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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 Jun 29, 2026

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is no definite answer because it depends on how much you practise, which skills you need to improve most in and in which areas (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation e.g.). What is clear is that you need to work out what you need to work most on and practice daily.
Jun 30, 2025
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much work you are prepared to do. Consider setting some goals to help you stay motivated as you need to be consistent in your practice. Remember, there is no short cut, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconLast updated on Jun 26, 2026

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It can be an idea to do a lot of listening practice, especially with video as it you can see how the speaker moves their mouth and face, that is, if you don't have the opportunity to engage with native speakers. Record yourself and listen back to your speaking to compare.
Jun 17, 2025
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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Try recording yourself and then playing back the recording. This can help you identify areas for improvement like word stress and intonation. If you’re not sure what areas you need to work on, ask a teacher to listen to your recordings to give you feedback.
May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It can be a good idea to pair together the items that have similar trends, changes and differences. This will help you focus more on language of comparison and contrast and more aware of the main trends. Also look out for any exceptions and make a note of them in your description.
Aug 7, 2025
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Look at the overall trends first. Group them together according to which ones are similar. E.g. put the categories that have had an increase or positive change in one paragraph. Describe how they are similar and then explain the differences. Then do the same thing for the items that decreased in another paragraph.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Sure. A few things to remember: the questions and answers are in the same order as the passage. It’s always good to do the gaps one after the other instead of jumping or moving around and always look for keywords because they help take you to where the answers in the passage are.
Jun 30, 2025
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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The missing words in the summary are often different from the words in the text. They might be synonyms e.g. ‘result’ and ‘outcome’. Or they might be the same word in a different form (e.g. a verb in the text and then the noun form in the summary such as ‘succeed’ and ‘success’).   Look at the gaps in the summary to work out what part of speech is missing (e.g. noun, verb, adjective etc)

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May 27, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You can’t ask your examiner for a different Speaking test question. However, what you can do is build up your confidence by practising with a wide range of different questions before your test.
Oct 30, 2025
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iconLast updated on Sep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres. In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University). In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown). You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations

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Sep 15, 2025
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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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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
Yes, IELTS tests are held on public holidays in New Zealand, though this depends on the test centre. At IDP Auckland, for example, tests typically run on all public holidays except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For the most up-to-date information on test dates and availability, please check our booking page here: Book IELTS test dates

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
If you have a disability or medical condition and need special test arrangements, you can apply through your test centre before you book. Arrangements may include extra time, enlarged print papers, braille papers, a scribe, or other forms of support, depending on your needs. To apply, you’ll need to provide medical or specialist evidence and give the test centre at least six weeks’ notice so materials and support can be arranged. For more details and to discuss your specific requirements, please contact your chosen IELTS test centre directly.

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
Yes. For visa categories that accept IELTS, Immigration New Zealand recognises either IELTS Academic or General Training (they also accept IELTS One Skill Retake). If both Academic and General Training are accepted for your visa, many test takers find General Training to be the slightly easier option. As score requirements for different visas can change, always check the Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
Yes, if you took your test on computer at a test centre that issues an eTRF (electronic Test Report Form), you can send your IELTS results to institutions (including universities or visa authorities) electronically via the IELTS portal using the “Notify Institution” feature. If you took the paper-based version, you’ll receive a physical Test Report Form which can be sent by mail or provided in person. Because Immigration NZ has its own documentation requirements, it’s best to check with them (or check the visa instructions) to see which format they will accept (paper TRF or eTRF) for your application.

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Sep 15, 2025
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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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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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