Read more about what IELTS experts have to say
- 12
- 15
- 18
Do you have any tips for short answer questions in the IELTS Listening and Reading tests?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Some people find short answer questions challenging because they require you to write or type your answer to a question, rather than choosing it from a list of options. Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for these kinds of questions.
Before your read the text (or before the audio starts for IELTS Listening), read the instructions carefully and check how many words you can write in each blank (e.g. one word, two words, or a number). Identify keywords in the questions. This will help you focus on the most important information in the recording or the text and identify what type of information you are looking for.
After writing or typing your answer, don’t forget to check your spelling as the answer may be marked wrong if it is incorrect.
Read more
Jul 24, 2025
Answers
Do you have any tips for short answer questions in the IELTS Listening and Reading tests?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Some people find short answer questions challenging because they require you to write or type your answer to a question, rather than choosing it from a list of options. Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for these kinds of questions.
Before your read the text (or before the audio starts for IELTS Listening), read the instructions carefully and check how many words you can write in each blank (e.g. one word, two words, or a number). Identify keywords in the questions. This will help you focus on the most important information in the recording or the text and identify what type of information you are looking for.
After writing or typing your answer, don’t forget to check your spelling as the answer may be marked wrong if it is incorrect.
Read more
Jul 24, 2025
Does IDP offer courses for IELTS test takers in the Middle East?
Reading Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1) Preparation Free preparation
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IDP Education in Middle East, Africa, CIS and EU offers many courses for IELTS which include IELTS Privilege, IELTS Focus and various Master Class and Webinar sessions. Please reach out to your closest test centres to check on the available courses and resources for test takers.
Jul 22, 2025
Answers
Does IDP offer courses for IELTS test takers in the Middle East?
Reading Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1) Preparation Free preparation
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IDP Education in Middle East, Africa, CIS and EU offers many courses for IELTS which include IELTS Privilege, IELTS Focus and various Master Class and Webinar sessions. Please reach out to your closest test centres to check on the available courses and resources for test takers.
Read more
Jul 22, 2025
Does IELTS use any artificial intelligence to score its tests?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Free preparation
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. IELTS uses human raters for their tests. All examiners go through a rigorous training process and are closely monitored to ensure they rate to standard.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
Does IELTS use any artificial intelligence to score its tests?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Free preparation
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. IELTS uses human raters for their tests. All examiners go through a rigorous training process and are closely monitored to ensure they rate to standard.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
How can I get a band 9 in the IELTS test?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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
Answers
How can I get a band 9 in the IELTS test?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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.
Read more
Jul 1, 2025
How can I improve my grammar for the IELTS test?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Answers
How can I improve my grammar for the IELTS test?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
How can I improve my reading speed for IELTS?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Improving band score
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Obviously, the more practice you do the better. But initially, try skimming the articles first and just focus on the key words. Once you have located an answer in an article, just read that section carefully. Also, try the questions that appear in order first, as there may be some text you can set aside more easily.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
How can I improve my reading speed for IELTS?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Improving band score
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Obviously, the more practice you do the better. But initially, try skimming the articles first and just focus on the key words. Once you have located an answer in an article, just read that section carefully. Also, try the questions that appear in order first, as there may be some text you can set aside more easily.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
How can I manage my time in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part.
During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Answers
How can I manage my time in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part.
During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
How long will it take me to move from a band 5 to band 6 in IELTS?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is no definite answer because it depends on how much you practise, which skills you need to improve most in and in which areas (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation e.g.). What is clear is that you need to work out what you need to work most on and practice daily.
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much work you are prepared to do. Consider setting some goals to help you stay motivated as you need to be consistent in your practice. Remember, there is no short cut, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
How long will it take me to move from a band 5 to band 6 in IELTS?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is no definite answer because it depends on how much you practise, which skills you need to improve most in and in which areas (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation e.g.). What is clear is that you need to work out what you need to work most on and practice daily.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much work you are prepared to do. Consider setting some goals to help you stay motivated as you need to be consistent in your practice. Remember, there is no short cut, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
I’m confused by the True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading. Do you have any tips?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.
Read more
Aug 7, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.
Read more
May 13, 2025
Answers
I’m confused by the True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading. Do you have any tips?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.
Read more
Aug 7, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.
Read more
May 13, 2025
I’m preparing for IELTS for the first time. Where should I start?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The best place to begin is the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website. You’ll find a section on essential resources for IELTS preparation as well as the option to search for study materials by test skill (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking).
In the Prepare Hub, you can also find our video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP , which covers everything you need to know about IELTS. Over 10 episodes, you’ll learn about the IELTS test structure, how to prepare, what to expect on test day and more.
Read more
Jun 19, 2025
Answers
I’m preparing for IELTS for the first time. Where should I start?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The best place to begin is the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website. You’ll find a section on essential resources for IELTS preparation as well as the option to search for study materials by test skill (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking).
In the Prepare Hub, you can also find our video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP , which covers everything you need to know about IELTS. Over 10 episodes, you’ll learn about the IELTS test structure, how to prepare, what to expect on test day and more.
Read more
Jun 19, 2025
My IELTS test is tomorrow. What should I focus on for my last day of preparation?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Get plenty of rest so you can focus and concentrate well. Get to the test venue in plenty of time ao you are not under pressure. Do something relaxing like listening to music or meditation.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
My IELTS test is tomorrow. What should I focus on for my last day of preparation?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Get plenty of rest so you can focus and concentrate well. Get to the test venue in plenty of time ao you are not under pressure. Do something relaxing like listening to music or meditation.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
What are some formal ways to start and end a letter?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s best to use the surname of the person you’re writing to with the appropriate salutation.
For example, you can start the letter ‘Dear Mr. Smith’ if you’re writing to a man. For women, you can use ‘Dear Mrs. Smith’ or ‘Miss. Smith’ depending on whether she is married or single. If you’re unsure, simply use ‘Ms. Smith.’ You can end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ followed by your full name.
If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to, simply start the letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ and finish with ‘Yours faithfully’ followed by your full name.
Don’t forget to add a comma after each greeting and closing remark e.g. Dear Sir or Madam,
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
What are some formal ways to start and end a letter?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s best to use the surname of the person you’re writing to with the appropriate salutation.
For example, you can start the letter ‘Dear Mr. Smith’ if you’re writing to a man. For women, you can use ‘Dear Mrs. Smith’ or ‘Miss. Smith’ depending on whether she is married or single. If you’re unsure, simply use ‘Ms. Smith.’ You can end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ followed by your full name.
If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to, simply start the letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ and finish with ‘Yours faithfully’ followed by your full name.
Don’t forget to add a comma after each greeting and closing remark e.g. Dear Sir or Madam,
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Trending
Fahad Rafique
Canada
16 years
Experience
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
Trending
Jess Christie
Australia
8 years
Experience
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
Trending
Lewis Crannitch
New Zealand
2 years
Experience
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
Trending
Linda Alley
Australia
11 years
Experience
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
Trending
Reza Tasviri
Australia
18 years
Experience
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
Trending
Rocco Nigro
Australia
26 years
Experience
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
Trending
Vincent Blokker
Australia
11 years
Experience
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
Show less
Powered by
Last answered by Linda