IELTS Computer Delivered Tests + Band Score

Using All Capital Letters in the IELTS Listening and Reading Tests

by Moktadir
(Sydney, Australia)

Is it alright to answer in all capital letter in listening and reading section? I always make mistakes in capitalization. Most of time instead of starting a word with a capital letter, I use lower case, such as for Central Bank - I write either central bank or Central bank, which both are wrong answer.


In this case, if I write CENTRAL BANK - will it be correct/wrong?

Comments for Using All Capital Letters in the IELTS Listening and Reading Tests

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Oct 01, 2012
 Using capital letters in the IELTS test
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

Yes, it is fine to use all capital letters. This is taken from the British Council IELTS website:

"As you listen, write your answers on the question paper. At the end of the test, you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet in pencil. You may write your answers in lower case or capital letters."

So if you do have problems with knowing whether to choose capitals or not, this can help.

It's the same for the reading, but most of your responses in the reading come from the text, so you should be able to see if it is capitals or not.

Thanks
Oct 01, 2012
 Improve Your IELTS Bands
by: Syed Hussain

Hi.

Yes You can use all capital letters because CENTRAL BANK is a Noun.

Thanks,

Syed
Oct 14, 2012
 Captial letter
by: Anonymous

What if, we written a word starting with a capital letter (Central) as answer in IELTS listening test? Is it wrong?
Oct 17, 2012
 Using capital letters in the IELTS test
by: IELTS buddy

If it is a word that NEEDS a capital letter, then you must use one, and your answer will be correct. For example the name of a city:

"Paris"

If it does not, then don't use a capital letter.

Or, as discussed above, you could put all your answers in capitals.
Nov 07, 2012
 Doubt
by: Anonymous

I have mentioned HI in capital letters. Is it wrong?
Nov 08, 2012
 IELTS capitalization
by: Anonymous

Hi friends, "nothing is wrong".

For example, if the word "public" is the answer in your listening test, u can write it as Public or PUBLIC or public - not a problem at all.

Because i wrote my IELTS exam recently and feared a lot thinking that my listening module will get zero marks as I answered in all the above said formats for different questions.

I got 8.5 in my listening. write as you like.

But, be on safer side by writing either in all capitals (PUBLIC) or all small letters (public).

In cambridge esol IELTS 8 book, on page 8, under listening and reading header in third paragraph see the line in first bullet.

Upper case or lower case.
all the best
Feb 11, 2013
 Thank you
by: Mew

It's useful. Thank you very much.
Feb 22, 2013
 doudt about listening and reading
by: sundeep

hello I have a doubt regarding listening and reading, some answers are from between the sentences (like The ----- eat) can we write in capital letters or is it mandatory to write in small letters.
Feb 26, 2013
 Capitals in IELTS
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

You can use capitals or small letters. It doesn't matter.

Thanks
Mar 03, 2013
 Using capital letters in the IELTS Reading test
by: Anonymous

Hi,
Recently I appeared in IELTS exam and I wrote all my answers for reading section in capital letters. For e.g. HOUSE. Is it correct???

(yes, that is ok. IELTSbuddy).
Mar 08, 2013
 Is it ok to write all answers in CAPITAL letters in ielts exm
by: sudheesh

today i have ielts exam. The above people questions answers.. Are more helpful to me to write my exam. Thank u friends...
Apr 04, 2013
 writing the letters
by: Anonymous

hi friends recently complete my ielts exam .in that exam i write the upper case and lower case both are mixing like for example "the word is library"then i write"Library"is it wright or wrong plese tell me guys.....
May 06, 2013
 Upper and lower case
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I found this article but am not sure about its veracity:
www.idp.co.th/IELTS/A_WhenMustCandidatesUseCapitals.aspx

Please post if you have some information if this is right or through.
It says that writing words in listening text can be marked as correct ether it is written for ex "China", "china" or "cHina".
Jun 20, 2013
 Indepth doubts clarication
by: Anonymous

If you choose to answer all question either in lower case or upper case capital letter both have different doubts.

Firstly in lower case how do you answer Q needs to be answered option of A-Z here is it ok to answer 'a' or A and also about true, false or not given or True,False or Not Given or all letters in capital

Secondly in capital letter case how do I write the roman letters for exp (i, ii, III and iv) or else (I, II, III and IV )
Jul 31, 2013
 yes
by: Anonymous

yes you can write all answers in capital or in small only in case of listening and reading.

www.ielts.org/pdf/Information%20for%20Candidates_2013.pdf
Aug 18, 2013
 Transfer to answer sheet
by: Anonymous

In readıng part , if write down capital letter of yes or no , is it problem,

like i wote down Y instead of yes or NG instead of not given
Sep 19, 2013
 ANSWERS in CAPITAL
by: Anonymous

I appeared in IELTS exam on 17th August. I wrote all the answer in Capital for both listening and reading modules. I got 7.5 and 7.0 respectively. So, it is best idea to answer all question in capital. But never write in short i.e NG instead of NOT GIVEN.
Sep 21, 2013
 hi in ilets exam idp
by: Anonymous

can we write NG T F for not given true false in answer sheet
Sep 29, 2013
 capital letters
by: Anonymous

is it right to write all the reading answer in capital even they are from text (lower case in text)
can any one tell me
pls thanks
Sep 30, 2013
 Answer in Capital Letter
by: Himanshu

Yes you can write in Capital letters without considering main text
Nov 20, 2013
 Word
by: Anonymous

is there any problem if I mixed with upper case and lower case letter
Nov 23, 2013
 IELTS uppercase
by: Himanshu

No, You have to follow only one kind of pattern. Either lower case or upper case. If you always right in upper case, it will make easy to forget when to write in lower case and when to in upper case (i.e. The French Revolution, here T, F and R must be in Capital)
Nov 25, 2013
 Dilemma in Listening and Reading Answers
by: Anonymous

Hello Sir/Madam;

I wrote my IELTS Exam on 9th of november 2013
I wrote all my Answers from reading and writing in Upper case (capital letters).....for Instance: EXAM

I hope that I did well during the exam time but after I got my results I was shocked with my score
:(
I never got 5.5 Bands in listening and I expected at least 7 or 7.5 what happened I didn't understood I got 5.5 both in listening and reading very sad :(((

Please help me friends I got depressed .......
Nov 25, 2013
 IELTS Exam
by: Himanshu

There is nothing wrong that you wrote in capital letters. It is really bad feeling as you got only 5.5 in L & R module. There might be something wrong with your answer or you might have lost your calm. If you are quite sure about your god performance during exam, you can go for rechecking option.
Nov 30, 2013
 DATE IN CAPITAL LETTER
by: RAMAN & CHAGAN

HI, Can anyone tell me that is it right or not in listening test?
18TH APRIL
If i want to use all capital letter in exam.
If this date above is wrong. then how i can write

plz help me
Nov 30, 2013
 RECOMMENDATION
by: Anonymous

of course, I will recommend all my friend to check this website before you start any type of preparation for IELTS.
Dec 12, 2013
 tell me sone tips
by: Anonymous

i appear on 9 nov 2013 i got 5.5 in listening i expect 7 i don't know why i got such low score i got 6.5 in speaking 6 in writing and reading .
Dec 13, 2013
 Need help
by: Anonymous

can we write NG T F for not given true false in answer sheet?? Some one please tell me . I couldn't find answer of this question
Dec 29, 2013
 Advice required - should roman numerals be capital letters in IELTS reading and listening
by: Anonymous

I got 7.5, 6.5, 7.5 and 6.5 in my previous ielts test and then I applied capital letter rule in reading and listening and wrote all the answers in reading and listening answer sheet in capital letters.

I got 8, 5.5, 7, and 7 in my recent ielts test I am shocked to get 5.5 in reading test, as far as i know i made a mistake to write roman numbers in lower case like i ii iii instead of I II III otherwise I wrote all English words in capital.

Does it matter for roman numbers to write in lowercase and uppercase or can be written in any case. I think I lost marks only due to lowercase of roman numbers.

Please share personal experience...
Jan 12, 2014
 writing in numbers
by: Hajjsitd

Hi,

I will be taking my IELTS this week. I am just wondering if we can write numbers in numbers (i.e. 13th, 75th, 16, 11) instead of words (eleventh, Ninth, a thousand.)

