IELTS Listening Spelling Mistakes and Numbers: How to Avoid Losing Easy Marks
Why spelling matters
In IELTS Listening a misspelt word is marked wrong, even if you understood the recording perfectly. Section 1 especially relies on names, addresses and phone numbers, so spelling errors cost marks that are otherwise easy to win. British and American spelling are both accepted, but you must be consistent and each word must be spelled correctly.
Words that are often misspelled
Frequently misspelled words include accommodation, necessary, separate, government, environment, February, Wednesday, library, restaurant, receive, definitely, address, beginning, equipment, knowledge, particularly, and temperature. Keep a personal list and revise it weekly. Pay attention to double letters (accommodation, address, necessary), silent letters (Wednesday, knowledge) and vowel combinations (receive, believe).
Spelling names and letters
Speakers often spell names letter by letter, for example 'M-A-C-K-I-N-N-O-N'. Letters that sound similar cause errors: A and E, G and J, B, P and V, M and N. Practise the alphabet with the sounds of English letter names, and write each letter as you hear it. Expect phrases such as 'double L' and 'capital D'. If you miss a letter, leave a space and check the surrounding letters, since many names are real surnames or place names.
Numbers, dates, times and money
Numbers can sound similar: thirteen and thirty, fifteen and fifty. In the teen numbers the stress is on the second syllable, while in the tens it is on the first. Speakers say 'oh' or 'zero' for the digit 0, and 'double five' for 55. Dates may be said 'the twenty-first of March' or 'March twenty-first'. Times may be given as 'a quarter past nine' or 'nine fifteen'. Money may appear as 'ten pounds fifty' meaning £10.50. Write digits for numbers unless the question asks for words, and copy units such as £, kg or % if they are not printed.
How to practise
Listen to short audio and write down all numbers and names, then check the transcript. Practise dictation with phone numbers and addresses, and use the questions on the IELTS Listening practice page, which includes many number and spelling items with explanations.
Frequently asked questions
Is American spelling accepted in Listening?
Yes, but you should be consistent.
Should I write numbers as digits or words?
Digits are usually acceptable and faster, unless the instructions say otherwise.
Is a capital letter required for names?
Yes. Names and place names should begin with a capital letter.