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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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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
We may run blank every now and then when we want to write something, so it’s important not to panic in the first place. Ideas come from somewhere. We get ideas through reading (e.g. the news), watching (e.g. documentaries even short ones) or listening (to a podcast for example). IELTS topics are general enough so if you read, listen and watch regularly you will already have come across the topic areas. Then give yourself the chance to read the question a couple of times to make sure you fully understand it and you have not missed anything. Now think about possible answers and ask, “what do I think?”, “why?”, “how”, “where can this be true”, and questions like that.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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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”.

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May 13, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
All IELTS on Computer tests around the world use the same testing platform. If you click here you can see what the platform looks like and practice all 3 components before your test. Test out what all the buttons and options do. You will see you can change the font size, screen and text color. Knowing what to expect will help you massively on test day!

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 19, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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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.

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Jun 19, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Not at all. The structure and content of the IELTS Online test is exactly the same as the IELTS Academic test in a test centre. Our IELTS preparation hub has lots of free resources you can use to get ready for your test. These include practice tests, masterclasses, videos, vodcast episodes and articles. You can you find these resources here.

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Feb 14, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Have a look at the public band descriptors and you will see the type of language examiners look for. There are ways that people lose marks unnecessarily, like being underlength, not having a clear position in the essay, using short sentences, not having a central idea in the body paragraphs, etc..
Jun 17, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As long as you use good quality materials from reliable sources, you should be fine. It’s best to choose official IELTS materials. Just remember that there is a lot of “myths” and misinformation about the test online and particularly on social platforms. They can truly be a time waster and create anxiety, so it’s best to avoid them. IDP is one of the co-owners of the IELTS test and you can find our preparation resources at: IDP IELTS preparation materials

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Jul 1, 2025
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iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
IELTS preparation classes are a good option if you’d like feedback on your writing and speaking. A teacher can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you advice on how you can improve before you take your test. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to classes - there are also plenty of ways to prepare by yourself. Just make sure you choose official IELTS preparation materials, which you can find on our website . If you can’t attend classes, a self-paced online IELTS preparation course might suit you better. Our IELTS by IDP app offers two free taster courses by Macquarie University and E2 Test Prep.

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Aug 5, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. Just start with 'Dear ....' but make sure you include the purpose of the letter and sign off in the appropriate way.
Jun 16, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Don't force yourself to speak in a manner you are not used to. Just make sure you use a wide range of language as accurately as you can and expand and support your ideas.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
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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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

role

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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