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Get expert answers to your IELTS questions

We've collected the most frequently asked questions from our IELTS test takers, covering every stage of your IELTS journey. Our IELTS experts have provided answers and shared their unique insights.

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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you need to use the bathroom during the test, please just raise your hand and ask the test day staff. They will hold on to your passport and show you to the bathrooms. There are certain times during the test when you are not allowed to go to the bathroom. These are during the Listening test, during instructions, or in the final minutes of the test. It is important to remember as well that your test is not paused when you go to the bathroom, so try to plan accordingly. Also be aware that there is a limit to how many people can use the bathroom at the same time, so don't be surprised if you are asked to wait a few minutes.

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Jun 26, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Your Overall band score will just be the average of the 4 skills. However, you may want to check with the organisation you are applying to and see if they have any minimum requirement for the individual skills.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you wake up on the morning of your test date feeling unwell, please contact our customer support team. They may ask you to obtain a medical certificate and will then work to reschedule your test date. If you are in the middle of your test and you begin to feel unwell, please tell the test day invigilation staff immediately. It is best that you head home and rest rather than continue with the test. You won't be able to perform your best if you are feeling sick! Contact our customer support team within 5 days of your test to request a rescheduling of your test. They may ask you to obtain a medical note from a doctor.

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IDP Education Test Centres in MEA exclusively offer test taker preparation materials in a USB to registered test takers. You may reach out to your nearest test centre to check on the preparation materials available to you once you register for an IELTS test.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
I recommend selecting one of the IELTS Approved Preparation Providers in New Zealand. These schools are officially endorsed by IDP, meaning they use quality teaching methods, have qualified IELTS teachers, and offer practice materials specific to the test. Some excellent options are Worldwide School of English in Auckland, PM Training School in Manukau, and Bay Learning Academy in Mount Maunganui. You can see the full list of approved providers and find one near you here: IELTS Approved Preparation Providers – New Zealand

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Each provincial and territorial regulatory body has specific certification requirements, which internationally educated teachers must meet to teach in a given Canadian province or territory. For example, the Ontario College of Teachers sets the requirements to register as a teacher in that province. For IELTS Academic, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in reading, 6 in listening, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking. Because each province and territory may have different requirements, always check with the teacher regulatory body where you want to use your IELTS results to see what scores you need.

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Jun 16, 2025
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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Each provincial and territorial regulatory body has specific certification requirements, which internationally educated teachers must meet to teach in a given Canadian province or territory. For example, the Ontario College of Teachers sets the requirements to register as a teacher in that province. For IELTS Academic, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in reading, 6 in listening, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking. Because each province and territory may have different requirements, always check with the teacher regulatory body where you want to use your IELTS results to see what scores you need.

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The answers will appear in a mixed order in the text, so rather than answering question by question, tackle this paragraph by paragraph. In this way, your search area is significantly smaller and is a more efficient use of time.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Matching heading question types test your ability to get the “gist” of a text and have a birds eye view of ideas in the passage. Read the headings first. Try to remember the key ideas and some key words. When reading the passage, remember not to look for exact matches for words in the headings, but rather ideas that match the headings as closely as possible.

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You may refer to the IELTS Booking website wizard for the fee associated with the relevant IELTS test that you wish to take.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Jun 16, 2025
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Jun 16, 2025
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Jun 16, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
IELTS band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 being the highest level of English language proficiency. There is no pass or fail score. Score requirements are set by governments, universities and other recognising organisations, not IELTS. These vary, depending on the level of English they require. If you’re taking IELTS for work, study or migration, check with the organisation you’re applying to, so you know the minimum score you need to achieve.

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May 27, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It is fine to cross it out and write your answer again. Just make sure it is done clearly. In the IELTS on Computer test, you can delete your response easily.
Jun 26, 2025
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Fahad Rafique

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Canada

16 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!

Last online Aug 2, 2025

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Jess Christie

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Australia

8 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.

Last online Jun 25, 2025

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Lewis Crannitch

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New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.

Last online Sep 15, 2025

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Linda Alley

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.

Last online Sep 16, 2025

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Reza Tasviri

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Australia

18 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).

Last online Jul 9, 2025

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Rocco Nigro

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Australia

26 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.

Last online Jun 18, 2025

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Vincent Blokker

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Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!

Last online Jul 1, 2025

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Vishal Ramesh

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India

1 year

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

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