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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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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. IELTS not only tests your English skills but also helps you feel prepared and confident to study in an English-speaking environment. The IELTS Academic test involves reading academic texts, writing essays, understanding lectures and talking on a topic – all important skills for university success. As you prepare for IELTS, you’ll become familiar with common university tasks such as analysing data, arguing a particular viewpoint and taking notes during a lecture. When you prepare for the Reading and Writing sections, you’ll expand your academic vocabulary. Preparing for the Speaking test will help you prepare to talk in tutorials, presentations and group discussions when you start your course.

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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The IELTS test helps you develop the English skills you need to succeed at work in an English-speaking environment. You'll learn how to express ideas clearly and professionally, which is important for meetings, emails and presentations. The Listening section helps you improve your focus and understanding, which is useful in interviews, phone calls and work discussions. In the Reading section, you'll practise finding important details quickly, a skill needed when reading reports, emails or instructions at work.

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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Your handwriting will only affect your score if it’s difficult for examiners to read. You don’t need to use a particular style of handwriting, just make sure you write clearly. If you’re worried about your handwriting, consider taking the computer-based IELTS test so you can type your answers instead.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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A lot of universities and organisations accept IELTS Online test scores. However, if you’re taking IELTS for immigration purposes, you’ll need to take the test at an official IELTS test centre.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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IELTS Speaking Part 3 gives you the opportunity to talk about a topic in more depth. Don’t just stop after giving a short answer—try to say a bit more. Instead of waiting for the examiner to ask “Why?”, go ahead and explain your reason. This is a great way to show off your English skills. You could give more details by explaining the reasons for your opinion or giving an example. Try to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on questions about familiar topics, so be prepared to talk about your job or studies, including what you’ve done in the past and what you plan to do in the future. You should also be ready to speak about your hometown and your country.  Pay attention to the verb tense the examiner uses when they ask you a question and try to match it in your answer. For example, if they ask: “How long have you lived there?”, use the present perfect tense when you reply. Try not to repeat the same words the examiner used in the question. Instead of saying “I’ve lived there for 2 years” you could say something like “I’ve been in my flat for 2 years.” This shows the examiner you can paraphrase and use language flexibly.

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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Not all at. IELTS examiners are trained language teachers, and they’re certified to assess how well you speak English—not your accent. They expect to hear a wide variety of accents during the Speaking test. What matters is how clearly you speak. Your accent can affect the way you say your words – like how you use stress, intonation and rhythm. If there are sounds or stress patterns you find difficult, practise them before your test so there are no communication issues or misunderstandings.

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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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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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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It is perfectly fine to ask the examiner for clarification. Whatever you do, don't guess what the examiner is asking you. This is one of the advantages of the IELTS Speaking test.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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This is for quality control. Examiners are constantly monitored to ensure they rate to standard. Also, if you request an Enquiry on Results (EOR), the recording is used by s senior examiner.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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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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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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As long as it naturally needs - don't force yourself to speak for a particular set length. If you are speaking for too long, the examiner will move you on to another question.
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

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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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