Thank you
Jan 20, 2014
 hi
by: Anonymous

Hi, I'm taking ielts test on 25th jan 2014. I'm confused about which letter (capital or small) I give reading answer. plz tell me
Jan 20, 2014
 Answer in Capital
by: Himanshu

Only in CAPITAL, It will be helpful
Jan 25, 2014
 capital letter
by: Anonymous

I hsve one question that in previous ielts exam question was asked with ? Indication and i wrote answer in capital letter ( Camel ) it is write or wrong please tell me
Jan 27, 2014
 Capital Letter
by: Himanshu

Yes, you can write CAMEL.
Jan 30, 2014
 Important
by: Anonymous

If I wrote "car" and the answer key is "a car" is that considered a wrong answer in the ielts ?
Jan 30, 2014
 Answers of Answer key
by: Himanshu

Yes, IT is wrong as we need to write answer as per rules of Grammer. But, if you have doubt you can write answer (A) CAR i.e. article A in bracket. Same you can apply for plural i.e. WAITER(S).
Feb 01, 2014
 doubt in ielts writing
by: Abhi

hi..
i had my ielts test today ...
in writing i feel more tense and even i forgot to leave space between each paragraph ..
will it be penalised...
Feb 01, 2014
 Essay Paragraph
by: Himanshu

Hi, ABHI,

It would be good,if you had written with a space b/w each paragraph as it is quite easy to read and understand. But, It will not effect your marks.
Could you tell me, what was the topic ? How many paragraphs did you write in?
Feb 02, 2014
 Here is my prompt
by: Abhi

i had written 5 paragraphs including introduction and conclusion...

My prompt is:

"some people think there must be a break between secondary and univ edu while some people think that there should be no break student have to go straight to univ" ....

i wrote firstly while starting the body of first para and secondly at the starting of 2nd para and however at 3rd para ...

finally I mentioned In conclusion ...
Feb 05, 2014
 ESSAY
by: Himanshu

Hi, Abhi

I hope you started with Introduction and ended with a proper conclusion. Also, It is necessary to paraphrase both the sentence before starting each paragraph. Elaborated reasons with proper Grammar and Punctuation would give you desired result.
Feb 09, 2014
 HOW TO WRITE ANSWERS ON IELTS ANSWERSHEET
by: NTR

How to write the answers on ielts answer sheet, is it in capital or small letters (Eg:LISTENING or listening and Listening). Plzzz get me this help getting confused
Feb 09, 2014
 answer
by: Himanshu

It is good idea to write in capital all letters. It will help you to write error free words according to grammar rules. I got 7:5 and 7.0 in listening and reading by this practice.
Mar 07, 2014
 Writing academic
by: Anonymous

Today writing academic topic
Some people think young people should study full time education till 18 yrs of age
Do u agree or disagree
Mar 09, 2014
 words with Hyphen
by: Anonymous

Hi,

Is it correct to write co-operative as cooperative?

Again I also am confused writing a word using capital & small letters (the way we generally do). For example say:

What is the name for a group of family doctors working in the same building together?
Ans: 'Practices' or 'practices'?

I believe 'Practices' should be the right one as it is the name of a group. But in the book the answer is given as practices.

What should i do?
Mar 09, 2014
 Answer in Capital letter
by: Himanshu

You must write CO-OPERATIVE. And for second question: to avoid such kind of confusing situation, it is better to write all alphabets in capital.
Apr 10, 2014
 letter case
by: Anonymous

how can i write like date eg: seventeenth century
and fifth day
PARADE
May 01, 2014
 Answer in Answer Keys
by: Vrajesh J

it has become difficult for me to evaluate my right scores of practice exams, confusions causes due to below reasons.

when my answer is Stereo System, in the pass key its given (a) (Stereo) System...

So whats implication of bracket given in answer key, is it showing optional or mandatory words of 'a' and 'Stereo' along with word 'System'.

When my answer is 25, in the pass key its give ($)25, let me tell you question itself was containing $ sign but it has been repeated in answer key with bracket..got confused

same confusion with a, an, the many of the answers are given in answer key with a, an, the in bracket..

Kindly revert asap.
m appearing exam this May
May 02, 2014
 Words in brackets in the IELTS listening test
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Vrajesh,

A word in brackets means that you can have it in your answer or not, both is ok.

I don't understand why the dollar sign would have been in brackets if it appeared on the actual test. That seems strange. Maybe it was an error on the paper you were looking at.
May 03, 2014
 Thanks
by: Anonymous

Thanks Ielts Buddy
For clear and to the point Answer.

Appreciated!!
May 06, 2014
 Reading
by: awais

Hi can anyone tell me if i get 28 or 29 right answers in reading section what will be my band?
I understand if i get 30 right my band is 7.
May 11, 2014
 writing time
by: nimbby

Hi. I'll be taking the IELTS exam soon. And I'm preparing right now. How do you write the time for listening? As in the practice test, the answer is 9.30 (am). My answer was 9:30 a.m. Does it mean I'm wrong?
May 11, 2014
 Capital and Paragraph
by: Himanshu

you can write either 9.00 AM or 9.00 AM. But, it is always good to follow the examples given in set of questions. Sometimes, it could be written 9/ 9.00 / 9.00 AM. In short, if your answer is within the required word limit, no need to worry.
May 17, 2014
 Right or wrong
by: Kasir

Can anybody tell me, I write all my answers in reading and writing ,1st word capital and other small?? For an instance Police, will it consider right or not?
Jun 01, 2014
 Using upper case in listening
by: Aanita

Hi,
I have always problem with upper/ lowercase. If I want to use upper case, do I have to write all 40 answer in upper case or we can write upper case only confusing answers? For instance all my answers are correct expect 2 or 3 and I am confused about it.. So I can write all upper case letter for that 3 questions.
Jun 01, 2014
 Answer in uppercase
by: Himanshu

I strongly recommend you to write all your answers in UPPERCASE regardless of question type.
Jun 06, 2014
 Write Dollar or Pounds instead of the sign
by: Danny

Is is OK to write the the letter dollar/Pounds instead of the sign?
Jun 07, 2014
 Dollar or pound sign
by: Himanshu

Generally, it is not harmful to write in full instead of sign of dollar or pound. But, it is quite necessary to take care if you are going to write answer of table where former or letter answer is in sign.
Jun 07, 2014
 answers
by: katrin b

Hi, is it wrong to write True,False,NOT GIVEN in reading...
I didn't write all capitals
Jun 09, 2014
 Capital answer
by: Himanshu

Katrin, Sorry but your question is not clear.
Jun 09, 2014
 reading
by: Anonymous

Do I have to write True, False, Not Given answers all in capital in reading test or just start with capital is fine?

for example,

True or TRUE
False or FALSE
Not Given or NOT GIVEN

Which one is correct?
Jul 14, 2014
 Writing NG instead of 'not given'
by: Anonymous

i wrote NG instead of 'not given' in ielts exam coz i was in so pressure n hurry.......will i get marks if my answers are still correct?
Jul 20, 2014
 confusion
by: M

i am always confusing in upper case and lower case in ielts lisetening section.what should i do to get higher score in ielts? Help me
Jul 22, 2014
 CAPITAL LETTERS
by: Anonymous

Do IDP accept all the answers written in UPPER CASE?
Aug 15, 2014
 Wrong date
by: Anonymous

i marked the month incorrectly does it matter?
Aug 17, 2014
 wrong answer
by: IELTS buddy

If you put in the wrong answer it will be marked wrong.
Aug 18, 2014
 confusion about including articles in listening test
by: Anonymous

Hi!

I have recently given my ielts test through Idp and I scored 6.5 in listening as well as in reading, individually.

I was shocked to look at my scores as I had very well prepared for the test.I have practiced a lot and still got a disappointing result to me. Am giving the test again next month through British council as am not satisfied with the score I got. I want to know how we should write the answers in the listening test.

I was able to write all the answers correctly but sometimes making mistakes while including the articles. I crosschecked the audio where they said the rajdooth hotel but in the answer sheet they gave the answer only as rajdooth. Can we write the articles in our answers if they are mentioned in the audio?

