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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 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
A maximum of one skill of the IELTS test can be retaken for each full IELTS test. That means you cannot request a second IELTS One Skill Retake on the same test. If you wish to improve your IELTS score in more than one skill, you will need to book a complete IELTS test (all four skills).
Jun 16, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
The best way is to look for what seems logical based on the task/ question and the data, graph, chart, table or map. For example, if it’s a flowchart or process, it’s best to organise your ideas in a way that they follow the process. As a general rule there are always a few things that you should always include. These are “introduction”, “overview”, “Summary/Description”. The safest way is to have them in this order, but it’s not the only way.

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
The easiest way is to follow the order of bullet points that are included in the question. Start your letter by saying why you are writing the letter/purpose of the letter, then follow the order of bullet points and finish your letter with an appropriate ending.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When your results for IELTS One Skill Retake have been released, we’ll send you an email. You can then log in to your IELTS account to check your scores. When you see your IELTS scores, you can download a PDF or send your results electronically to an organisation that accepts IELTS.
May 28, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
A team of senior IELTS examiners will mark your test again. Of course, none of these examiners will have marked your original test. And they also don’t know your original test score. That ensures it’s a fair remark. IELTS relies on qualified IELTS examiners. They are intensively trained and monitored to ensure consistency and quality of marking, no matter where in the world the test is taken. For example, a minimum of two examiners will mark your Writing test, and sometimes even up to three or four – we do this to ensure the highest level of accuracy and fairness possible

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconAug 7, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Have a look at the public band descriptors to get a good idea of the requirements of band 7 for each criteria. For example, your body paragraphs in Task 2 need one cental idea, you need to use a range of complex vocabulary and grammar accurately, use a range of connectors, etc.
Aug 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
A very common question as 7 is the band that can be critical for many. As a starting point I think it’s best to have a look at the IELTS Writing band descriptors. Try to have a quick read through and then only focus on the descriptors at band 6 and band 7. Read them closely. In each box in the table (for each criterion, e.g. Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, etc) there are a few lines. Read each line in band 7 and ask yourself did I do this in my test, or did I do what the lines in band 6 say? This helps you get a better picture of where you may have lost marks and where you can gain some. You can make your understanding even better by looking at official samples for band 6 and 7.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
These are words or phrases that you do not hear so often, but carry the same meaning as words that are used all the time. E.g. 'obtain' can have the same meaning as 'got' but is used less often.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, no. IELTS One Skill Retake is only available if you took your full IELTS test on a computer in an eligible test centre.
May 27, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Good question! Unfortunately, the short answer is no. With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can only do one of the four skills again: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. But you still have some options. Option 1: Request a remark. IELTS will then take another look at your Reading and Writing test. You’ll have to pay a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full. Option 2: If you need to improve your Writing and Reading scores, it means your Listening and Speaking scores are good. That’s a great start! Take some time, prepare, and book a new test. My tip: Download the free IELTS by IDP app. You get access to lots of free study material.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Medical professionals in Australia need to demonstrate high levels of English language proficiency. That’s important, because people’s lives and wellbeing depend on it. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) sets English requirements for nurses and currently requires the Academic IELTS test. But, always check with the organisation which regulates your profession before you book your IELTS test.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much shorter your response was and how it affected how well you responded to the question. There is no fixed penalty for writing shorter responses but bear in mind that in a short response it is harder to elaborate on ideas and develop them and also use a good range of grammar, vocabulary and cohesive devices, so this may lower your score. The equation is not purely mathematical.

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Jun 30, 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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