At a glance
| Mistake | Example | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Falling for a distractor | Writes "Monday" when the speaker changes to Wednesday | Wait until the speaker finishes the point |
| Spelling error | "accomodation" instead of "accommodation" | Learn spellings of common topic words |
| Missing plural | "book" when the speaker said "books" | Listen for the final s and check the grammar of the gap |
| Over the word limit | "a large brown suitcase" for a two-word limit | Count words before you move on |
| Wrong number format | "fifteen" heard as "fifty" | Listen to the stress: fifTEEN vs FIFty |
| Spelling a name wrong | Missing a letter when a name is spelled out | Practise the English alphabet, especially A, E, I, G and J |
1How distractors are built
The recording often offers an answer and then takes it back. "We could meet at six. Actually, I finish late that day, so let’s say seven." Words like actually, sorry, no wait and on second thoughts are signals that a correction is coming.
2Use the transfer or checking time well
On paper you get ten minutes to copy answers. On computer you get two minutes to check. Use that time for spelling, plurals, capital letters on names and word limits. It is the easiest place to gain marks.
Practice questions
Each item shows a short script and a student’s answer. Is the answer correct?
- 1
Script: "The course starts on the 14th. Oh, sorry, it’s been moved to the 16th." Word limit: ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER. Answer written: 14th
Answer: Wrong
The speaker corrected the date. The answer is 16th.
- 2
Script: "You’ll need to bring two passport photographs." Word limit: ONE WORD ONLY. Answer written: photograph
Answer: Wrong
The speaker said photographs, plural. A missing s makes it wrong.
- 3
Script: "It’s a fairly large wooden table." Word limit: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS. Answer written: wooden table
Answer: Correct
Two words, spelled correctly, matching the recording.
- 4
Script: "The fee is forty pounds." Word limit: A NUMBER. Answer written: £14
Answer: Wrong
Forty is 40, not 14. Listen for the stress: FORty vs fourTEEN.
Up next
Listening map questions
Follow directions without getting lost
Written by the AdmitVerse team. Last reviewed on . AdmitVerse is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council or IDP. For official rules and test dates, see ielts.org.