Kindly give me some suggestions that I can make to improve my score.
Thank you!
Aug 23, 2014
 confusion about including articles in listening test
by: Anonymous

Please someone respond to my questions about how to include articles with the answers. Please help me with this, as my exam is in 2 days.
Aug 27, 2014
 Articles in speaking
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

Sorry I just saw your post. It is too late now as you have taken the test.

I don't know about the specific test you are talking about with the hotel (I'd need to see it to see what you mean) but there is not a special rule for the IELTS test and articles.

The answers must be grammatically correct. If an article is needed to make it grammatically correct then it should be put in.

Like I say, I can't really commment on your hotel example without seeing it.

Thanks
Sep 06, 2014
 ielts reading
by: Anonymous

in ielts reading I have written whole answer instead of writing only the option what they have instructed to do.

will it reduce the mark??
Sep 11, 2014
 Reply for this please..
by: Anonymous

Is it write if we put T for true, F for false and NG for not given
Sep 16, 2014
 T, F, NG
by: IELTS

What did it say in the instructions? Always read them carefully and follow exactly what they say.
Sep 18, 2014
 T,F,NG
by: HIMANSHU

If one is asked to write TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN in full, and answer will be written T,F, NG, candidate will be punished in marks.
Sep 29, 2014
 IELTS READING
by: Sekar

Hi,
In RC I have written the complete answers instead of writing the options as (B),(C) or what ever Will there be any punishment in marks for what I have done in RC..
Kindly clarify me.
Thanks!
Oct 02, 2014
 Answer in the test
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

If you didn't follow what you were told in the instructions then it will probably be wrong.
Oct 21, 2014
 reply me its very urgent
by: Anonymous

hi
2 days before i gave the ielts exam, i have one question that in reading or listening i wrote all answer in small but started with capital, even fill in the blanks also i started in capital letter and rest was smaller like (Simple)..so i have doubt that for doing this they will cut my marks or not..i am very worried 4 this..plz clear my doubt soon
Oct 22, 2014
 plz rply me
by: Anonymous

no one is here to solve my problem..plz rply my question
Oct 22, 2014
 Capital letter or small
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

This is what it says on the official IELTS site:

"You may write your answers in lower case or capital letters".

So from this, I can only deduce that "Simple" would be ok.

Thanks
Oct 23, 2014
 reply plz
by: Anonymous

If i write `Combination` between the sentence, so they will cut my marks...you know I wrote all answer in like that in fill in the blanks. plz reply me
Oct 25, 2014
 Capital letter or small
by: IELTS buddy

Sorry but I don't understand your question
Oct 25, 2014
 i am worried
by: Anonymous

i mean, in reading, between fill in the blanks if i write lower case but start with capital letter like (Innocent or Help). so they will cut my band.
Nov 09, 2014
 worried abt listening an reading
by: raghuram

Hello
Recently on november 8 i took my test, here in test of reading and listening, i gave my test in all capitals...example for business i wrote BUSINESS,is it okay? and for the rest of answers i did the same for listening and reading for all 40 questions .. am bit worried about it? is it fine? plz tell me?
Nov 11, 2014
 if there is mistake can i erase it and write
by: Anonymous

I started writing the answers from leftside providing an very small gap....is it ok....and i have written in capital first letter rest small letter.....is it ok....or it is wrong ...and for wrong answer i erase the word and re-written on the space....for these i will loose band?....in lisenting and reading

Thank you
Nov 13, 2014
 TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN question
by: JC

Hi,

I noticed this question had been raised a few times in this discussion but so far no complete answers had been given. I only manage to write T/F/NG in the TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN question due to time constraints during my previous exam. May I know if this would directly lead to a red-light fail or I will only be penalised for doing so. If it is the latter, may I know how many marks would be deducted?

Thanks.

Nov 13, 2014
 Using all capital letters for IELTS
by: IELTS buddy

Hi raghuram,

Writing all your answers in capitals is ok.
Nov 13, 2014
 TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN question
by: IELTS buddy

Hi JC,

You asked if you T/F/NG instead of TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN whether this is ok or not.

The reason you have probably not found the answer is that only official IELTS marking centres will know this.

The first rule is to ALWAYS follow the instructions to make sure you are not penalised. So if it says write "TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN" in the answers you should do this.

But if you wrote "T/F/NG" will it be accepted? Only the examination centre where it is marked will know this. If they have not made it public whether they accept it or not then nobody will know.
Dec 08, 2014
 to put dollar sign or not
by: Anonymous

hello, i was studying barron ielts practice exam, i am so confused wether to put dollar sign or not..because in some cases, in the answer sheet, the DOLLAR SIGN IS INCLUDED and most of the times its not..i'm so confused..i would appreciate your answers..
Dec 09, 2014
 TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN
by: Hardik

Hi,

Could you please tell me how to write true/false/not given in exam?

Option 1) to write TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN in capital letters.

Option 2) to write true/false/not given in small letters.

Option 3) to write T/F/NG (just initials).

We (me and my friend) have given exam on 6th dec (IELTS-General) and have opt for option 2 and option 3 respectively. We are concerned a lot for this.

Please could you respond and share your views on the above matter.

Regards
Hardi
Dec 13, 2014
 Dollar sign and T/F/NG
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

Regarding the dollar (or pound) sign, the key thing is whether it is on the question paper or not.

You are filling in the gaps. If there is no dollar sign on the question paper, then you should put it in the answer. If the dollar sign is on the paper, you should not.

About T/F/NG - it will not matter if it is small letters or capitals.

But as to whether you can write the letters, follow the instructions. As I recall, the instructions say 'write True, False or Not Given'. So I would do that.

Only the IELTS marking places will know if you can put the letters instead, but as we do not know it is best to do exactly as the instructions say to be on the safe side.

Thanks
Jan 05, 2015
 Doubt
by: Anonymous

hello..
what if i write 1 answer in capitals and the next in small letter? for ex. if i write one answer 'FARMING' and the nest answer 'ground'. Is this all right? should i stick only to one format,either lower case or the upper? or like i asked can i use both?
Jan 08, 2015
 Switcing upper and lower case
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

There is no guidance on that, but as you can use either I can't see why it would matter if you switched between them in the answers (though I'm not sure why you would want to do that).
Jan 10, 2015
 roman letters
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I would like to know how to write roman letters in listening and reading test?
Jan 27, 2015
 Reading and listening
by: Anonymous

hii everyone,

i recently wrote my exam and got 8.5 , 7.5, 8.5 , 8 in my all sections. i wrote all my answers in upper case and numbers in digits.
Feb 03, 2015
 Capital
by: Anonymous

hi,

I have written my Ielts exam (listening part), with capital but just the first letter ...for example , Qualification instead of qualification ...is it right?
Feb 07, 2015
 Roman Letters
by: Anonymous

Hello,

I took my exam today and I wrote my answers in capital letters for reading and listening except for roman letters.

For instance,

PAPER
TREE
i
iv
v

Is it okay to do that? Help is much appreciated!
Mar 04, 2015
 The answer from british council
by: Anonymous

Below is the answer I received from british council
----------------
Thanks for getting in touch.

Here are the guidelines we are able to offer on giving answers in IELTS, which should address your queries:

It is acceptable to write in upper or lower case during the IELTs Listening and Reading tests. If candidates are writing in lower case and the answer is a proper noun, candidates will not be penalised if they do not capitalise the first letter. Candidates are expected to use appropriate punctuation during the Writing test.

Punctuation is not marked during the Reading and Listening tests - all punctuation will be ignored. Correct use of punctuation is important during the Writing test, as punctuation will be marked (this applies to hyphens, apostrophes, etc.).

It is acceptable to use either numerals or words when writing numbers during the IELTS listening test.

