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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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iconLast updated on May 14, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
For Task 1, you need to write at least 150 words and for Task 2, you’ll be asked to write at least 250 words. The word count is the same for both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.  Practise writing to these limits before you take the IELTS Writing test to give yourself the best possible change of achieving the band score you need. If you write less, you might not have fully answered the question. If you write too much, it can be easy to go off-topic.  In the IELTS computer test, you don’t need to count each word yourself, as the word count is shown on the screen.

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May 14, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
A team of senior IELTS examiners will mark your test again. Of course, none of these examiners will have marked your original test. And they also don’t know your original test score. That ensures it’s a fair remark. IELTS relies on qualified IELTS examiners. They are intensively trained and monitored to ensure consistency and quality of marking, no matter where in the world the test is taken. For example, a minimum of two examiners will mark your Writing test, and sometimes even up to three or four – we do this to ensure the highest level of accuracy and fairness possible

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Good question! Unfortunately, the short answer is no. With IELTS One Skill Retake, you can only do one of the four skills again: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. But you still have some options. Option 1: Request a remark. IELTS will then take another look at your Reading and Writing test. You’ll have to pay a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full. Option 2: If you need to improve your Writing and Reading scores, it means your Listening and Speaking scores are good. That’s a great start! Take some time, prepare, and book a new test. My tip: Download the free IELTS by IDP app. You get access to lots of free study material.

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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

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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

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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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