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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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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is accepted by specific organizations and Govt. entities. You may check directly with your institution if they accept OSR or review the list of organizations at Who accepts IELTS One Skill Retake?
Jul 22, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
In terms of content and test questions, neither of the formats is easier than the other. It all depends on which format makes you feel most comfortable. Some people are happier writing with pencil and paper, whereas others feel most at home on a computer typing the answers. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable will be the best option for you.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
A lot of universities and organisations accept IELTS Online test scores. However, if you’re taking IELTS for immigration purposes, you’ll need to take the test at an official IELTS test centre.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test measures a person's English language proficiency. So, you might want to ask if English is difficult. But it also depends on what band score you want to achieve and how close it is to your English level.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS is trusted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world. And all these organisations set their own entry requirements. That means that the minimum IELTS scores you require for a visa in Australia can be different than the minimum scores you need for a visa in Canada or New Zealand. It also means that different universities have different IELTS score requirements. So, always check with the institution with the organisation where you want to use your IELTS results what the requirements are.

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. You just have to be at least 16 years of age.
Jun 17, 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
It is up to you - it doesn't really matter. Just make sure that you only use a given name for an informal letter and both a given name and surname when ending a formal letter.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Because writing an essay plan is optional, you might be tempted to skip it, so you have more time to write your essay. However, creating a quick plan before you begin could actually save you time later. Imagine you’re in middle of your essay and you realise you don’t have enough ideas. Or you discover you don’t have enough examples to support your ideas. Take the pressure off yourself by spending a few minutes brainstorming and planning at the beginning of your test. Decide your position on the topic. Use bullet points to note ideas and examples you’d like to include. That way you can check if you have enough information before you start. If you’re taking IELTS on computer, you’ll receive some scrap paper for this.

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May 29, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
A very good question. This is an indicator of how cohesive and coherent a piece of writing is. Referencing and substitution is when we use words like pronouns (him/her, this/that, these/those, it), and articles (a/an, the). Substitution and referencing help avoid repeating ideas and making sentences clearer.
Jun 30, 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

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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

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

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Rocco Nigro

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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

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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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