Rules, comparisons and data

How do you write dates and times in IELTS Listening?

IDP says dates can be written several ways, including March 5th, Mar 5th, 5th of Mar and numeric forms, and times with a colon or a full stop (7:00 or 7.00). Add a.m. or p.m. only when the answer needs it and the question does not already show it. Ordinal endings must be correct: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 4 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Dates

IDP lists these as ways to write a date: number or word form, and abbreviated days or months are allowed (IDP). The numeric forms can be read as day/month or month/day, so writing the month as a word removes any doubt.

FormatExample from IDP
Month and ordinalMarch 5th
Abbreviated monthMar 5th
Ordinal first5th of Mar
Numeric03/05 or 5/3

Ordinal endings

IDP's rule: numbers ending in 1 take st (1st, 21st, 31st) except 11th; numbers ending in 2 take nd (2nd, 22nd) except 12th; numbers ending in 3 take rd except 13th; all others take th (IDP). A wrong ending is a wrong answer.

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Times

You can separate hours and minutes with a colon or a full stop, so seven o'clock can be 7:00 or 7.00 (IDP). If the recording says the time is in the morning and the question does not, include it: IDP accepts 9.30 a.m., 9:30am, 9.30 A.M. or 9:30AM. If the gap is already followed by p.m., do not write it again; IDP's example answer is 5:00 or 5.00.

Know what quarter past, quarter to and half past mean: 6:15, 6:45 and 6:30 (IDP).

Phone and card numbers

In number sequences, speakers may say "O" for zero and "double" or "triple" for repeated digits, so "double seven" is 77 and "triple three" is 333 (IDP). Write the digits, not the words.

Frequently asked questions

Can I write 5/3 for 5 March in IELTS Listening?+

IDP lists numeric dates as acceptable, but writing the month as a word avoids day and month confusion.

Should I write a.m. or p.m. in IELTS Listening?+

Only when needed. IDP says do not repeat p.m. if the question already shows it.

Is 7.00 or 7:00 correct?+

Both. IDP says a colon or a full stop is fine.

What does 'double nine' mean in a phone number?+

99. IDP says repeated digits may be said as double or triple.

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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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