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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 19, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start by reviewing the rules for different punctuation marks such as full stops (or ‘periods’ in US English), commas, colons, apostrophes etc. Our article The Most Common Punctuation Marks in English gives a good summary of these. Do some IELTS Writing practice tasks and ask a teacher to give you feedback on your punctuation. You can also check your punctuation by copying and pasting your writing into online tools such as Microsoft Word or Grammarly.

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Jun 19, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Preparing for your IELTS Reading test is crucial if you want a higher score. To improve your reading skills, pick up a book or an ebook. If you come across a word you don’t know, write it down and search for its meaning – you'll expand your vocabulary while reading! If you don’t enjoy books, try reading quality blog or news articles. Set yourself a small goal and be consistent with your practice. You can also enable English subtitles for English series on your favourite streaming service. Don’t know where to start? Check out this IDP IELTS podcast that focuses on the Reading test: IELTS Prepare by IDP - Episode 6: IELTS Reading

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Obviously, the more practice you do the better. But initially, try skimming the articles first and just focus on the key words. Once you have located an answer in an article, just read that section carefully. Also, try the questions that appear in order first, as there may be some text you can set aside more easily.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part. During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.

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Aug 5, 2025
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iconAug 4, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IELTS Preparation can be done through plenty resources available on our IELTS Prepare website and also through Macquarie free courses available once you register for an IELTS Test. You may also be able to join the various Master Classes or Training courses that may be free and provided by a Test Centre by IDP closer to you. Please check with the test centres in your vicinity.

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Aug 4, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
If you’re writing an informal letter to a friend, use their first name only when you greet them. For example, ‘Dear Anna’ or even just ‘Hi Anna.’ You can finish your letter with a closing remark like ‘Best wishes’, ‘All the best’ or ‘See you soon.’ Leave a line and then write your first name to sign off.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You will find information on your nearest test centre within the country's local IDP IELTS Website or on the IELTS by IDP App.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test for work study and migration. Some institutions around the world also accept the PTE test. However, there are key differences: - Results with IELTS on computer are typically available in 1 day, while PTE results usually take 2–5 days. - Missed out on your desired score? With IELTS on computer, you can retake just one part of your test. With PTE, you must pay for an entire test again. - IELTS Speaking is conducted face-to-face with a human examiner, in a quiet room. It provides a more natural, conversational experience. In contrast, your PTE speaking test is done in a room together with lots of other people also talking in a microphone. It is entirely automated, time-limited, with your responses recorded.

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May 28, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Both IELTS and TOEFL are high-stakes English test. They are both used for work, study and immigration. But there are some important differences: - Results with IELTS on computer are typically available in 1 day. TOEFL results can take 4–8 days after your test date. - Missed out on your desired score? With IELTS on computer, you can retake just one part of your test. With TOEFL, you must pay for an entire test again. - With IELTS, your Speaking test is done is face-to-face with a human examiner, reflecting real-life communication. With TOEFL, your spoken English is recorded. - IELTS lets you choose between an Academic or General Training test. TOEFL only assesses academic language.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
A good rule is to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test. However, some test centre or locations may ask you to arrive earlier than that. Make sure you allow plenty of time and check with your test centre if you are unsure!
Jun 26, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
You can usually find an IELTS test somewhere in New Zealand every day of the week. Some test centres even offer multiple tests per day. IELTS on Computer tests are run frequently, with some centres offering sessions almost every day of the week, including weekends. Paper-based IELTS tests, on the other hand, are usually scheduled once or twice a month. In larger cities such as Auckland, where there are multiple centres, you’ll find a wide choice of test dates across the week. To see the latest availability and book your preferred test, visit our booking page here: Book IELTS test dates

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Sep 15, 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

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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

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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

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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

role

IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

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