Rules, comparisons and data

Do you have to use the exact words from the passage in IELTS Reading?

For gap-fills and short answers, yes. ielts.org says answers must be taken from words in the text, and sentence completion means choosing words from the text. Some summary tasks give you a list to choose from instead. In Listening, ielts.org says you do not need to change the words in the recording. Paraphrasing an answer risks losing the mark.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Task by task

From ielts.org's Academic Reading and Listening format pages.

TaskWhere the answer comes from
Reading short-answer questionsWords in the text, within the word limit
Reading sentence completionWords chosen from the text
Summary, note, table, flow chart (variation 1)Words selected from the text
Summary, note, table, flow chart (variation 2)A list of words you choose from
Listening gap-fillsWords from the recording, unchanged

Do not repeat words from the question

IDP's example: a sentence reads "Children responded more positively to generous ____" and the text talks about "family members who were more giving". "Giving family members" is marked wrong because "giving" duplicates "generous"; "family members" is right (IDP).

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Copy exactly, including numbers

IDP says that when the answer is a number in Reading, copy currency symbols and commas the same way as the text (IDP). ielts.org adds that numbers can be entered as figures or words (ielts.org). Spelling counts, so check each letter against the passage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a synonym in IELTS Reading gap-fills?+

ielts.org says answers must be taken from words in the text, so use the text's own words.

Can I change a word's form to fit the gap?+

Choose words from the text that fit; ielts.org advises checking whether a noun or verb is needed.

Do Listening answers have to be the exact words?+

ielts.org says you do not have to change the words you hear; IDP says use the exact words.

What if the summary gives a list of words?+

Then you choose from the list, per ielts.org's second variation of the task.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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