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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They can be formal or informal. Besides that, you could be asked to write a letter of complaint, invitation, request, apology, etc. - basically a variety of social functions.
Jun 16, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Jun 16, 2025
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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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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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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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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
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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
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
I recommend selecting one of the IELTS Approved Preparation Providers in New Zealand. These schools are officially endorsed by IDP, meaning they use quality teaching methods, have qualified IELTS teachers, and offer practice materials specific to the test. Some excellent options are Worldwide School of English in Auckland, PM Training School in Manukau, and Bay Learning Academy in Mount Maunganui. You can see the full list of approved providers and find one near you here: IELTS Approved Preparation Providers – New Zealand

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
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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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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IDP Education Test Centres in MEA exclusively offer test taker preparation materials in a USB to registered test takers. You may reach out to your nearest test centre to check on the preparation materials available to you once you register for an IELTS test.
Jul 22, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad

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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
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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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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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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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Complex structures are those sentences that have more than just the basic elements of subject, verb, object, and adverb as in “ I studied French in the first year of college”. They contain one or two structures within a sentence. Examples of complex structures are conditionals, adverbials, relative clauses, passive structures, using participle clauses, etc. Instead of saying “I don’t have time. I cannot finish my assignment by this evening” we can combine the two sentences into a complex structure and say “If I had more time, I could finish my assignment by this evening”. Complex structure allow us to express more ideas and also make the writing more engaging

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Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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I assume you mean how to move to band 4.5 from a lower band. Practice with different IELTS writing tasks; look at the questions and try to think of answers, write down your ideas, first in words and then in sentences. Then try to put your ideas in order. See if you can use some linking words (for example, and, so, but, in summary). Try to use a few complex structures, for example “if” sentences and push yourself to use a few new words every time you practice.

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Jun 30, 2025
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Fahad Rafique

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Canada

16 years

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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

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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

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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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