IELTS Listening: Spelling and Numbers
IELTS Listening spelling and numbers practice — how to write spelled names, phone numbers, dates, and prices accurately.
Overview
Spelling and number accuracy is critical in IELTS Listening Section 1 — a single spelling error or transposed digit results in a wrong answer. Names of people, organisations, streets, and places are commonly spelled out letter-by-letter. Phone numbers, prices, times, and dates must be written exactly as given. This page practises these specific skills.
Sample Questions & Answers
Write the information exactly as you hear it. Pay attention to spelling and number format.
Caller's surname: [spelled out as K-E-N-W-O-R-T-H-Y]
Street address: [spoken as "14 Harrington Crescent" — H-A-R-R-I-N-G-T-O-N]
Phone number: [spoken as "zero seven eight — double four — nine three six"]
Appointment date: [spoken as "the twenty-third of February"]
Course fee: [spoken as "two hundred and forty-five dollars"]
Expert Tips
Practise the NATO alphabet for common spelling: A=Alpha, B=Bravo, C=Charlie, etc.
Double letters are often announced: "double T" = TT, "double L" = LL.
Phone numbers in British English are often grouped in patterns: 07912 — 345 — 678.
Prices: "$245" and "245 dollars" are both acceptable; write what feels natural.
For times: "half three" = 3:30, "quarter past four" = 4:15 — practise these patterns.
Review how to write postal/ZIP codes if they appear — they follow specific national formats.
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