One of the most common IELTS questions is:

“If the correct answer is plural but I write the singular form, is it still correct?”

The answer is clear:

No. In IELTS Reading and Listening, answers must be written exactly as they appear in the text or recording.

This includes singular and plural forms.

The Golden Rule of IELTS Completion Tasks

In all IELTS completion tasks (sentence completion, note completion, form completion, table completion):

Your answer must match the text or audio exactly.

IELTS does not reward:

• “Almost correct” answers
• Meaning-only understanding
• Grammatically corrected versions

If the text or speaker uses a plural noun, writing the singular form is incorrect.

Why IELTS Is So Strict

IELTS tests whether candidates can:

• Understand spoken and written English
• Transfer information accurately
• Reproduce language precisely

This means:

• cause ≠ causes
• student ≠ students

Grammar in IELTS is a confirmation tool, not a shortcut.

How to Know If the Answer Is Singular or Plural

IELTS does not expect you to guess grammar. Instead, it expects you to notice clues that naturally appear in real exam questions.

Below are reliable strategies based on actual IELTS question design.

1. Determiners Before the Gap (Very Common in IELTS)

Determiners often appear before the gap and clearly limit your choice.

IELTS-style examples:

Many __________ are located near the coast.
✔ many → plural noun required

---

Each __________ must be registered online.
✔ each → singular noun required

---

Two __________ were damaged during the storm.
✔ two → plural noun required

2. Sentence Structure and Logic

Even though IELTS does not reveal answers through verb agreement, the completed sentence must make grammatical sense.

IELTS-style example:

The survey focused on the attitudes of __________ towards recycling.

The phrase “attitudes of” clearly refers to more than one person or group, so the answer must be plural.

3. Fixed Academic Phrases Common in IELTS

IELTS frequently uses formal phrases that naturally take plural nouns.

Common examples include:

• a range of ________
• a variety of ________
• the majority of ________

In most IELTS contexts, these are followed by plural nouns, reflecting multiple items.

4. Number Information From the Text or Audio

Often, the number is given before the answer appears.

Listening-style example:

The lecturer describes three main factors, including __________.

Because the speaker refers to three factors, the answer cannot be singular.

5. Final Check: Read the Sentence With Your Answer

After writing your answer, quickly reread the sentence:

✔ Does it sound grammatically complete?
✔ Does it agree with the surrounding words?
✔ Does it match exactly what you heard or read?

In conclusion, the grammar around the gap often helps learners deduce whether their answer is grammatically sound.

Final Advice for IELTS Candidates

Always remember:

Write exactly what you hear or see — including singular and plural forms.

Do not:

• Guess
• Correct the text
• Rely on shortcuts that IELTS does not use

Accuracy is everything.