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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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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Yes. There is no requirement to do this but there is no penalty either so you can use your own name or any other name.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s not part of the rating criteria, so the short answer is no. However, like in any human interaction, maintaining natural eye contact helps to better communicate ideas and avoid confusion.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, more than 3,400 institutions in the USA alone accept your IELTS results. This includes top Ivy League colleges like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. So, if you’re looking to study in the US, taking the world’s most trusted test can make your application stand out from the rest. Check if your preferred organisation accepts IELTS: IELTS Recognising organisations

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, it's a misconception that taking the IELTS test in another country is easier or harder. Your test is marked to the same standard wherever you take it. Besides, IELTS is very transparent about how we mark your test: the marking criteria examiners use are available for you to look at, too. IELTS Examiners are highly trained and follow global standards. That makes the IELTS test is fair and consistent, and the reason why more than 12,500 organisations around the world trust IELTS scores.

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May 21, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Yes, it's always best to read the questions first and try to remember, highlight or underline key words in them.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Always read the questions first and try to remember, highlight or underline key words in them.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Not all at. IELTS examiners are trained language teachers, and they’re certified to assess how well you speak English—not your accent. They expect to hear a wide variety of accents during the Speaking test. What matters is how clearly you speak. Your accent can affect the way you say your words – like how you use stress, intonation and rhythm. If there are sounds or stress patterns you find difficult, practise them before your test so there are no communication issues or misunderstandings.

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Jun 17, 2025
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iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
IELTS preparation classes are a good option if you’d like feedback on your writing and speaking. A teacher can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you advice on how you can improve before you take your test. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to classes - there are also plenty of ways to prepare by yourself. Just make sure you choose official IELTS preparation materials, which you can find on our website . If you can’t attend classes, a self-paced online IELTS preparation course might suit you better. Our IELTS by IDP app offers two free taster courses by Macquarie University and E2 Test Prep.

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Aug 5, 2025
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iconMay 14, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes, we have an option for this called IELTS One Skill Retake. If you didn’t get the Speaking score you were hoping for, you can take this section of the test again if : 1. you have completed a full IELTS test at a centre that offers One Skill Retake 2. your full test was an eligible IELTS on computer test 3. you take your One Skill Retake within 60 days of your full IELTS test You can view the cost and book a test time here .

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May 15, 2025
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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Good question! That depends on the country you are looking to move to. For example, in Australia you can generally use either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. However, immigration authorities in Canada usually only accept IELTS General Training. So, always check with the immigration authorities (or a qualified migration agent) which IELTS test you require before you book your test. Legislation about immigration and visas changes frequently. When you’re looking to move to another country, it’s important to check the relevant government website for changes that may apply to you.

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May 21, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
The Listening component is not always first. The order of the components is different between IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper. It may also depend on where in the world you are taking the test. It will either be Listening, Reading then Writing, OR Writing, Reading then Listening. Please contact your closest test centre to confirm the order for your test if needed.

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Jun 26, 2025
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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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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

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

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Linda Alley

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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

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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

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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