I hope this helps.
Mar 06, 2015
 Capitals and punctuation
by: IELTS buddy

If that is correct then that is interesting to know. My understanding is that most teachers tell students that they should use capitals for the first letters of proper nouns but it appears then that that may not be the case.
Mar 12, 2015
 CAPITAL
by: HARISH

I RECENTLY COMPLETED MY IELTS,IS IT OK TO WRITE THE COMBINATION OF UPPER AND LOWER CASE FOR LISTENING AND WRITING MODULE......LIKE "Connection" is it wrong ????????
Mar 13, 2015
 capitals or small letters
by: IELTS buddy

Hi HARISH,

If the post below from Mar 04, 2015 is correct then it would be ok.
Mar 19, 2015
 reading test
by: Anonymous

Is it ok if i write at my Reading Test IndoEuropean instead of Indo-European? It was at Reading Part 1. Will i lose my point?
Thank you.
Mar 21, 2015
 reading test
by: Anonymous

come on! no replies to the post of 19 of March?
As i see someone wrote that British Council ignores punctuation in Reading and Listening! So, is my post already answered? Is that correct?
Apr 04, 2015
 Yes No
by: ejm

Hello i want to ask that is there any difference between writing YES or Yes? Is there any penalty if i write Yes instead of YES?

Thank You.
Apr 11, 2015
 Yes or yes in IELTS
by: IELTS buddy

Hi ejm,

Either will be fine.
Apr 15, 2015
 Capital and lower letters
by: Ale

As I understand, I can use or all capitals, like DOG, or all lower letters like dog. So using only the first capital letter and others small - is it a mistake? Like that - Dog
Apr 17, 2015
 Capital and lower letters
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Ale,

As has been discussed below, it appears that it should be ok, as the British Council and IELTS.org state that small letters and capitals can be used.

It therefore does not seem logical that you would get penalised for writing 'Dog' instead of 'dog'.
Apr 20, 2015
 Listening test
by: Theofanis

Hello IELTS Buddy,

I would like to ask if I will lose any points for a question in Listening test. More specifically, I listened during the conversation the phrase four decades.

Consequently, I have written in the space 'four decades' instead of '4 decades'. The question allowed two words and/or a number. Is that ok? Will I get penalised? What is your opinion?

Thank you,
Best Regards,
Theofanis
Apr 20, 2015
 Answer variation
by: Souvik

I am facing a real difficulty to evaluate my score when i am taking a test from a book. While i am writing the answer as "Art collection" the answer is written there is "Art".

But i cross checked the audio and they are stating "The Sumner art collection" is the answer i wrote is going to be penalized??

And can you please confirm that if the answers written by a candidate is evaluated by computer or by an examiner?? I have examination this 24th April '15 please help me ASAP.... Thank you.
Apr 21, 2015
 Numbers
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Theofanis,

Yes, 'four' or '4' is ok.
Apr 21, 2015
 Checking answers
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Souvik,

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing what the listening question was. Without this it is not possible to tell you what should have gone in the gap (assuming it was filling in a gap).

If the gap was "_____ collection" then you should not write 'collection' in the answer.

You'd need to check with an IELTS centre regarding whether answers are checked by computer or not, though they may not wish to tell you.
Apr 22, 2015
 Answer variation
by: Souvik

Thank you for the comment.. The question is "Display:________" and I am supposed to write what is displayed there in that Hall.. and as I stated in my first comment the audio stated clearly as " The Sumner art collection". But the answer key was "Art"
Apr 24, 2015
 Checking answers
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Souvik,

It could be that the answer key has not been done properly. Is it an official Cambridge IELTS book?

I would have thought any of these should be correct:

- Sumner art collection
- art collection
- art

That is assuming that the instructions said 'No more than three words".

If you were limited to two words it could only be the last two and if one word, just the last one.
Apr 24, 2015
 Thank you
by: Souvik

Thank you a lot... Thanks a lotttttt 'IELTS buddy' it is really helpful..
Apr 29, 2015
 Letters or numbers
by: Soom

Hello,
I am confused regarding listening when it comes to writing down a number. I am not sure when to write the number in letters and when to write it as it is. For instance, the question asks: How many rooms in the second floor. Should I answer : 7 or seven ?
Thank you.
May 08, 2015
 listening
by: Anonymous

How to write 2 pound in listening test
May 10, 2015
 Pounds in IELTS
by: IELTS buddy

2 pounds
Two pounds
£2
May 20, 2015
 Listening
by: Anonymous

In the listening If you write like 'computer' but in the audio it says 'computers' is it wrong?
May 20, 2015
 Using All Capital Letters in the IELTS Listening and Reading Tests
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

Yes - if it is plural, you must write the plural form.
May 20, 2015
 Waiting for answer
by: Soom

Hello,
Why no body answered my question above ?
May 22, 2015
 Numbers
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Soom,

Either is ok. You can write the actual number (7) or write the word (seven).
May 25, 2015
 Confused about answers from Cambridge books
by: Dina

I was practicing listening test from Cambridge book 6 .. and in key answer .. I just find them answering starting with a capital letter and other answers with lower case letter !

Ex:The question is about workshop titles

One title is "Undersea World" .. while the other title "Building castle" ..

the second words are different .. "World" is capital while "castle" is lower case ..

why !
Is there something wrong if I just wrote them in lower case letters !
Actually I don't feel like It is necessary to write them in Capitals .. but I am a little bit worried and confused

Thanks.
May 25, 2015
 Confused about answers from Cambridge books
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Dina,

If you look through the posts here, you'll see a response from the British Council about this. Here is the part that refers to capitalisation again:

----------------
Thanks for getting in touch.

Here are the guidelines we are able to offer on giving answers in IELTS, which should address your queries:

It is acceptable to write in upper or lower case during the IELTs Listening and Reading tests. If candidates are writing in lower case and the answer is a proper noun, candidates will not be penalised if they do not capitalise the first letter. Candidates are expected to use appropriate punctuation during the Writing test.

I hope this helps.
----------------

But as to your answers you posted, it looks like "Undersea World" is the name of a place - that is why it is capitalised.

While the other title "Building castle" I assume is not related to a place. The first word may just be a capital because it is at the beginning.

Anyway, as you can see from the BC response, if it is not capitalised it does not matter.
May 25, 2015
 Problem solved
by: Dina

Thanks a lot ! This really helped and relieved me. I always found "The appropriate usage of Capitals in IELTS" confusing but didn't know who to ask till I found this website. Thanks again for the rapid answer.
May 29, 2015
 Numbers problem !
by: Dina

I have two questions, please !

In Cambridge 6

listening test 3, section 1:

1) In the instructions they asked to write one word and/or A number ... and then the speaker said his full date of birth .. and key answer was "27.01.1973" How is that possible !?

2) when a speaker says his full date of birth what should I write?! for example .. 27 January or January 1973 .. if the instructions say one word and a number ..because I see this in many tests??

Thanks
Jun 06, 2015
 Printed Handwriting (in small caps)
by: Mei Lin

Hi,

My handwriting is printed and I use small caps in essays. I am worried in the writing exams when we are going to write in essays. As in the usual capital letter at the start of the sentence and the rest are small caps. Is this accepted?
Jun 06, 2015
 Printed Handwriting (in small caps)
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Mei Lin,

I don't really understand your question but in the writing test you can write everything in capitals if you want. I wouldn't recommend it as it looks a bit odd, but there is nothing in the marking criteria to say you cannot do this so it won't be penalised.

If you write in small letters though, you must make sure you capitalise in the right places, such as at the start of sentences.
Jun 15, 2015
 I have a problem
by: khaled fox

what if i wrote (T) instead of true in ielts
and (F) instead of false
and (NG) instead of not given
please help
Jun 16, 2015
 Re: I have a problem
by: IELTS buddy

Hi khaled,

I have read in several places that it is ok, but the answer is not given on the official ielts.org website so nobody can know for sure.

It is always best to be on the safe side and follow exactly what you are told in the instructions. So if it says to write the full word then you should do that.
Jun 16, 2015
 one more question
by: khaled fox

Many thanks for your fast response.

Can I ask you one more question....please.

When I answered the General Module reading questions that asked me to type two or three words form the reading paragraph ....I responded with the proper word but not in the capital letter because they were written in small letter in the paragraph however I answered other questions with capital letter because they were written in capital in the paragraph.

So what do you think the situation would be??
many thanks for the fast response
Jun 17, 2015
 one more question
by: IELTS buddy

Hi khaled,

That will definitely be ok as you can answer in small letters or capital letters.

