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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 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you don't understand the instructions or you are having trouble navigating the test platform you can definitely ask for help from the test day staff. They are there to help you navigate the test. However, they will not be able to answer any questions or provide help regarding the actual questions. For example, they will help you if you can't figure out how to move on to the next question, but they won't be able to help if you are unsure what a word means.

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Jun 26, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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Yes, you can! Please just make sure it is clear and see-through with no labels or words on it.
Jun 26, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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A good rule is to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test. However, some test centre or locations may ask you to arrive earlier than that. Make sure you allow plenty of time and check with your test centre if you are unsure!
Jun 26, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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No, you must remain for the entire duration of the test.
Jun 26, 2025
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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No, you cannot bring a calculator in with you during the IELTS test.
Jun 26, 2025
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iconLast updated on Jun 19, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start by reviewing the rules for different punctuation marks such as full stops (or ‘periods’ in US English), commas, colons, apostrophes etc. Our article The Most Common Punctuation Marks in English gives a good summary of these. Do some IELTS Writing practice tasks and ask a teacher to give you feedback on your punctuation. You can also check your punctuation by copying and pasting your writing into online tools such as Microsoft Word or Grammarly.

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Jun 19, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The best place to begin is the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website. You’ll find a section on essential resources for IELTS preparation as well as the option to search for study materials by test skill (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking).   In the Prepare Hub, you can also find our video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP , which covers everything you need to know about IELTS. Over 10 episodes, you’ll learn about the IELTS test structure, how to prepare, what to expect on test day and more.

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Jun 19, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Discourse markers are words and phrases that help you organise your thoughts when you speak. You can use them to connect your ideas, show how you feel about what you're saying and make your speech flow more naturally. You can also use discourse markers if you need to pause and give yourself a moment to think about what to say next.  Here are some common discourse markers: ‘to begin with’, ‘another reason for this’, ‘unfortunately’, ‘similarly’, ‘for example’, ‘let me think about that’, ‘as a result’ and ‘on the whole’.  Our article ‘Using discourse markers to communicate in IELTS Speaking’ gives some good examples of how you can use these in your Speaking test.

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Jun 19, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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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,

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
If you’re writing an informal letter to a friend, use their first name only when you greet them. For example, ‘Dear Anna’ or even just ‘Hi Anna.’ You can finish your letter with a closing remark like ‘Best wishes’, ‘All the best’ or ‘See you soon.’ Leave a line and then write your first name to sign off.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Skimming and scanning are reading techniques. They can help you find information in a text more quickly. Skimming means reading quickly to get a general overview of the main ideas of a text. You can do this by focusing on headings, subheadings and the first and last sentences of paragraphs rather than reading every word. Scanning involves finding specific information in a text. Again, you don’t need to read every word. Just look for the key words related to the information you want to find, such as names, dates, numbers etc. In your IELTS Reading test, you might want to highlight or underline these key words as you read to help you answer the questions.

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Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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If you book your IELTS test with IDP, you’ll receive free access to an online course developed by Macquarie University experts. You can choose one IELTS skill to study (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking) and get all the study materials for 30 days. Or, if you want to study all four skills, you can get free access to everything for 4 days.  You can also get access to a guided IELTS short course developed by E2 Test Prep when you download the IELTS by IDP app. Our app offers a free 14-day trial with the offer to upgrade for expert feedback.

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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

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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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