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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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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you do your IELTS test on Computer your results will be available within 1-5 days of your test. You will receive an email as soon as they are released, and you can log back into your account here to download your Test Report Form. If you do your test on IELTS on Paper your results will be released 13 days after your test. You will receive an email or SMS to say your results have been released. Some test centres allow you to come in and pick up the paper Test Report Form, or others will post it out to you. You cannot get an electronic copy of your Test Report Form for IELTS on Paper as these are only available for IELTS on Computer.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It can be helpful to think of an upside-down triangle when you write your essay introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2. Start with a general statement to introduce the topic and give some context.  Next, give more specific details, such as key issues and perspectives related to the topic, which you will discuss in your essay. Finish with your thesis statement, which gives your position on the topic. This might also include a list of key points you’ll cover in your essay. Make sure you use your own words when you write your introduction.  If you’d like to see a sample introduction, read our article IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction .

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May 29, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test for work study and migration. Some institutions around the world also accept the PTE test. However, there are key differences: - Results with IELTS on computer are typically available in 1 day, while PTE results usually take 2–5 days. - Missed out on your desired score? With IELTS on computer, you can retake just one part of your test. With PTE, you must pay for an entire test again. - IELTS Speaking is conducted face-to-face with a human examiner, in a quiet room. It provides a more natural, conversational experience. In contrast, your PTE speaking test is done in a room together with lots of other people also talking in a microphone. It is entirely automated, time-limited, with your responses recorded.

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May 28, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Both IELTS and TOEFL are high-stakes English test. They are both used for work, study and immigration. But there are some important differences: - Results with IELTS on computer are typically available in 1 day. TOEFL results can take 4–8 days after your test date. - Missed out on your desired score? With IELTS on computer, you can retake just one part of your test. With TOEFL, you must pay for an entire test again. - With IELTS, your Speaking test is done is face-to-face with a human examiner, reflecting real-life communication. With TOEFL, your spoken English is recorded. - IELTS lets you choose between an Academic or General Training test. TOEFL only assesses academic language.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
A good rule is to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test. However, some test centre or locations may ask you to arrive earlier than that. Make sure you allow plenty of time and check with your test centre if you are unsure!
Jun 26, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
You can usually find an IELTS test somewhere in New Zealand every day of the week. Some test centres even offer multiple tests per day. IELTS on Computer tests are run frequently, with some centres offering sessions almost every day of the week, including weekends. Paper-based IELTS tests, on the other hand, are usually scheduled once or twice a month. In larger cities such as Auckland, where there are multiple centres, you’ll find a wide choice of test dates across the week. To see the latest availability and book your preferred test, visit our booking page here: Book IELTS test dates

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
IELTS writing examiners assess writing against 4 criteria: Task Achievement/Response( how well the question is answered), Coherence and Cohesion (how logically ideas are organised and connected), Lexical Resource(how well vocabulary is used) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy(how well grammar is used). You get a separate score (0-9) for each of these and your overall writing score is calculated. There is some very useful information here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/ielts-web-static/production/Guides/ielts-writing-key-assessment-criteria.pdf

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Jul 1, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
The IELTS partners recommend that IELTS results are valid for two years. However, individual organisations may set their own validity period. It’s best to check this with the organisation that you’re applying to.
Feb 7, 2025
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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
There is no minimum wait period before you can take the IELTS test again. However, if you didn’t get the results you were aiming for, I recommend you take some time to reflect on your scores, take some time to study and prepare, and then take the test again. IDP has lots of free preparation material to help you.
May 21, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
For paper-based IELTS, eTRFs (electronic Test Report Forms) are not currently available, so you’ll receive a paper TRF instead. This is issued 13 days after your test, and we’ll notify you by email once it’s ready. If you’ve asked for your TRF to be posted, it will be sent by standard New Zealand Post. Delivery usually takes 3–5 working days, though occasional postal delays can happen. If you need your TRF sooner, you can collect it directly from the test centre on the day it is released or arrange for a courier service. Contact your chosen test centre to discuss courier options and how to set this up.

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s different for everyone as there are a lot of factors to consider such as your current level of English, your target band score, your first language and how many hours you can study/practise. Instead of focusing on the amount of time you have, I recommend concentrating on using your preparation time efficiently. Start by setting goals for your study sessions and make these as specific as possible. If you want to get a higher score in IELTS Writing, think about what areas of writing you want to improve and work on these. For example, do you need to use a wider range of vocabulary? Or do you need to get better at supporting your ideas in the Task 2 essay?

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Aug 5, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
As long as it naturally needs - don't force yourself to speak for a particular set length. If you are speaking for too long, the examiner will move you on to another question.
Jun 17, 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

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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