The learner can avoid the common spelling, number/date and word-limit traps that lose easy Listening marks, using a worked transcript.
Common Traps: Spelling, Numbers and Word Limits
How Easy Marks Are Lost in Listening
Three traps cost candidates marks even when they hear the right information.
Spelling trap: Speakers often spell out names, addresses or unusual words letter by letter. Example transcript: 'The surname is Smith — that's S-M-I-T-H.' You must write 'Smith', not 'Smyth' or 'Smythe'. Mis-spelling is marked wrong. Similarly, a speaker may correct themselves: 'The meeting is on Tuesday — sorry, I mean Wednesday.' If you wrote 'Tuesday', you lose the mark; the correct answer is 'Wednesday'.
Number/date/time/currency trap: Write numbers in the standard way accepted by the mark scheme. Dates: '14 June' or '14/06' are both usually accepted; 'June 14th' may also be accepted. Times: '10:30' or 'half past ten'. Currency: if the gap already shows '$', write only the number — do not repeat the symbol. Never convert or round numbers.
Word-limit trap: If the instruction says 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER', an answer of three words is marked wrong even if it is factually correct. Practise underlining the word-limit instruction before you listen so you do not forget it under pressure.
Lesson notes
How Easy Marks Are Lost in Listening
Three traps cost candidates marks even when they hear the right information.
Spelling trap: Speakers often spell out names, addresses or unusual words letter by letter. Example transcript: 'The surname is Smith — that's S-M-I-T-H.' You must write 'Smith', not 'Smyth' or 'Smythe'. Mis-spelling is marked wrong. Similarly, a speaker may correct themselves: 'The meeting is on Tuesday — sorry, I mean Wednesday.' If you wrote 'Tuesday', you lose the mark; the correct answer is 'Wednesday'.
Number/date/time/currency trap: Write numbers in the standard way accepted by the mark scheme. Dates: '14 June' or '14/06' are both usually accepted; 'June 14th' may also be accepted. Times: '10:30' or 'half past ten'. Currency: if the gap already shows '$', write only the number — do not repeat the symbol. Never convert or round numbers.
Word-limit trap: If the instruction says 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER', an answer of three words is marked wrong even if it is factually correct. Practise underlining the word-limit instruction before you listen so you do not forget it under pressure.