Common Spelling Errors and How to Avoid Them Identify and correct frequently misspelled words to improve your writing score.

🔴 Top 12 Common Spelling Errors in IELTS

❌ Incorrect	✅ Correct	📌 Tip to Remember
accomodation	accommodation	Double "c" and double "m"
definately	definitely	Ends with -ely, not -ately
enviroment	environment	Don’t forget the "n"
goverment	government	Think: govern + ment
seperate	separate	Always ends in -rate, not -rete
recieve	receive	“I before E except after C”
adress	address	Double “d” and “s”
occurance	occurrence	Double “c” and double “r”
sucess	success	Double “c” and “s”
arguement	argument	No "e" after "u"
embarassed	embarrassed	Double “r” and “s”
responsability	responsibility	Base word: responsible + ity

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✅ How to Avoid Spelling Mistakes

1. 📚 Create a Personal Error List

Every time you make a spelling mistake during practice, write it down and review it weekly.

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2. ✍️ Use Spelling Practice Apps

Try apps like:

• Grammarly

• Quizlet

• SpellingCity
  They help reinforce visual memory through repetition.

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3. 🔁 Practice Dictation

Listen to short IELTS recordings or TED Talks and write what you hear. Then check spelling.

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4. 🧠 Break Words Into Chunks

E.g.,
ac-com-mo-da-tion → 5 parts to remember the double letters.

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5. 📝 Proofread Backwards

Read each word from the end of your writing backward to isolate spelling from meaning.

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🎯 Final Tip:

In the IELTS Listening test, incorrect spelling = 0 marks, even if everything else is perfect. In Writing, repeated spelling mistakes lower your Lexical Resource and Accuracy scores.

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5 Penalty Areas for Students in IELTS Listening Common mistakes to avoid in the IELTS Listening test that can cost you valuable marks.

🔴 1. Spelling Mistakes

💥 Penalty: Even if the answer is correct, wrong spelling = 0 marks.

Common Issues:

• Confusing “their” and “there”

• Misspelling words like “accommodation,” “environment,” etc.

✅ Tip: Practice writing common IELTS vocabulary and check spelling after each practice test.

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🔴 2. Wrong Word Limit

💥 Penalty: If the instruction says “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” and you write three, your answer is automatically marked wrong.

✅ Tip: Always read the instructions carefully at the beginning of each section.

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🔴 3. Poor Time Management

💥 Penalty: Failing to follow the audio leads to missed answers in bulk.

Common Mistakes:

• Focusing too long on one question

• Not moving on when the recording does

✅ Tip: Practice scanning ahead and underline keywords before the audio begins.

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🔴 4. Incorrect Plural or Singular Forms

💥 Penalty: Writing “student” instead of “students” (or vice versa) can result in zero marks, even if the rest is correct.

✅ Tip: Pay attention to articles (“a”, “an”, “the”) and verb forms in the question for clues.

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🔴 5. Mishearing or Assuming Answers

💥 Penalty: Jumping to conclusions based on your own knowledge instead of what’s said.

Example:
The speaker says: “He planned to visit next month, not this month.”
But the student writes: “this month” — based on assumption.

✅ Tip: Listen actively — answers often come after a correction or contrast in the conversation.

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✅ Bonus Tips:

• Use all capital letters if unsure about handwriting or capitalization rules.

• Check your answers in the 10 minutes transfer time for spelling/grammar.

• Learn common traps like distractors (e.g., speaker changes their mind mid-sentence).

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No IELTS Words: IELTS Vocabulary List | Essential vocabulary list organized by topics to boost your lexical resource for all IELTS modules.

🔹 1. Education

• Curriculum

• Syllabus

• Literacy

• Pedagogy

• Vocational training

• Assessment

• Tuition fees

• Distance learning

• Scholarship

• Academic achievement

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🔹 2. Environment

• Conservation

• Biodiversity

• Carbon footprint

• Deforestation

• Renewable energy

• Climate change

• Sustainable

• Emissions

• Pollution

• Ecosystem

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🔹 3. Health

• Balanced diet

• Mental health

• Obesity

• Healthcare system

• Nutrition

• Vaccination

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Preventive care

• Addiction

• Chronic illness

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🔹 4. Technology

• Innovation

• Artificial Intelligence

• Automation

• Cybersecurity

• Digital literacy

• Breakthrough

• Robotics

• Data privacy

• E-commerce

• Surveillance

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🔹 5. Government & Law

• Legislation

• Policy

• Bureaucracy

• Judiciary

• Regulation

• Constitution

• Democracy

• Law enforcement

• Civil rights

• Governance

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🔹 6. Global Issues

• Poverty

• Inequality

• Globalization

• Refugee crisis

• Economic disparity

• International aid

• Human rights

• Trade barriers

• Sanctions

• Conflict resolution

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🔹 7. Work & Business

• Entrepreneurship

• Unemployment

• Job satisfaction

• Freelancing

• Corporate culture

• Work-life balance

• Outsourcing

• Promotion

• Productivity

• Resume

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🔹 8. Science & Innovation

• Hypothesis

• Experimentation

• Discovery

• Research methodology

• Scientific community

• Theory

• Breakthrough

• Genetic engineering

• Nanotechnology

• Patent

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🔹 9. Media & Advertising

• Propaganda

• Sensationalism

• Sponsorship

• Endorsement

• Target audience

• Branding

• Bias

• Mass media

• Censorship

• Viral marketing

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🔹 10. Society & Culture

• Tradition

• Heritage

• Multiculturalism

• Discrimination

• Stereotype

• Social norms

• Ethnicity

• Integration

• Gender roles

• Community

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✅ Tips to Use This Vocabulary:

• Use collocations like "reduce carbon footprint", "improve academic performance", "ensure data privacy"

• Practice them in contextual sentences

• Use in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 2/3

Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travelers | New cue cards 2025 |

 3. Describe a place in your country or part of your

country that you would like to recommend to

visitors/travelers

You should say:

- What it is

- Where it is

- What people can do there

- And explain why you would like to recommend it to visitors/travellers

Sample Answer
Honestly speaking, India is a country filled with diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and historical landmarks. However, if I had to recommend one place to travelers, it would definitely be Amritsar, a city located in the northern state of Punjab.

