How to Write Numbers and Dates in IELTS Listening
In the IELTS Listening test, you will encounter a wide range of numerical information, including dates, times, percentages, measurements, and contact details. Accurately writing numbers and dates is crucial, as incorrect or unclear responses can lead to mistakes that lower your score. In this article, we will explore how to write numbers and dates correctly in IELTS Listening, including tips on formats and common pitfalls to avoid.
1. Writing Numbers in IELTS Listening
Numbers appear frequently in the IELTS Listening test, and it is important to know how to write them correctly. Whether you’re listening for statistics, phone numbers, or other figures, it’s essential to follow specific conventions.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
Use Figures for Numbers
In most cases, you should write numbers as figures (digits) rather than words. This is particularly important for numbers that are large or specific, such as phone numbers, room numbers, measurements, or addresses. Writing numbers as figures ensures clarity and precision.
– Example: If you hear “The number of participants is 150,” you should write 150.
– Example: “The room number is 308” should be written as 308.
Large Numbers and Commas
For larger numbers, use commas to separate groups of three digits to make them easier to read.
– Example: “The company made a profit of 1,500,000 dollars” should be written as 1,500,000.
– Example: “The population is 3.2 million” can be written as 3,200,000 or 3.2 million.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
Writing Fractions and Percentages
Fractions and percentages are commonly used in IELTS Listening. Here’s how to write them:
– Fractions: Write fractions with a slash between the numbers.
– Example: “One-third of the participants” should be written as 1/3.
– Example: “The area is divided into one-half” should be written as 1/2.
– Percentages: Percentages should be written in figures with the percent symbol (%), unless the audio specifies the word “percent.”
– Example: “The cost increased by 25%” should be written as 25%.
– Example: “Almost 40 percent of the students attended” should be written as 40%.
Decimal Numbers
When decimal numbers are mentioned, they should be written with a decimal point between the digits.
– Example: “The price is 15.99” should be written as 15.99.
– Example: “The temperature is -3.5 degrees” should be written as -3.5.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
Phone Numbers
Phone numbers are often spoken digit by digit. Write them exactly as you hear them, without spaces or hyphens unless specifically stated in the instructions.
– Example: “The number is 0800 123 456” should be written as 0800123456 or 0800 123 456 (depending on format).
2. Writing Dates in IELTS Listening
Dates are another common piece of information in the IELTS Listening test, and it’s essential to know how to write them correctly.
Day + Month
Dates are often spoken as “the 10th of May,” or simply “May 10th.” You should write dates in the format the speaker uses. However, when writing them, you can drop the “of” and write them as day + month, using either the ordinal number or the regular number.
– Example: “The event is on the 5th of July” should be written as 5 July or 5th July.
– Example: “The meeting will be held on the 23rd of March” should be written as 23 March.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
Month + Year
When only the month and year are given, write them as Month Year (without using “the”).
– Example: “The project will finish in October 2022” should be written as October 2022.
– Example: “The report is due in March 2023” should be written as March 2023.
Full Dates with Day, Month, and Year
If a complete date is given (including the day, month, and year), write it as Day Month Year, using the day and year in figures, and the month in words.
– Example: “The meeting is scheduled for the 2nd of November, 2023” should be written as 2 November 2023.
– Example: “The deadline is on 10th December 2024” should be written as 10 December 2024.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
Date Ranges
When a date range is provided, write the first and last dates, separating them with a hyphen.
– Example: “The event runs from the 1st to the 5th of August” should be written as 1-5 August or 1 to 5 August.
Avoid Abbreviations for Dates
It’s important to avoid abbreviating the month names (e.g., “Sept” for September) or using informal date formats like “5/10/2023” unless specifically instructed. Use the full month name and clear date formats to avoid confusion.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
Writing numbers and dates accurately in the IELTS Listening test is crucial for achieving a high score. By following the rules outlined in this article, you can ensure that your responses are clear and correct.
– Use figures for most numbers, especially when dealing with phone numbers, large figures, and percentages.
– Write dates in the format given by the speaker, using the correct order for day, month, and year.
– Be careful with decimal numbers, fractions, and special formats like date ranges.
By practicing these writing conventions, you will avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of performing well on the test.
How to Write Numbers and Dates
How to Write Numbers and Dates