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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 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you provide extended answers, they can help you obtain a better rating for your Fluency & Coherence or even for your Grammatical Range & Accuracy band scores. However, make sure that what you say is relevant and on topic.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on questions about familiar topics, so be prepared to talk about your job or studies, including what you’ve done in the past and what you plan to do in the future. You should also be ready to speak about your hometown and your country.  Pay attention to the verb tense the examiner uses when they ask you a question and try to match it in your answer. For example, if they ask: “How long have you lived there?”, use the present perfect tense when you reply. Try not to repeat the same words the examiner used in the question. Instead of saying “I’ve lived there for 2 years” you could say something like “I’ve been in my flat for 2 years.” This shows the examiner you can paraphrase and use language flexibly.

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Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
IELTS Speaking Part 3 gives you the opportunity to talk about a topic in more depth. Don’t just stop after giving a short answer—try to say a bit more. Instead of waiting for the examiner to ask “Why?”, go ahead and explain your reason. This is a great way to show off your English skills. You could give more details by explaining the reasons for your opinion or giving an example. Try to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

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Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test delivery and standards are similar across the board and partnership. You can give an IELTS test in Canada or U.A.E. and will have a similar experience. Policies, procedures and protocols remain same across the IELTS brand.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes. Firstly, your fluency & coherence is affected because of the hesitations. Also, it can affect your pronunciation score as you may be unable to group words together or sustain rhythm. Consider contacting the institution you are applying to and see if they have any options for you.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. These notes are only for your benefit. Examiners will only rate you on what you produce verbally.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Ot can be helpful to listen to some recordings of natural speech and then try to mimic it. If you record yourself, you can see how you compare. Otherwise, you can write down what you want to say and mark the intonation on paper, then read it.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

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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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Paraphrasing is a great strategy for when you're not fully sure what to say or how to say it. Sometimes you may not remember an exact word, so don’t stay quiet and try to explain what you mean. You can use words with a similar meaning. Also, sometimes if you feel you did not express an idea clearly, it does not hurt to say it again using different words.

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Your IELTS Speaking test always takes place with a real human. Speaking with a person is more natural than talking to a computer, like some other English tests. After all, we speak with people every single day! When you do IELTS Online, your Speaking test takes place on a secure platform via a video call. It’s similar to a Zoom call where you can speak directly with the examiner. Just like a face-to-face Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions and you can respond. My tip: Don’t forget you can ask the examiner questions if something is unclear, or you didn’t understand them. It won’t affect your score if you say “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Can you please repeat the question?”.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
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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iconJul 2, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
First thing is you need to find out where you need most improvements to take you one band up. A good place to start is to look at the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. They are available to the public in full detail now. Look at all the descriptors for band 6 and band 7. A good exercise is to record yourself answering some IELTS questions and then listen to your speaking. Do you speak rather comfortably and at length? Do you use less common words and idioms? Do you use complex grammar structures? And when you hear yourself do you feel you keep your rhythm when speaking at length? These are some of the features of band 7. If to the answer to any of the questions is no/maybe, then it means you need to focus on that area.

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Jul 2, 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

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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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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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