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
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test helps you develop the English skills you need to succeed at work in an English-speaking environment. You'll learn how to express ideas clearly and professionally, which is important for meetings, emails and presentations. The Listening section helps you improve your focus and understanding, which is useful in interviews, phone calls and work discussions. In the Reading section, you'll practise finding important details quickly, a skill needed when reading reports, emails or instructions at work.

Read more

Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconAug 4, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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.

Read more

Aug 5, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You may be asked to describe how data changes over time, so it can be useful to practise words and phrases for describing increases, decreases, fluctuations and periods of stability. You might also need to describe how much something has changed, e.g. “a sharp rise”, “a gradual increase.”You should also be able to use words in different forms so you can show the examiner that you can use a range of sentence structures. E.g. “There was a gradual increase in exports.” “Exports increased gradually.” Some Task 1 questions will ask you to compare maps, so you’ll need to know vocabulary for describing positions or locations e.g. “at the bottom of”, “above” etc.

Read more

May 29, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
This is a big question. The best starting point is to get an idea of how good your writing is and then focus on where you need to improve: e.g. is it your grammar that needs work? Is it how you develop ideas?, and things like that. Also it’s always a good idea to have a close look at the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors. Look at all the rating criteria and see what you need to show for each criteria to get to a certain band.

Read more

Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start by identifying which writing sub-skills you need to focus on. For example, maybe you’re good at using a range of vocabulary but you struggle with punctuation? Perhaps you can use verb tenses correctly, but you need to get better at organising your ideas within your paragraphs. Try some IELTS Writing tasks and ask a teacher to give you feedback on your writing. They’ll be able to show you which sub-skills to work on and help you find resources you can work through to improve in these areas.

Read more

May 29, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Your vocabulary knowledge is built up of two parts; your passive vocabulary and your active vocabulary. Your passive vocabulary is words that you know but you may not regularly use. They help you in reading and listening and you improve them subconsciously by reading, listening and watching more and more. Your active vocabulary is the vocabulary you regularly use in writing and speaking. It becomes better by focused practice: make a list of words you want to use more, write sentences with them, and force yourself to use them on a daily basis

Read more

Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconAug 6, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Maybe let’s start asking with a few questions: what do I need the vocabulary for? when do I feel I need to know more words? Is it when I read and listen, or is it when I speak and write? Your vocabulary knowledge is mainly built of two parts: your active vs. your passive vocabulary. Your active vocabulary are words you use when you speak and write, words that are present in your mind and ready to use. Passive vocabulary are words that you know when you see them or hear them, but you may not necessarily remember them and use them. The best way to increase your active vocabulary is to pick one or a few words a day and make yourself use them for a few days in a row when communicating. With passive vocabulary, the more you read and listen the bigger your vocabulary knowledge gets, and this usually happens without even noticing it. If you do keep a list of new words that you learn every day, it also helps remembering them longer.

Read more

Aug 6, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In an opinion essay, there is a statement which you have to agree or disagree with. In a discussion essay, there are two opposite statements. In this case you need to discuss both sides of the argument and then explain which side you support.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS for UKVI is the same as the ‘regular’ IELTS test. You get a band score for your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking English proficiency level. The question types, timing, and marking criteria for are also the same. However, IELTS for UKVI (sometimes also called SELT) has some additional security features required by the UK Government. You’ll also see a unique UKVI reference number on your test report form, along with the CEFR equivalent for each band score component. IELTS also offers another special test for the UK, called IELTS Life Skills. IELTS Life Skills only tests your Speaking and Listening proficiency (not Reading and Writing) against a common European standard, the CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B1. IELTS Life Skills is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories.

Read more

Jun 16, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres. In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University). In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown). You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations

Read more

Sep 15, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You can search for your country's IELTS by IDP Website or login to the IELTS by IDP App to book an IELTS Test with IDP. Click on the Book Your Test option on the website to register for your test.
Jul 22, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start with the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website . Our top IELTS preparation materials are featured on the front page, or you can search for resources by test skill. If you’re not sure where to start, you can take our English self-assessment tool to get recommendations.
Aug 5, 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
...
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
15