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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 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Some IELTS test Centres offer for your Speaking test to take place via video-call. In this case, your Speaking test examiner will not be in the same test room as you, but instead, you’ll speak with them via a video call in a private test room at your centre. You get a noise-cancelling headset and do your Speaking test on a high-definition video call with a human examiner. All aspects of the Speaking test will remain the same, including the question types, timing and marking. So, doing a video-call Speaking test is not easier or more difficult.

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Jul 29, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. You just have to be at least 16 years of age.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Get plenty of rest so you can focus and concentrate well. Get to the test venue in plenty of time ao you are not under pressure. Do something relaxing like listening to music or meditation.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s best to speak at a normal pace. If you speak too quickly, you might not express yourself clearly. If you speak too slowly, you might sound unnatural as it could affect your pronunciation in areas such as rhythm or intonation.   My tip: Imagine you’re talking to a colleague at work and speak at a natural pace.
May 27, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
As long as you use them correctly, then it should be fine. For vocabulary, it is important you use a wide range and ensure they are applied in the right context.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 19, 2025

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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconJun 2, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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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.

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Jun 2, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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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
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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

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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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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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