Common mistakes in each section

Many marks are lost not because of weak English but because of small, avoidable errors of method. Here are the usual ones, section by section.

Listening

Not reading ahead. The recording is played once. Use every pause to read the next questions and underline key words, so that you know what to listen for.
Stopping at a missed answer. If you miss one, leave it and move on. Staying with it means missing the next two.
Ignoring the word limit. If the instruction says "no more than two words", three words are wrong even when the meaning is right.
Spelling and plurals. One mark for each correct answer means a misspelt word or a missing "s" can cost the mark. Check spellings of common words, days, months and place names.
Writing the first thing you hear. Speakers often correct themselves: "on Tuesday, sorry, Thursday". Listen to the end.

Reading

Reading every word first. Sixty minutes for three sections and forty questions is about twenty minutes a section. Skim the text for its outline, then go to the questions.
No time to transfer. The official site states that the 60 minutes include transfer time. Write answers on the answer sheet as you go.
Using your own knowledge. Answers must come from the text, not from what you know about the subject.
Confusing "false" and "not given". False means the text says the opposite. Not given means the text does not say.
Getting stuck. Every question is worth one mark. Leave a hard one, finish the rest, and return.

Writing

Too long on Task 1. Task 2 carries more weight. Stop Task 1 at twenty minutes.
Under the word count. At least 150 and 250 words. Know roughly how many lines of your handwriting that is.
Answering half the question. Underline each part of the task and tick it off.
No overview in Academic Task 1. Say the main features before the details.
Memorised essays. The criteria say plagiarised scripts may be penalised, and a learned essay rarely fits.
Bullet points or notes. The answer must be full, connected text.
No time to check. Keep three minutes for your own usual errors.

Speaking

One-word answers. Add a reason and an example.
Reciting. Prepared speeches sound unnatural and often do not answer the question.
Speaking too fast. Speed is not fluency. Aim for a steady pace.
Stopping early in Part 2. Keep going until the examiner stops you.
Using difficult words wrongly. A simple word used correctly is better.
Silence when you do not understand. Ask the examiner to repeat the question.

Before the test

Take the wrong version, and the result may be useless. Confirm Academic or General Training with the organisation.
Practise at least two full tests under real timing. Stamina matters over nearly three hours.
Read the instructions and identity requirements sent by your test centre. Rules on what to bring are set by the centre and the test partners.

One habit that helps everywhere

After every practice test, do not just count the score. For each wrong answer, write why it was wrong: did not know the word, misread the question, ran out of time, spelling. After three tests you will see your own pattern, and that pattern is your study plan.

A six-week study plan Home

Independent practice site. IELTS Practice is not connected with, approved by or endorsed by the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, who jointly own IELTS. The practice tasks and sample answers here are our own; they are not official test questions, and we do not award bands. Facts about the test were read on ielts.org on 12 November 2026. For registration, fees, dates and official sample tests, go to ielts.org.