.

These questions often test your familiarity with prepositions and phrases you’ve heard over time. When in doubt, read it aloud and go with what “sounds right” in formal English.

10. Comparison errors: Apples to apples

When comparing things, make sure you’re comparing similar items. Faulty comparisons are subtle but sneaky.

Incorrect:

The director said producing a drama was harder than comedy.

Correct:

The director said producing a drama was harder than producing a comedy.

It’s all about structure; don’t compare a verb phrase to a noun, or a general category to a specific one. The more parallel and specific your comparison, the better.

Conclusion

The Praxis Core Writing exam demands a strategic approach, not just strong grammar skills. A key to excelling on the Praxis test is recognizing the specific types of mistakes that frequently appear in the writing section. While mastering grammar rules is essential, understanding where test-makers try to catch you gives you a decisive advantage.

During your Praxis practice test preparation, focus on developing precision rather than striving for absolute perfection. Enhance your skills by reading sample sentences aloud, completing realistic Praxis practice questions, and timing yourself as you review. With dedication, targeted practice, and a solid understanding of frequent error patterns found on the Praxis Core exam, you’ll build the confidence and clarity needed to succeed on test day.