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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 Linda

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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,

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Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
As much variety as you can. This can include verb tenses, conditional sentences, gerunds & infinitives, compounds, complex sentences, relative clauses, comparative language, etc.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Your Overall band score will just be the average of the 4 skills. However, you may want to check with the organisation you are applying to and see if they have any minimum requirement for the individual skills.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

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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iconSep 15, 2025

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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iconJun 16, 2025

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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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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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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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You’ll hear a range of different accents in the IELTS Listening test such as British, Australian, New Zealand and North American. If you’ve spent time in any of these countries, you’ll know that accents can change within a country too. For example, someone from the north of England will usually sound different to someone from the south. Before you take your IELTS test, try to exposure yourself to a variety of accents through podcasts, videos and radio stations so you get used to hearing the different ways people speak in English.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

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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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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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
New to IELTS: If you’re new to IELTS, I’d recommend watching our 10-part video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP. Each episode includes an interview with a different IELTS expert and covers everything you need to know about the test. IELTS Speaking: If you’re aiming for a particular Speaking band score, watch the IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel to see other people take the test and learn why they got the score they did.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconAug 4, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
There are plenty videos that you will be able to find online. Here are a few links to get you started: 1. IELTS Prepare website by IDP - Video podcasts available - Also available on IELTS by IDP App 2. IELTS by IDP Youtube Channel.

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Aug 5, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Great question! Here are a few techniques you can use. Read the articles below to learn more about each technique: Focus on learning vocabulary that is frequently used in IELTS https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-common-vocabulary-ielts-listening Create mind maps on different topics: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-mind-maps-to-build-vocabulary Make new vocabulary memorable by creating personal examples: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-how-to-remember-new-words

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Feb 18, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Good question! Our masterclasses and webinars run at different times in different countries. To register for an online masterclass in your time zone, go to the events calendar on our website or app. You can download the IELTS by IDP app in Google Play or the App store. Alternatively, you can contact your local IELTS test centre for more information.

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Feb 7, 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

role

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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