The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

Get expert answers to your IELTS questions

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.

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

icon1
iconShare
iconJul 2, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
First thing is you need to find out where you need most improvements to take you one band up. A good place to start is to look at the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. They are available to the public in full detail now. Look at all the descriptors for band 6 and band 7. A good exercise is to record yourself answering some IELTS questions and then listen to your speaking. Do you speak rather comfortably and at length? Do you use less common words and idioms? Do you use complex grammar structures? And when you hear yourself do you feel you keep your rhythm when speaking at length? These are some of the features of band 7. If to the answer to any of the questions is no/maybe, then it means you need to focus on that area.

Read more

Jul 2, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I know it’s a tough task. I had the same experience myself when I was learning English many years ago, but it’s much better times now. Find people online who would be willing to speak with you in English. Also there are chatbots available these days that you can speak with. Generative AI (e.g. Chat GPT) may also be helpful.
Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconAug 6, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I know the feeling as I learned English long before internet or social media and there was no one around to speak in English with. It can be frustrating, but the upside is there are a few things you can do. There are sone very good language learning forums or language exchange platforms online where people get together, share ideas and have chat rooms or speaking clubs where they speak. Also, more and more chatbots are becoming available for free speaking practice. If you are interested in computer games and online gaming, there is also some opportunity there to communicate with other players in real-time. Last, but not at all least, solo practice of talking, recording yourself and listening back to yourself is a proven technique.

Read more

Aug 6, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
These are words or phrases that you do not hear so often, but carry the same meaning as words that are used all the time. E.g. 'obtain' can have the same meaning as 'got' but is used less often.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not necessarily, as the speaking has 3 parts and your score shows how well you did the test overall and not just in one part. If you give short answers in all parts of the test, then there is an issue and you may not get a very high score
Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Unfortunately, no. IELTS One Skill Retake is only available if you took your full IELTS test on a computer in an eligible test centre.
May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Medical professionals in Australia need to demonstrate high levels of English language proficiency. That’s important, because people’s lives and wellbeing depend on it. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) sets English requirements for nurses and currently requires the Academic IELTS test. But, always check with the organisation which regulates your profession before you book your IELTS test.

Read more

May 28, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Occasionally even native English speakers need to take an IELTS test. That’s because some organisations have strict requirements what counts as a “native speaker.” For example, a university might consider you a native speaker if you hold a passport from a country where English is the main language. Other organisations only consider you a native speaker if you’re a citizen of an English-speaking country and have lived there for a minimum number or years or have completed education in that country. One of the biggest mistakes native English speakers make is not preparing for the IELTS test. Here are some tips to help you get the score you’re looking for if English is your first language: IELTS for native English speakers – some tips to get a top score

Read more

May 28, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They are only human, so don't worry about them. In fact, they try to put test takers at ease, not try to pressure them. Just be yourself.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconAug 6, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s very normal to feel nervous before the speaking test: we sometimes lack confidence about our speaking, we are too stressed about getting the score we need, we have had previous stressful experiences with a test, or we may have heard stories of other people’s experiences and their challenges. I think if you work out where your stress comes from, it’s much easier to deal with it. As a rule, keep reminding yourself that every speaking test is unique so what you have heard from other test takers may not be true in your case, the examiner is a trained professional who is there to help you feel calm and show your best performance, and that being stressed is part of being serious about the test. On the day of the test a few things work for me: keep smiling, spend half an hour or an hour before you go to the test doing an activity that you like and enjoy (going to a café? listening to music? walking? catching up with a friend?). Also like athletes need warm up, you may need to and a good 20-30 minute warm up before the test is repeating after a recording of a speaker you like and who speaks good English (an actor, a sportsperson, a politician, an influencer, e.g) and trying to reach their pace of fluency and clarity of pronunciation.

Read more

Aug 6, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
The Academic IELTS test is designed for those who want to study at a university that teaches in English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, including New Zealand. However, if you are looking to study secondary education, work experience or vocational training programs, sometimes IELTS General Training is also accepted. So, always check with the institution where you want to study before you book your IELTS test.

Read more

May 28, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 19, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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
profileverified-icon

Fahad Rafique

flag

Canada

16 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Jess Christie

flag

Australia

8 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Lewis Crannitch

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Linda Alley

flag

Australia

11 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Reza Tasviri

flag

Australia

18 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Rocco Nigro

flag

Australia

26 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Vincent Blokker

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Vishal Ramesh

flag

India

1 year

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

Show less

Powered byTap logo

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

1
1
...
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
...
15
15