IELTS Listening and Reading: 10 Mistakes That Cost You Marks
By GradMate.ai Editorial Team · Published October 31, 2026 · 3 min read
Most marks lost in Listening and Reading are not about English level. They come from small, repeatable habits. Fix these and you can gain half a band or more without learning new vocabulary.
Both sections
1. Ignoring the word limit
"NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS" means exactly that. An answer with three words is marked wrong even if it is right. Underline the limit before you start each task, and check whether numbers and "a/the" count.
2. Spelling mistakes
Answers must be spelled correctly. Both British and American spellings are accepted (for example "colour" or "color"), but a mix of letters that spells a different word is wrong. Practise the words that appear often: months, days, numbers, common nouns like "accommodation" and "environment".
3. Singular or plural errors
If the text says "tools" and you write "tool", the answer may be marked wrong. Copy the form that fits the sentence you are completing.
4. Leaving blanks
There is no negative marking. Always write something, even a guess.
5. Not reading the instructions
Different tasks need different answer types: letters, words, numbers or "True / False / Not Given". Reading the instruction for a task takes seconds and prevents careless errors.
Listening only
6. Switching off after the example
Audio is played once. Use the time before each section to read the questions and underline key words, so you know what to listen for. If you lose an answer, let it go and focus on the next, rather than losing three.
7. Choosing the first number or name you hear
The speaker often corrects themselves ("It's 15... no, sorry, 50"). Wait for the final version before you write it.
8. Careless answer transfer
In the paper-based test you get ten minutes at the end to copy answers to the answer sheet, and in the computer-delivered test you type as you go with a short check at the end. Use the time to check spelling and singular or plural, not to guess new answers.
Reading only
9. Reading every word of the passage first
You have 60 minutes for three passages and no extra time to transfer answers. Skim for the structure, read the questions, then scan for the answers. Spend about 20 minutes on each passage, and move on if a question takes too long.
10. Confusing "False" and "Not Given"
- True: the text agrees with the statement.
- False: the text says the opposite.
- Not Given: the text does not say either way.
If you cannot find direct information to confirm or contradict a statement, it is probably Not Given. Do not use your own knowledge.
A practice routine that works
- Do a full timed section, not only isolated questions.
- Mark it, then list every wrong answer and the reason: spelling, word limit, misread, did not find, ran out of time.
- Practise the most common type of mistake for a week.
- Repeat with another test and compare.
Count your correct answers and use the IELTS band score calculator to see what it means as a band. GradMate IELTS runs Listening and Reading tests with the same time limits and shows which question types you lose most marks on.
Frequently asked questions
Does spelling matter in IELTS Listening?
Yes. A misspelled answer is marked wrong. Both British and American spellings are accepted.
Is there negative marking in IELTS?
No. A wrong answer costs nothing, so never leave an answer blank.
How much time do I get in IELTS Listening?
About 30 minutes of audio, plus time to transfer your answers: 10 minutes in the paper-based test and a short check time in the computer-delivered test.
How long is IELTS Reading?
60 minutes for three passages and 40 questions. There is no extra time for transferring answers.