It won't matter if you did that differently for different answers.
Jun 24, 2015
 Help for how to write dates
by: Ashish

Hello

I need help in listening test. If answer in test is "10th October" (where background was:- talk between two people in October month and person only speak "10th").

What are possible acceptable answers?

10th October
10th (acceptable?)
10th Oct (acceptable?)
the 10th of October (acceptable?)
Jul 10, 2015
 ABOUT TASK 1
by: Anonymous

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME MENTION A DATE IN THE END OF THE LETTER TASK IS NECESSARY?
Jul 10, 2015
 ABOUT TASK 1
by: IELTS buddy

No a date is not necessary.
Jul 21, 2015
 ????SINGULAR OR PLURAL?
by: DreamWarrior

Good day!

My question is how would I know if the answer would be singular or plural in Listening Test?
Jul 22, 2015
 Singular or plural
by: IELTS buddy

Hi DreamWarrior,

The test is measuring your listening abilities. A person with stronger skills will hear the 's' or not and know if it is singular or plural. If you are struggling to hear then this means your skills may be weaker, and this will be reflected in possibly a lower score. That is the point of the test.

Of course you can also use grammar to help you too in some circumstances - in other words sometimes you may be able to decide looking at the paper if singular or plural will fit.
Jul 25, 2015
 singular or plural
by: Anonymous

i think its depends on the Q...what is asked
Jul 25, 2015
 Wrong test date entry
by: Bhawana

Hi I hv given my ielts today but I think I hv entered wrong test date instead of 25 July I hv entered 27 ,all other details are correct I hv written correct candidate number.do my paper get rejected for date entry?plz tell me
Jul 27, 2015
 Wrong date
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Bhawana,

No, that wouldn't affect your score or getting the results of your test.
Jul 30, 2015
 if i use capital letters in reading
by: san

Should i write roman numbers in capital or small..if i write everything in capital??? If the answers are in small roman numbers plz help me..my ielts is on tomorrow thank u..
Jul 30, 2015
 roman numbers
by: Anonymous

in reading and writing, can write answer in capital as it says above.
Aug 23, 2015
 using / sign
by: Anonymous

Can we use / sign if there are 2 answers correct. eg A/B
Aug 24, 2015
 using / sign
by: IELTS buddy

No you should assume that there is one correct answer and choose that.
Sep 03, 2015
 upper case in reading and listening task
by: Anonymous

I need help regarding hiw to write answer in reading and listening module of ielts if I m practice to use all capital alphabetical letter like .:

PLACE
MONEY
iv
I
ii
Iii
V

But in roman counting how I write capital like V or v.which is right
Sep 03, 2015
 upper case in reading and listening task
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

Upper or lower case for the Roman numerals will be fine.
Sep 20, 2015
 WWWWWWWWW
by: Anonymous

QUERY-is it true if we write T instead of TRUE in answer sheet
Oct 15, 2015
 one word and/or a number
by: Anonymous

Hey there! I just wanna inquire if the instruction title displays One word and/or a number and the speaker is saying his birthdate 20 march 1993 what to be in such situations..
I have Ielts next week please solve this issue asap...
Oct 31, 2015
 Upper Cases
by: Anonymous

Hello!
If I've chosen to answer in capital letters Listening and Reading parts of IELTS exam and if it's needed to write an email address, should I still use the capitals? for example, FOLLOW@IELTSBUDDY.

Many thanks in advance.
Nov 01, 2015
 Upper Cases
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

It really won't matter. It is up to you.
Nov 18, 2015
 is rules changed in ielts ??
by: j 5

hello

I want to know that is the rules changed in ielts exam about using
capital letters in reading and listening mark sheet

my exam date is 21 Nov so please give me suggestions thanks
Dec 13, 2015
 T for true..is it write
by: Anonymous

T for true..is it right
Feb 06, 2016
 doubt
by: Anonymous

is it ok to use all capital letters in listening module. Please give me a proof regarding this issue.
Feb 06, 2016
 doubt
by: IELTS buddy

See the link below.
Feb 16, 2016
 Bracket problem
by: Amrit

Hello,
Could you please tell me about the meaning of bracket in listening test answer for example (main) workshop. I can write both or only workshop let me know..Thank you
Feb 16, 2016
 Bracket problem
by: IELTS buddy

It means you could have 'workshop' or 'main workshop' as your answer. Either would be correct.
Feb 16, 2016
 doubt
by: Amrit

It means i can write any of them ,,, main workshop or only workshop.. I am confused cause in answer shit there is given (main) workshop .
Feb 18, 2016
 Confuse
by: Amrit

Hello
It is better to write 2 direction or two direction, I am quite confuse in this matter in listening test
Feb 22, 2016
 CAPITALS
by: RAJIV

Hello,

Its the same question you might have seen a number of times yet, a bit difference.

Question: Can i write all my answers for listening and reading section in my IELTS IDP council in capitals.

ex: THE NAME OF THE BANK IS STATE BANK.

Do reply me fast as i'm going with my exam day after tomorrow.
Mar 06, 2016
 use of brackets
by: Anonymous

hi!
i want to ask you about the listening module. if the question says no more than one word and the answer is written like "(purple) flower", is it acceptable if the other word is in brackets.
thanks very much
Mar 07, 2016
 use of brackets
by: IELTS buddy

I assume you mean is it ok to write "purple flower" if it say no more than one word?

It does seem odd that the instructions would say that but then the answer can potentially be 2 words, but yes you should go by the answer key.
If you put "purple flower" you would get the mark.
Jun 05, 2016
 Reading and Writing test
by: Baris

Hi,

I used both the capital and simple letters in reading and listening. Eg. Not given

Will it be a problem?

Thanks
Baristy
Jun 18, 2016
 Combination of capital letter and small letter
by: Anonymous

I had given my ielts exam. I wrote Capital instead of capital or CAPITAL. Is it wrong? Reply me pls
Jul 06, 2016
 Letters size
by: Amr

Is it correct if i write answers in small letters?
Jul 07, 2016
 Letters size
by: IELTS buddy

Yes it is ok.
Jul 10, 2016
 Listening transferring Answers
by: Anonymous

Do we need to write answers in a different way than what we here?

E.g. Audio mentioned dates as: May 5th & July 16th

Answers given are in written format as: 5th May & 16th July.

Also, in Audio , it says "1.4 litre". Answer is in the correct format as "1.4 litres".

(Book 5/ test 3 / Question No 1 /21/22)

Advice on this Please !
Jul 10, 2016
 Listening transferring Answers
by: IELTS buddy

Regarding the dates, they would be fine the way that you wrote them.

As for the second one, the audio cannot have said "1.4 litre" because that is not grammatically correct. It has an "s".

It's probably more likely that you could not hear it.
Jul 12, 2016
 TRUE, FALSE Format
by: Shahzad

Hi there,

On reading answer sheet, can write them in any format or must I use capital letters. Which one would be correct from below 3 formats.

1. True
2. TRUE (given that the rest of my answers are in lower cases apart from proper nouns).
3. true
Jul 12, 2016
 TRUE, FALSE Format
by: IELTS buddy

Any of those would be ok.
Jul 16, 2016
 listening and reading
by: Anonymous

1. Is it ok to use all caps in both reading and listening regarding if it is an email address?

2. what if I used all caps in listening subject, but here comes my reading test I did not use all caps except for the TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN and multiple choice. e.g:

1. TRUE
2. B
3. centrifuge
4. vi

Thanks,
Jul 16, 2016
 Capitals
by: IELTS buddy

You are told lower case or upper case are ok, so you are fine to mix them up, it is not a problem.
Jul 29, 2016
 about brackets
by: Anonymous

hi
can I write (A) CAR or CAR. How to use articles?pls any one help me?
Jul 30, 2016
 about brackets
by: IELTS buddy

Don't put things in brackets, just write what you think the answer is.

Answers don't usually require articles.
Aug 07, 2016
 Why so confusing IELTS
by: Ielts take on 10th aug

I understand lower / upper case is not marked in listening and reading test.

Hello
HELLO
hello

All looks good

However why the hell road to ielts simulator exam is marking my answers incorrectly just because my case was different.

This is utter nonsense by IELTS.

