Commonly Repeated Spellings of Words in IELTS Listening Test
The IELTS Listening Test challenges candidates with a variety of tasks, but one of the most critical aspects is ensuring accuracy in spelling. Even if you understand the content perfectly, a misspelled word can result in losing valuable marks. Often, there are words that appear frequently in the listening section, and being prepared for their correct spelling can significantly boost your performance.
In this blog, we’ll look at some commonly repeated words in the IELTS Listening Test that often trip up candidates due to tricky spelling patterns. Understanding these words and practicing them ahead of time will help you save time and avoid mistakes on test day.
Why is Correct Spelling Important in IELTS Listening?
Spelling is an essential part of the IELTS Listening Test. Even if you grasp the main idea of the recording or get the correct answer, misspelling can cost you marks. Here’s why correct spelling matters:
No partial credit: If the spelling is incorrect, the answer is marked wrong, even if you understood the question perfectly.
Time-saving: Familiarity with commonly repeated words allows you to focus on the content rather than second-guessing the spelling.
Improved accuracy: Regular practice helps boost your confidence and ensures you don’t make unnecessary mistakes.
Commonly Repeated Words in IELTS Listening Test
Accommodation One of the most frequent words, and its double “c” and double “m” often confuse candidates.
Environment This word tests candidates’ familiarity with silent letters, especially the “n” in the middle.
Receipt The silent “p” is a common trap for candidates.
Necessary The double “s” in the middle is an easy place for mistakes.
Schedule A word frequently used in both British and American English with slight pronunciation differences, but spelling remains the same.
Maintenance The “maintenance” word looks different from how it sounds, making it tricky for test-takers.
Government People often forget the “n” before the “m,” but it’s essential to remember.
Calendar The ending “-dar” often causes confusion, with many writing “calender.”
Business Despite its simplicity, the word often gets misspelled due to the silent “i.”
Occasion The double “c” and “s” make this word easy to misspell.
Common Misspelled Words in IELTS Listening Test
Here’s a table showing commonly misspelled words along with their correct and incorrect spellings:
Correct Spelling
Incorrect Spelling
Accommodation
Acommodation
Environment
Enviroment
Receipt
Reciept
Necessary
Neccessary
Schedule
Shedule
Maintenance
Maintainance
Government
Goverment
Calendar
Calender
Business
Busines
Occasion
Ocassion
Committee
Commitee
Definitely
Definately
Separate
Seperate
Opportunity
Oportunity
Convenient
Convienient
Neighbour
Neighbor (UK spelling)
February
Febuary
Questionnaire
Questionaire
Occurrence
Ocurrence
Beginning
Begining
How to Avoid Common Spelling Errors
Practice spelling frequently: Write down words that you struggle with repeatedly until they feel natural.
Use flashcards: Create flashcards with the correct spelling on one side and the incorrect spelling on the other to test yourself.
Listen and write: While practicing with IELTS listening audio, write down words as you hear them and compare them to the correct spelling afterward.
Review common traps: Words with double letters, silent letters, or similar sounding words often create confusion. Pay extra attention to these.
Proofread: Always leave some time at the end of the test to review your answers. Often, you can catch minor spelling errors during a quick check.
In the IELTS Listening Test, spelling can make or break your score. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with commonly repeated spellings will give you an advantage on test day. Use the list and table above to practice spelling some of the trickier words that you are likely to encounter. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to spell these words accurately and avoid losing marks due to avoidable mistakes.
