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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 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Your vocabulary knowledge is built up of two parts; your passive vocabulary and your active vocabulary. Your passive vocabulary is words that you know but you may not regularly use. They help you in reading and listening and you improve them subconsciously by reading, listening and watching more and more. Your active vocabulary is the vocabulary you regularly use in writing and speaking. It becomes better by focused practice: make a list of words you want to use more, write sentences with them, and force yourself to use them on a daily basis

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconAug 6, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Maybe let’s start asking with a few questions: what do I need the vocabulary for? when do I feel I need to know more words? Is it when I read and listen, or is it when I speak and write? Your vocabulary knowledge is mainly built of two parts: your active vs. your passive vocabulary. Your active vocabulary are words you use when you speak and write, words that are present in your mind and ready to use. Passive vocabulary are words that you know when you see them or hear them, but you may not necessarily remember them and use them. The best way to increase your active vocabulary is to pick one or a few words a day and make yourself use them for a few days in a row when communicating. With passive vocabulary, the more you read and listen the bigger your vocabulary knowledge gets, and this usually happens without even noticing it. If you do keep a list of new words that you learn every day, it also helps remembering them longer.

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Aug 6, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In an opinion essay, there is a statement which you have to agree or disagree with. In a discussion essay, there are two opposite statements. In this case you need to discuss both sides of the argument and then explain which side you support.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS for UKVI is the same as the ‘regular’ IELTS test. You get a band score for your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking English proficiency level. The question types, timing, and marking criteria for are also the same. However, IELTS for UKVI (sometimes also called SELT) has some additional security features required by the UK Government. You’ll also see a unique UKVI reference number on your test report form, along with the CEFR equivalent for each band score component. IELTS also offers another special test for the UK, called IELTS Life Skills. IELTS Life Skills only tests your Speaking and Listening proficiency (not Reading and Writing) against a common European standard, the CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B1. IELTS Life Skills is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories.

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres. In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University). In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown). You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You can search for your country's IELTS by IDP Website or login to the IELTS by IDP App to book an IELTS Test with IDP. Click on the Book Your Test option on the website to register for your test.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start with the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website . Our top IELTS preparation materials are featured on the front page, or you can search for resources by test skill. If you’re not sure where to start, you can take our English self-assessment tool to get recommendations.
Aug 5, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Either at the end of your introduction or in a paragraph on its own at the end of your summary.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Non-personal ones. In this way, you are more likely to use a wider range of language. After all, it is an essay - not a diary entry.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you’re thinking about applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, you can use either IELTS or CELPIP as proof of English language proficiency. What are the main differences? - IELTS on computer results are typically available in 1 day. With CELPIP, you have to wait up to 4 business days and at busier times up to 10 business days. If you need your results fast, IELTS is the better choice. - CELPIP is primarily available in Canada, with a few locations in India, the UAE, the USA, and the Philippines. IELTS is available worldwide, which makes it more accessible. - IELTS is trusted by over 12,500 government bodies, universities, and professional regulators around the world. CELPIP lists less than 200 organisations on its website that accept the test. If you want a test that is more trusted, choose IELTS.

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
In New Zealand, the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is the organisation that allows you to combine results from more than one test (even across providers) as long as each skill meets the required band and all results are within the validity period. Teaching Council – English language competency FAQs Note this is different from IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR). Many organisations (for example, Immigration New Zealand) accept OSR, but that is not the same as combining separate TRFs. Always check the policy of the organisation you’re applying to.

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
In New Zealand, most organisations accept IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), including Immigration New Zealand and all universities. This means you can use an OSR result when applying for study, work, or visa purposes. My tip: always check directly with the organisation you are applying to, as each organisation sets its own English language requirements and acceptance policies.

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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

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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

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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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