IELTS BUDDY - please add your expertise here.
Aug 08, 2016
 Why so confusing IELTS
by: IELTS buddy

I would contact whoever is responsible for the materials, but could it just be a limitation of the software?

It may not be possible for it to choose between capitals and small letters - so it will only accept one version.
Aug 18, 2016
 Capital letters in listening test and lower case in reading and writing test.
by: Anonymous

Hi IELTS buddy,

I am going to take IELTS test 2 days later, I Sent email to IELTS testing center staff about whether of not I can use capital letters in my listening test, and the person replied they would not advise me to write in all capital letters.

I am confused, which answer is true?

Can i write all answer in capital letters in listening test and write lower case in reading and writing test, do i lose marks for using different form of letters in same day test?

thank you!
Emily
Aug 19, 2016
 Using Capitals
by: IELTS buddy

Hi Emily,

I'm not sure why they told you this. You can use capitals, small letters, or a mix of both.

See below - I have copied it from the IDP website, which was a response by IDP to the question "Should IELTS listening test answers be written in CAPITAL LETTERS?":

***

It’s a common belief that all listening test answers should be written in CAPITAL LETTERS to avoid a marking penalty for wrong capitalisation. However, this belief is WRONG.

In English, proper nouns (like surnames, street names or place names) normally begin with a capital letter no matter where they occur in a sentence. However, this grammar rule is ignored for scoring purposes in the IELTS listening test. Instead, answers can be written on the answer sheet in upper case, lower case or a combination.

For example, the answer "Bangkok" can be written as "bangkok", "BANGKOK" or even "bAnGkOk". All versions would be marked as correct.

In other words, there is no marking penalty for writing any answer in the listening test with, or without, capital letters. This marking approach is also used in the IELTS reading test. However, the correct use of capitals IS NEEDED in your writing test answers.
Aug 21, 2016
 Hi
by: Anonymous

Can you plz tell me that can we put the plurals like car(s) in our listening test ??? Plz reply
Aug 21, 2016
 To Ielts buddy
by: Emily

Hi Ielts buddy:
Thanks for your reply. Your information is very useful, I hope I can get good scores in listening test. Thank you for your advice!
Emily
Sep 16, 2016
 TRUE FALSE
by: SP

Please let me know i gave my IELTS exam recently...but i used Only T instead of TRUE...please let me know i m worried
Sep 18, 2016
 True or T
by: IELTS buddy

Only the IELTS marking places will know if you can put the letters instead, they don't publicise as to whether they accept the letter instead. As we do not know it is best to do exactly as the instructions say to be on the safe side.
Sep 19, 2016
 T, TRUE, or True
by: M

I know that I can write both T or the whole word "true", but how should I write if I've decided to write all of my answers in lower case? Should I write "True" or "TRUE"? Thanks in advance. :)
Sep 20, 2016
 T, TRUE, or True
by: IELTS buddy

It makes no difference what case you make it or if you capitalise the first letter. That's up to you.
Sep 26, 2016
 Small and Capital Letter in Listening and Reading test
by: Sandeep

I took IELTS test recently and used wrote all my answer keys starting with Capital Letter, in fact i did it the same for answer key having two or more words (e.g for youth suicide i wrote Youth Suicide)

I applied this rule in all my Listening and Reading Answers keys and it seems it goes well for listening but not for Reading. Please suggest.
Sep 27, 2016
 Small and Capital Letter in Listening and Reading test
by: IELTS buddy

It's fine to start each word with a capital letter, such as 'Youth Suicide'. If you lost marks it was not because of capitalization.
Sep 28, 2016
 Using Capital Letters
by: Anonymous

I'm afraid i completely disagree IELTS Buddy. You can either write all your answers in Capital Letter or in Lower case, a mix is not allowed with an exception, If you are writing all your answers in lower case you need to capitalize the first letter of your word if it is a proper noun.

You can check many website from Liz and emma and other. Even if you feel so i will directly write to British Council. I was expecting 8.5 in Reading as the paper was quite simple and that is the reason i dig this to root and share my findings with other.

Rest i am leaving on individual discretion. Thanks
Sep 29, 2016
 Using capital letters
by: IELTS buddy

Take a look at the link to IDP website from Jan 21 2016 which you can find above. This is an excerpt:

"For example, the answer "Bangkok" can be written as "bangkok", "BANGKOK" or even "bAnGkOk.". All versions would be marked as correct.

In other words, there is no marking penalty for writing any answer in the listening test with, or without, capital letters. This marking approach is also used in the IELTS reading test. However, the correct use of capitals IS NEEDED in your writing test answers."

And here is a response someone got (you can see it above) from British Council when they wrote to them about the issue:

"It is acceptable to write in upper or lower case during the IELTs Listening and Reading tests. If candidates are writing in lower case and the answer is a proper noun, candidates will not be penalised if they do not capitalise the first letter. Candidates are expected to use appropriate punctuation during the Writing test."

BC do not directly say if you can place a capital letter when there should not be one as in your example, but based on their rules above I would be very surprised if you were allowed to miss a capital letter when it is needed but if you added one when not necessary you did not get the mark. That would not make sense.
Oct 23, 2016
 for answers
by: Anonymous

Hi I just want to know that

Is it ok if I would write my answers like this (some are in all capital or some are in all small or some staring with only capital) ???

1. Newspapers
2. THEME
3. Health Problem
4. DINNER
5. roads
Oct 25, 2016
 for answers
by: IELTS buddy

Yes they are all ok.
Oct 28, 2016
 Comma, Date of Births
by: Anonymous

So are the answers with punctuation like comma, full stop accepted in Listening and Reading?

Also are these all correct (given Only 1 word allowed)?

23rd February 1967

Or do I need to write 02.23.1967????
Oct 28, 2016
 Comma, Date of Births
by: IELTS

I'm not sure what you mean about commas etc. You are asked about words so there should be no reason to be putting in punctuation.

Regarding dates, you need to look carefully for what they require in the gap.

If they ask for one word and nothing else, then they can't be asking for a date which has day, month and year.
Oct 30, 2016
 confused to use capital letter or small letter
by: khushbu

Hi, I have an IELTS exam upcoming Thursday. I am a little bit confused between 22nd and 22ND. if I want to write everything in capital letters then for dates, which one is correct?
Nov 03, 2016
 confused to use capital letter or small letter
by: IELTS buddy

Either is ok.
Dec 03, 2016
 Doubt
by: Anonymous

Hello, in my listening test I just write answers instead of writing a,b,c,d. Did i get score for this???

======

You are not following the instruction at all if you did that so I think they will be marked wrong.

IELTS buddy
Dec 03, 2016
 British council For both Reading and listening can we use CAPITAL letters?
by: Rohan

In the official British council website, it is mentioned only for listening test that we can write answers in CAPITAL or small.

They didn't mention anything about writing. Is it permitted to write READING section as well in CAPITAL. I just gave my exam and did so.
Dec 04, 2016
 British council For both Reading and listening can we use CAPITAL letters?
by: IELTS buddy

Yes it's fine for both. It would just be confusing for everyone if you could do it for one and not the other and a rule like that would make no sense either.
Dec 11, 2016
 T or F instead of Yes or No
by: Anonymous

I have answered few questions that were asked to answer with 'yes' and 'no' with 'T' and 'F'. will I be able to score or will they mark it as wrong?please guide me
Dec 11, 2016
 T or F instead of Yes or No
by: IELTS buddy

My guess is that it would be wrong, but IELTS don't discuss whether they accept it or not so it's not possible to know.
Dec 14, 2016
 Mixed Up
by: Ershad

Hi, I have taken IELTS on 10th december, 2016. I have written my first ten answers of the listening test in All caps and when i found this difficult I chose rest of the answers to write in lower cases. Will this impact negatively on my score? I am very much upset. Please help me.
Dec 14, 2016
 Mixed Up
by: IELTS buddy

You can write in capitals or small letter so it won't make any difference if you switch between them.
Dec 17, 2016
 wrong date
by: Anonymous

I think I have written the wrong date on my answer sheet. Will it be a problem?
Dec 18, 2016
 wrong date
by: IELTS buddy

I assume you mean the date on top of your answer sheet, not to one of the questions. If so it should be ok.
Dec 18, 2016
 wrong date
by: Anonymous

Yes I have written 20/12/2016 instead of 17/12/2016 on top of the answer sheets, will it be a serious problem?? Will they cancel my test? I have performed very well.
Dec 24, 2016
 wrong date
by: IELTS buddy

As I said it shouldn't be a problem.
Jan 04, 2017
 ielts answer types
by: Anonymous

In ielts reading and listening don't worry about upper or lower case. They accept all types answers.