I’ve had the chance to visit Amritsar multiple times, and each experience has been nothing short of unforgettable. The city is most famous for the Golden Temple, which is not just a religious site but a symbol of peace and unity. Every time I go there, the serenity of the place and the devotion of the people give me goosebumps.

Apart from the temple, travelers can also visit the Wagah Border ceremony, which showcases the border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan—truly a patriotic experience. Additionally, the local Punjabi cuisine, especially dishes like Amritsari Kulcha and Lassi, is something that I always look forward to.

What makes this city so special is its rich history, warm-hearted people, and vibrant atmosphere. Anyone visiting India should definitely keep Amritsar on their travel list, as it offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and hospitality.

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✅ Vocabulary, Idioms, and Phrases

Expression	Meaning	Use in Context
Nothing short of unforgettable	Extremely memorable	“Each experience has been nothing short of unforgettable.”
Gives me goosebumps	A strong emotional reaction	“The devotion of the people gives me goosebumps.”
Warm-hearted people	Kind and welcoming individuals	“The city is known for its warm-hearted people.”
Keep on the travel list	Must-visit place	“Travelers should definitely keep Amritsar on their travel list.”
A blend of...	A mix or combination	“It offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and hospitality.”

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✅ Connectors Used

• Honestly speaking
• However
• Apart from that
• What makes this city so special is...
• Additionally
• Every time I go there...

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✅ Customizable Paragraph Template

Honestly speaking, [Your Country] is known for its [diverse landscapes / rich history / vibrant culture]. However, if I had to recommend one specific place to travelers, it would definitely be [Place Name], located in [Location/Region].

I’ve visited this place [mention how many times], and every time I go there, I feel [emotional reaction – e.g. peaceful, amazed, nostalgic]. The place is famous for [main attraction or landmark], and I believe it reflects the true spirit of [country/culture].

Tourists can also enjoy [mention 2–3 activities or things to do], which makes the trip even more fulfilling.

What makes this destination truly stand out is its [mention uniqueness – e.g. friendly people, cultural richness, natural beauty]. Anyone visiting [Country] should surely consider adding [Place Name] to their itinerary.

Historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin. To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Real exam ielts writing task 2

Historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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❖ Ideas Used:

Agree side (main opinion):

• Cultural heritage should be preserved in its rightful context.

• Returning artifacts fosters national pride and historical understanding.

• Example: Indian statues returned from foreign museums.

Disagree side (minor point):

• Some countries lack resources to preserve these items properly.

• Global display promotes cross-cultural education.

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✦ Sample Answer

➤ Introduction

It is often argued that ancient artifacts and cultural treasures, which were removed or taken from their original countries, should be returned. While opinions differ, it is strongly believed that historical objects ought to be restored to their country of origin, as they represent cultural identity and hold deep historical significance.

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➤ Body Paragraph 1 – Support for Returning Artifacts

To begin with, the repatriation of historical items is seen as a way to restore cultural integrity. When objects are returned, they are placed in their original cultural setting, which allows people to connect more meaningfully with their own history. For example, several Indian sculptures and religious artifacts that were taken during colonial times have recently been returned by foreign museums. These items, once removed from temples and sacred sites, are now being displayed in Indian institutions where they are valued not only as artistic pieces but as symbols of national heritage. Furthermore, returning such objects fosters a sense of justice and respect between nations. Therefore, the return of these items strengthens both cultural preservation and diplomatic relations.

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➤ Body Paragraph 2 – Counterargument (Opposing View)

However, some argue that these objects are better preserved and appreciated in international museums. It is believed that countries of origin may lack the infrastructure or security needed to protect valuable artifacts. For instance, during times of conflict or political instability, museums and cultural sites may be at risk of damage or theft. Additionally, by keeping historical items in global institutions like the British Museum or the Louvre, people from around the world gain the opportunity to learn about diverse civilizations. Yet, despite these advantages, it is still considered unethical to keep objects that were acquired without consent. Cultural ownership should not be overshadowed by display convenience.

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➤ Conclusion

In conclusion, although some benefits are associated with keeping historical objects in international museums, I firmly believe that they should be returned to their country of origin. Doing so not only ensures cultural justice but also promotes historical awareness and pride among native populations.

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❖ Vocabulary Used

Word/Phrase	Usage/Meaning
Repatriation	The act of returning something to its country of origin
Cultural integrity	Wholeness and authenticity of a culture
Connect meaningfully	Relate in a deep, emotional, or insightful way
Colonial times	Periods of foreign rule over a country
Diplomatic relations	Political ties and interactions between countries
Infrastructure	Basic systems (buildings, roads, etc.) needed for operation
Political instability	Lack of stable governance
Ethical/Unethical	Morally right/wrong
Cultural ownership	Rightful claim over one’s heritage
Display convenience	Ease of showing or exhibiting something

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