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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 2, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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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.

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Jul 2, 2025
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iconAug 7, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Have a look at the public band descriptors to get a good idea of the requirements of band 7 for each criteria. For example, your body paragraphs in Task 2 need one cental idea, you need to use a range of complex vocabulary and grammar accurately, use a range of connectors, etc.
Aug 7, 2025
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iconAug 6, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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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.

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Aug 6, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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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
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, we look at every single re-mark request. Even if your score did not change, IELTS will have re-marked your test. So, how come we can do this so quickly? We understand you want an outcome as soon as possible. We have a team of senior IELTS examiners around the world to re-mark your test. So, when you submit your remark request in the middle of the night in Canada, a Senior Examiner in Australia might start looking at your test straight away. And, each Senior Examiner only marks one section of your test which means they can mark different parts of your test at the same time. This process usually takes a few days, but sometimes it’s as quick as a couple of hours. Getting results very quickly is the same with IELTS on computer tests.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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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
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
When previewing the question, have a look at the options that are near each other. Think about how they are similar and different. E.g. both option A and option B appear before the river, but option A is opposite the school and option B is next to the school.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
If you feel that your performance on the day of your test does not reflect the score you received, you can ask us to remark your test. It is part of our commitment to be fair and transparent. When you request a remark (IELTS calls this an Enquiry on Result, or EOR), a Senior Examiner will take another look at your test. You can ask us to remark your Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. Or all of them. The fee is the same whether you ask for one skill to be remarked, or all of them. 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.

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Feb 14, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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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
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Did you take your IELTS test on a computer at a test centre that offers IELTS One Skill Retake? If so, you might be eligible to take IELTS One Skill Retake for Listening if you are within 60 days of your original test date. You can check your eligibility and book a test here: IELTS One Skill Retake

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Feb 18, 2025
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iconFeb 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

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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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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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