For example, India can be written as:

- india
- INDIA
- India

If you have doubt you can check in road to ielts. That would accept all types of answers.
Jan 07, 2017
 Use of capital and small letters
by: Anonymous

Hi, I used both type of letter format in my reading one answer like this "TRUE" and other answer like this "cars". It is correct and will they consider it.
Jan 07, 2017
 Use of capital and small letters
by: IELTS buddy

Mixing it up is ok.
Jan 07, 2017
 Doubt
by: Anonymous

Hi
If we start listening answer with capital letter and the rest of words in small letter then that answer would be right or wrong. For example:-GARDEN OR Garden,NOISY or Noisy
Jan 11, 2017
 LIstening answer start with capital which are not proper noun
by: Anonymous

I have the same question. If you start your answer with capital and rest of your answer is in lower case weather you will be penalized for example 'Milk' is it right or wrong??
Jan 12, 2017
 Proper nouns
by: IELTS buddy

'Milk' is fine.
Jan 12, 2017
 roman numbers
by: Anonymous

Is it ok to write roman numbers in capital like I II III IV all the time or the answer should be as per question like i ii iii iv if mentioned in the question???? or all upper cases are fine in case of roman numbers
Jan 14, 2017
 roman numbers
by: IELTS buddy

It would be ok to capitalise those, just make sure it's very clear what they are.
Jan 21, 2017
 If they ask to write the letters in the box.
by: Anonymous

Dear Sir,

Today I gave my IELTS exam. I did well. However, I'm worried regarding choosing whether writing correct answer in letter or letter + answer or answer, If they ask to write the letters in the box.

ex: (A). Car
Car
(A).

I hope I've made my concern cleared. Thank you
Jan 22, 2017
 If they ask to write the letters in the box.
by: IELTS buddy

If you are asked to write the letter, you should do as they say and write the letter, not the word as well.

I have no idea though whether you would lose the mark if you made a mistake and wrote both.
Feb 12, 2017
 confusion in roman
by: Anonymous

if i write all answers of listening and writing in capital letters then what about the roman numbers what should i write like i, ii, iii, iv or like this I, II ,III please tell me what should i do.... my exam is soon plz tell me ... will I loose marks if i write small letters?
Feb 14, 2017
 confusion in roman
by: IELTS buddy

I'm sure it would be fine to write either.
Mar 04, 2017
 2 answers only in capital letters
by: Anonymous

I wrote the answer for two questions only in capital letters while the rest in small letters as I was confused if these two answers should start woth capital letter or not.

Will I lose marks for this?
Mar 05, 2017
 2 answers only in capital letters
by: IELTS buddy

That will be fine.
Mar 12, 2017
 Small letters!!
by: Anonymous

Hey. My ielts test is on 18 and I am too confused because I wanted to write all my answers in small letters. I want to ask if I write all in lower case then how I will write options such A, B.

Like is it ok:

Paris (noun)
classes
air
A
B
not given
false
Mar 12, 2017
 Small letters!!
by: IELTS buddy

You can use upper or lower case or mix them, it doesn't matter.
Mar 14, 2017
 Email address in capital if using full capital
by: Shell

I want to know if i am using full listening in capital letter but what happen if email address come?? Please help my exam is coming soon
Mar 17, 2017
 Email address in capital if using full capital
by: IELTS buddy

You can use either small or capital letters and it doesn't matter if you switch between them.

So choose to write it how you like.
May 29, 2017
 hello mam
by: Anonymous

My question is can I write all answers in IELTS general listening and reading in capital letters. For example if the answer is:

pairs - PAIRS
general - GENERAL
such -SUCH

However my doubt is what about this. If we see in match headings of option choose

(a)
and (i)

How to write this please please help me.

======

Yes all capitals is fine.

I don't really understand your second questions. If you were asked to choose 'a's or 'i's etc then you would just choose which one and write that in the answer key.

IELTS buddy
Jun 03, 2017
 Cross wrong answer by pencil and to write correct with pencil
by: Anonymous

Hi,

If by chance in reading answer sheet due to less time, 2 or 3 places, if I correct answer by crossing wrong answer by pencil and if write correct answer with pencil, will it consider as wrong style?

Thanks
Jun 04, 2017
 Cross wrong answer
by: IELTS buddy

If you very clearly have crossed out an answer then written the correct one then I would have thought they would give you the point (if it's correct).

But don't they explain that to you at the start of the test? What to do if you need to alter an answer.
Jun 16, 2017
 usage of brackets in ielts
by: Anonymous

Hi,

Can I use brackets to write an article before the answer in ielts listening. For example, if the answer is "an umbrella", can I write (an) umbrella.

And I wanted to know what does that mean (usage of brackets).

Expecting an early and useful reply.

thank you
Jun 18, 2017
 Usage of brackets in IELTS listening
by: IELTS buddy

No you shouldn't use brackets in your answer.

The only place you will see brackets is when you are looking at the answer key of a listening practice test.

That is to tell you that the word in brackets is optional i.e. if you did not put it in your answer then the answer is still correct.

So if you put "unbrella" in your answer and it says "(an) unbrella" in the answer key, then your answer is still correct. But "an unbrella" is also correct.

But you should not be putting brackets in your answer.

For your answer just put what you think the answer is.
Jun 23, 2017
 match heading answers - roman or alphabets
by: Anonymous

Hi.. i will attend exam tomorrow, i understand that i can write all answers in capital but my confusion is:

They ask to match headings and we need to answer the correct heading. so heading numbers are either in roman or in small alphabets.

i) OR a)

So can I use capital alphabet/roman digits for answer in this case? Since I will be using the capital form of answers for rest of the questions?
Jun 28, 2017
 match heading answers - roman or alphabets
by: IELTS buddy

I'm not exactly sure what you mean.

You won't be choosing between alphabet letters or roman numerals. You answer will be one or the other.

As far as I'm aware, the headings are usually given in roman numerals (not alphabet) so that is what you would put in your answer key (but if the heading is alphabet then of course use the alphabet).

Just use the same style as they do - so if they have them in small letters (which they usually are) then just use small letters as well (it should make no difference if you do use capitals but you may as well do it the same way they do).
Jul 05, 2017
 Writing names in the listening and reading test
by: Anonymous

Hi,

If I choose to write my answers in CAPITALS, then should I write a name such as - McCloskey as it is or would MCCLOSKEY also be acceptable?

Please revert ASAP.

Thank You!
Jul 06, 2017
 Writing names in the listening and reading test
by: IELTS buddy

Either is ok.
Jul 11, 2017
 HARD CONFUSION - USING ALL CAPITALS IN IELTS GT READING SECTION
by: Anonymous

Hello IELTS BUDDY,

I have my exam on 29th July.

I am regular visitor to ur website and I have seen lot of tips which are extremely useful to crack the IELTS. but I am stuck with basic thing as in if I want to choose to write all the answers in reading answer sheet in ALL CAPITAL letters, which of the following pattern of answers hould I choose????

I request you to officially help me out in selection of one patter incase I want to use all BLOCK LETTERS as answers in reading test: The patterns of answers are as follows, please recommend the pattern if I want to use ALL CAPS for answers :

SET A:- 1) II
2) A
3) TRUE
4) BEETLES
5) 5AM

SET B:- 1) ii
2) A
3) True
4) 5 am

SET C:- 1) ii
2) A
3) TRUE
4) BEETLES
5) 5AM

Strongly recommend which of the above pattern to be followed if at all I want to write all CAPS/ Block letters in IELTS general training reading test.

Need your strongest advice sir.
Jul 14, 2017
 HARD CONFUSION - USING ALL CAPITALS IN IELTS GT READING SECTION
by: IELTS buddy

Any of those are ok. You can stick to all capitals, all small, or mix them up.

