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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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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s okay to use some informal language or slang in your IELTS Speaking test, but make sure it’s appropriate for the situation. Avoid using slang that is considered to be impolite or too informal. It’s important that you communicate your ideas clearly, so if you’re use slang, make sure it is widely understood across the English-speaking world.
May 27, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you are not able to wear a watch during your IELTS test. This covers all forms of watches, not just smart watches. There will be clocks and/or regular time checks provided throughout your test so you can accurately manage your time.
Jun 26, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, when you do the Listening test for IELTS Online, you will need speakers and a microphone that are integrated into your laptop or desktop computer. You can’t wear a headset or ear buds. Don’t worry, before you do your IELTS Online test, we’ll do a readiness check to ensure your system meets the IELTS Online requirements.
May 28, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
The instructions in the writing question specifically ask for a letter to be written. While emails and letters share a lot of similarities, the format and tone of a letter is different to an email, so it’s best to stick with what you are asked and write a letter
Jun 30, 2025
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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry: if you ask IELTS to remark your test, your band score will never reduce or go down. It can only stay the same or go up. So, when you feel that the results you received from your IELTS test don’t reflect how you performed on the day of your test, you can ask IELTS to remark your test without having to worry that your score may go down.
May 21, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you have any variation in test scores, it has nothing to do with the location. All IELTS tests go through a rigorous process to ensure all test takers have a standardised test.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IELTS test results can only be shared with a Recognizing Organization. You can check out the list of Recognising Organizations . Any other organizations that would like to accept IELTS test can register there interest at the same link.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Coherence refers to how logically your ideas are organised and follow each other. Cohesion is about using connectives (e.g. and, in conclusion, however), reference and substitution (e.g. pronouns, articles). You may find this document helpful too: 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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Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes. It is possible for both your individual skill (e.g. speaking) and your overall band score ti appear in half bands.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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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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iconJun 30, 2025

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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
I’d recommend the IELTS by IDP app. It’s free to download in the App Store or on Google Play. You can use this app to book your IELTS test, prepare and later access your test results. There are plenty of study materials to choose from such as articles, videos, webinars, podcasts and online courses. You can also practise grammar and vocabulary with interactive quizzes and flashcards.

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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

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

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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

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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