Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The rule
IDP states that words with spelling errors in the Reading and Listening tests will be marked as incorrect (IDP). There is no partial credit: each question is worth one mark, and a misspelt answer gets none (IDP). ielts.org tells General Training test takers to be careful when typing because they will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar (ielts.org).
In Writing, spelling is judged differently, as part of the Lexical Resource criterion; see do spelling mistakes count in IELTS Writing.
Words IDP sees misspelt
From IDP's list of words often spelt wrongly in Listening and Reading (IDP). IDP's Listening advice adds everyday words such as library, environment, street, avenue and professor (IDP).
| Wrong | Right |
|---|---|
| goverment | government |
| enviroment | environment |
| seperate | separate |
| definate | definite |
| accomodation | accommodation |
| neccessary | necessary |
| untill | until |
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Hyphens, numbers and checking
Hyphenated words must be spelt correctly and count as one word, for example good-looking or 3-year-old (IDP). Where a number is the answer, IDP suggests writing the numeral rather than the word, to avoid spelling mistakes (IDP).
In Listening, IDP's Community experts say to check your spelling after you type each short answer, because the answer may be marked wrong if it is incorrect (IDP Community). On computer you also get 2 minutes at the end of Listening to review (IDP).
Frequently asked questions
Is a misspelt answer in IELTS Listening marked wrong?+
Yes. IDP says spelling errors in Listening and Reading answers are marked incorrect.
Can I use American spelling in IELTS Listening?+
Yes. IDP says British or American spelling is accepted as long as the word is spelt correctly.
Do I get half a mark for a nearly correct spelling?+
No. Each question is worth one mark or nothing.
Does a hyphenated word count as two words?+
No. ielts.org and IDP both say hyphenated words count as one word.
Does spelling matter in IELTS Writing too?+
Yes, but it is assessed through the band descriptors rather than marked right or wrong.
Keep reading
Related
- Can you use American spelling in IELTS?
- Does grammar count in IELTS Listening answers?
- Do spelling mistakes count in IELTS Writing?
- Free IELTS Listening practice
- All 3112 guides
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