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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 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes, they can be useful as they can help give you a moment to gather your thoughts. However, try not to use them too much as you would have too much hesitation, which can affect your Fluency & Coherence and Pronunciation band scores.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If it is an English word, then use it. The origin of the word doesn't matter. Just make sure you use the right spelling and pronunciation, plus you use it in the right context.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Legislation about immigration changes frequently. When you’re looking to move to Canada, it’s important to check the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in a Canadian study permit, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you may need to lodge an application with the Canadian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or a qualified migration expert.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, your IELTS results are a testament of your English language proficiency. You can submit your IELTS Test Report Form to multiple institutions or organisations, including universities, immigration authorities, and professional bodies. You don't need to take a new IELTS test for each application. When you take IELTS on computer, you can download your own Test Report Form in PDF-file format and share this with as many organisations are you require.

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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
It is not a good idea. The questions in Part 3 are non-personal, so it is better to reply in a broader way. Besides, you are more likely to use a wider range of language in this way.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s okay to use some informal language or slang in your IELTS Speaking test, but make sure it’s appropriate for the situation. Avoid using slang that is considered to be impolite or too informal. It’s important that you communicate your ideas clearly, so if you’re use slang, make sure it is widely understood across the English-speaking world.
May 27, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you are not able to wear a watch during your IELTS test. This covers all forms of watches, not just smart watches. There will be clocks and/or regular time checks provided throughout your test so you can accurately manage your time.
Jun 26, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
The instructions in the writing question specifically ask for a letter to be written. While emails and letters share a lot of similarities, the format and tone of a letter is different to an email, so it’s best to stick with what you are asked and write a letter
Jun 30, 2025
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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry: if you ask IELTS to remark your test, your band score will never reduce or go down. It can only stay the same or go up. So, when you feel that the results you received from your IELTS test don’t reflect how you performed on the day of your test, you can ask IELTS to remark your test without having to worry that your score may go down.
May 21, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you have any variation in test scores, it has nothing to do with the location. All IELTS tests go through a rigorous process to ensure all test takers have a standardised test.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IELTS test results can only be shared with a Recognizing Organization. You can check out the list of Recognising Organizations . Any other organizations that would like to accept IELTS test can register there interest at the same link.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes. It is possible for both your individual skill (e.g. speaking) and your overall band score ti appear in half bands.
Jun 17, 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

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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