But if you did want to use all capitals it would be Set A.
Jul 14, 2017
 small doubt ielts buddy
by: Anonymous

Sir thank u for the reply.

Just want to clarify and confirm again.

You said SET A so the roman numeral can it be capital even though I choose to write all capital letters.

One more doubt is that if I wrote in capitals all the roman numerals how should I write them just like this - I, II and III or just simple alphabet I without horizontal lines above and below.

Im sorry I am asking a very silly question but need to write the right thing in exam.

Kindly need your answer sir.
Jul 14, 2017
 small doubt ielts buddy
by: IELTS buddy

Again it's up to you. If you are worried about the Roman numerals just write them as they appear in the booklet i.e. i, ii, iii (as in set C).

Horizontals don't matter, you just need to write clearly.
Aug 16, 2017
 how to write multiple choice option
by: Anonymous

Hi There!

In IELTS, if i choose to write all answers in capital letter, how about Multiple Choice question.

for example, if MCQ uses small letters(a,b,c...) to the option what do we need to write on the answer script.whether to use small letter or capital letter.
Same thing is applicable to List of heading where option uses smal roman numbers(i,ii,iii,iv....)
Aug 17, 2017
 how to write multiple choice option
by: IELTS buddy

You can use small or capital letters.
Aug 25, 2017
 DT
by: Anonymous

LISTENING TEST AND READING TEST IN BRITISH COUNCIL CAN I WRITE MY ALL ANSWER IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
Aug 26, 2017
 regarding time to transfer answers
by: Anonymous

After listening test, will there be enough time for transferring answers on answer sheet? I doubt that 10 minutes will not be ample. please share personal experiences.
Aug 27, 2017
 regarding time to transfer answers
by: IELTS

You have 10 minutes, that's it.
Oct 07, 2017
 A question please
by: Anonymous

Does a mistake in a word shown in brackets cause a loss of the points that may be given, even though the actual answer is written correctly?
(Wether in listening or reading tests.)
Oct 08, 2017
 A question please
by: IELTS buddy

I think it would be wrong. Your answer has to be correct, even if it is the part that was optional and in brackets.
Oct 14, 2017
 Small letters
by: Anonymous

I wrote my alphabets in both small and capital letters today in both reading and listening would it affect my score?
Oct 16, 2017
 Small letters
by: IELTS buddy

No because you can use either and you can mix them as well.
Oct 18, 2017
 How do I know "the" or "a"?
by: Uka

Hello,

In IELTS listening section 4 (no more than 2 words)

1. Question:"but bear cubs aren’t born until the following winter."
Answer: Baby bear cubs are born in ______.
The correct answer is: 'the winter'.
Why "following winter" is not correct answer?

In section 3 (No more than 3 words),

Question: "I think the shopping mall would be the better place"
Answer:"Where is the students conduct the interviews?
The correct answer:a shopping mall

How do I know which articles should be here? I cannot think about grammar while listening. Is there any method to predict the articles?

Thank you.
Oct 19, 2017
 How do I know "the" or "a"?
by: IELTS buddy

For question 1, if you want to put 'following winter' you would have to have 'the' as well to make it grammatically correct.

But that would make it 3 words so it's not allowed. So it has to be winter.

For number 2 I haven't seen the answer key. Is 'shopping mall' allowed in the answer key? Normally articles aren't needed.

And are you sure it was 'the' in the listening and 'a' in the answer? That doesn't seem right. They don't usually have different things spoken to what you write down. It looks like an error on your part or in the test.
Nov 11, 2017
 apostophes use
by: anbhi

what if answer I please help me I made big mistakes photographs and I wrote photograph's does it make difference?
Nov 12, 2017
 Apostrophe use
by: IELTS buddy

I think you will still get the mark.
Nov 19, 2017
 Using sign
by: Anonymous

Can we use sign of currencies or percentage instead of spelling them in the IELTS listening and reading test? If yes,how is it counted as a word or a number?
Nov 25, 2017
 signs
by: IELTS buddy

Yes you can. '£5' would be one number.
Feb 07, 2018
 Upper and Lower Case
by: JO

Hi,

I am giving my test on 10th February. I have been told in my IELTS class to write my listening test answers in CAPITAL and reading in lower case as normal writing. Will it be accepted because both the answers will written in the same answer sheet. Also if I write all capital for Dates like '25th JAN' will this be correct.
Please advice at your earliest.
Feb 09, 2018
 Upper and Lower Case
by: IELTS buddy

You can use either upper or lower in both test, and mix them as well if you like. It doesn't matter.
Aug 12, 2018
 Reading
by: Anonymous

Sir plz reply me...
In IELTS reading section
I've written Roman letters in bracket in answer key
Like (i), (ii), (iii)...
Do they reduce mark?
Aug 16, 2018
 Reading Roman numerals
by: IELTS buddy

It depends what the instructions were.

If you did not follow them and you wrote something different to what they instructed you to do then yes it will probably be marked incorrect.
Sep 26, 2018
 Brackets for romantic numerals
by: Anonymous

Is it ok to write Roman numerals within brackets like "(i),(vi)" etc in the ielts reading test?..Some one please clarify..Thank you...
Sep 27, 2018
 Brackets for romantic numerals
by: IELTS buddy

Why do you want to put them in brackets? Just write them without the brackets. If you have already taken the test and done that I don't know how they would view it.
Apr 01, 2019
 Answer tricks
by: Anonymous

I want to write all answers in capitals. How to write the following:
Dr/Ms/Mrs (should i put dot with title if writing in caps)
Cds/dvds (how to write s with them)
While writing date like 12th november ('th' would be capital along with november or not)
units for quantities like cm, km, litre, tonnes etc
If they say time closer to 10 past 1 so should i add pm myself or leave it as 1:10

Soon i have an exam. Hope you would clear my doubts. Thanks
Jun 09, 2020
 all capital letters in the listening part, lower case letter in reading part
by: Kerry

Hello,

I wrote all capital letters in the listening part,
in the reading part, I wrote all lower case letter, except TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

will that be ok?
Jun 26, 2020
 Copy paste in essays
by: Anonymous

Hi ,

I often make the mistake of writing paragraphs in haphazard manner.Often performing a copy-paste at the end to re-distribute the points according to the flow. I want to know if there is an option for 'copy-paste' or 'cut-paste' in essays.
Please help.
Thanks.
Aug 05, 2020
 Capitalization in address
by: Anonymous

In IELTS listening 9 test 1, one of the answers is "Hillsdunne Road" but I wrote "Hillsdunne road" with letter r in road as small caps. Will it be considered as the wrong answer?
Aug 05, 2020
 Capitalization in address
by: IELTS buddy

The small letter is fine, you will get the mark.

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IELTS Listening Capitalization Rules

by Alyan
(Pakistan)

Hi, i'm struggling with capitalization rules and dont know where to write in capital letter or when in small. capitalization rules sometimes seems followed by IELTS. Could nt find any useful material on internet. can you please explain it?

Comments for IELTS Listening Capitalization Rules

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Sep 10, 2019
 IELTS Listening Capitalization Rules
by: IELTS buddy

You are not marked on capitalisation so you can use either. So you can for example write 'Paris', 'paris', or 'PARIS'. All would be ok.

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Capital Letters in IELTS Listening

by Bentil
(Ghana)

Please in my ielts listening test, i wrote all my answers starting with upper case letters, even if the answer is found in the middle of a sentence. For example, 'The ........ is very big.' and the answer was apple.

But i wrote the answer starting with upper case letter like this, 'Apple'.
And that is how I wrote all my answers in the listening test.

Please will i be marked wrong?

Comments for Capital Letters in IELTS Listening

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Dec 23, 2019
 Capital Letters in IELTS Listening
by: IELTS buddy

It's not a problem to start your word with a capital letter so you won't lose marks for that.
Dec 05, 2021
 Initial letter capital in Reading
by: Anonymous

I wrote all the answers in reading part starting with capital letter followed by small letters for example Water, Rubber
Is it fine?? Plzz plz reply
Oct 16, 2022
 Initila letter capital in reading test
by: Anonymous

I have same query. I will be grateful if I get the response as soon as possible. Will the response "Water" regarded as correct?

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