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 Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, you can lose marks for incorrect spelling. Also make sure you use the correct punctuation. E.g. 'one thousand' is written as 1,000 (not 1.000). You need to look out for distactors as well - pay attention to negateve words (e.g. don't, isn't, etc).
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In Task 1, you can lose marks if you have no data, comparisons or overview. Also, do not report the trends mechanically. In Task 2, make sure you have a clear position on the matter and your body paragraphs have just one main idea that is developed.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
A couple of important ones could be: answering briefly or in short sentences, using memorisation, personalising Part 3 answers and not checking the meaning of a question that you don't understand.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on everyday topics about your life such as work or studies, your hometown, family, hobbies and experiences. In Part 2, you’ll be asked to speak for up to 2 minutes on one topic. Part 3 focuses on discussion questions about this topic. For example, the questions might cover areas like technology, health, tourism, the environment, shopping or education. Work on building up your vocabulary, so you’re prepared to speak about a wide variety of topics.

Read more

May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
There are no common topics as a wide range of themes are used. Try not to predict what you could be asked and be orepared to talk about any topic.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s best to use the surname of the person you’re writing to with the appropriate salutation. For example, you can start the letter ‘Dear Mr. Smith’ if you’re writing to a man. For women, you can use ‘Dear Mrs. Smith’ or ‘Miss. Smith’ depending on whether she is married or single. If you’re unsure, simply use ‘Ms. Smith.’ You can end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ followed by your full name. If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to, simply start the letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ and finish with ‘Yours faithfully’ followed by your full name. Don’t forget to add a comma after each greeting and closing remark e.g. Dear Sir or Madam,

Read more

Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In the Academic test, they are 3 separate articles, which can be a narrative, informative or scientific text. In the General Training, the first section will have a few short texts (e.g. notices), the second section will have two workplace related texts and the third section has a longer descriptive text.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
On test day you need to bring a valid identification - the same one you registered for the test with. If you do not bring this, you will not be able to sit the test. Additionally, you can bring with you a clear bottle of water with no labels. Nothing else will be allowed into the test room, but there will be a secure location for you to store your belongings during the test.

Read more

Jun 2, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Practise speaking English regularly, through both everyday conversations and by answering some IELTS Speaking test practice questions . Ask a teacher or some English-speaking friends for feedback. They can point out areas where you may be making mistakes, such as pronunciation or vocabulary. This will help you decide what you need to work on before your IELTS test.

Read more

May 29, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you are talking about grammar errors, it can be a good idea to record yourself when you do speaking practice. You can then go back and listen to see what kind of errors you make. You may see a pattern - if so, do some exercises on that particular problem area.
Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
You need to be able to expand your ideas easily with minimal hesitation. Use a wide range of connectors, vocabulary and grammar accurately and be able to use most pronunciation features. Have a look at the public band descriptors to see what kind of language examiners look for at band 8 level.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Explain why you have little knowledge on the topic, but then you should speculate with the understanding you do have. Remember that your knowledge is not tested, but rather your language skills.
Jun 17, 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
...
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
21
...
24
24