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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 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Even though a wide range of vocabulary can help you understand the text better, if there is a word you don't know, you can try to work out the meaning from context. Some words will not have an impact on the understanding of the article or question.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, remember that they appear in order in the text, so that can help you locate the answers quickly. Highlight the key word in the question and see if you can answer it. Compare your answer to the muliple choice options and see which one best fits. Make sure the whole sentence fits - not just 1 or 2 key words.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
These questions appear in chronological order, but that does not mean the article has been arranged in the same way. Take note of any time references or sequence words.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 24, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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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.

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Jul 24, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Make sure you get familiar with the task types and the type of language you need (check the public band descriptors). It is also handy to get feedback from a professional tutor who can point out any areas for you to work on. Doing a second draft can also help with any language issues.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

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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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is some casual practice that you can do every day which I highly recommend, and that is reading news items, articles or reports that have graphs, charts, tables and the like. I see many of those in the business/economy section of news websites and in science magazines and websites. This is the enjoyable bit. There is also some focused practice. Go through official test samples, look at the graphs and tables and read sample responses and that gives you a very good idea of how to analyse and report data.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Have a look at some sample essays to see how they are structured. After viewing a few of them, you may notice particular styles or patterns. Have a look at the vocabulary and grammar too so you can see typical structures you can use. Reading editorial articles can also help as they can give you an idea about how to arrange an argument.
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

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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

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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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