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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
No, not at all. Just focus on what you are saying - thinking about this is just a distraction.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. Any numbers they write down are related to the timing of each step in the test (e.g. when your talk starts and ends in Part 2). They will never write down your band scores while you are in the room.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
If you have a disability or medical condition and need special test arrangements, you can apply through your test centre before you book. Arrangements may include extra time, enlarged print papers, braille papers, a scribe, or other forms of support, depending on your needs. To apply, you’ll need to provide medical or specialist evidence and give the test centre at least six weeks’ notice so materials and support can be arranged. For more details and to discuss your specific requirements, please contact your chosen IELTS test centre directly.

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is one way to know and that is to look at how IELTS is scored and what band 9 means. I highly recommend having a look at IELTS Scoring . It will give you a good idea of what kind of ability and knowledge you should show in the test to reach the highest score.
Jul 1, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I'd like to say first that there is no specific grammar for IELTS you need to focus on, but there is thenowledge of grammar of English, so basically anything you do that means you listen and watch in English more, you read in English more, you use English more in speaking and writing improves your grammar. The other exercise that really helps is to use books on grammar, or grammar exercises online and focus on one grammar lesson for a day or two and do as many exercised you can. This directly improves your grammar.

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Ot can be helpful to listen to some recordings of natural speech and then try to mimic it. If you record yourself, you can see how you compare. Otherwise, you can write down what you want to say and mark the intonation on paper, then read it.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Try recording yourself and then playing back the recording. This can help you identify areas for improvement like word stress and intonation. If you’re not sure what areas you need to work on, ask a teacher to listen to your recordings to give you feedback.
May 29, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It can be an idea to do a lot of listening practice, especially with video as it you can see how the speaker moves their mouth and face, that is, if you don't have the opportunity to engage with native speakers. Record yourself and listen back to your speaking to compare.
Jun 17, 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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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Paraphrasing is a great strategy for when you're not fully sure what to say or how to say it. Sometimes you may not remember an exact word, so don’t stay quiet and try to explain what you mean. You can use words with a similar meaning. Also, sometimes if you feel you did not express an idea clearly, it does not hurt to say it again using different words.

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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 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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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

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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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