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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 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
At band 6, a speaker can develop their ideas more deeply with fewer hesitations. The range of vocabulary enables them to talk more deeply on topics. Grammar includes more complex sentences with better accuracy. As for pronunciation, the speaker has more chunking and can use intonation.
Jun 17, 2025
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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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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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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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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It is not a good idea. The questions in Part 3 are non-personal, so it is better to reply in a broader way. Besides, you are more likely to use a wider range of language in this way.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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No. You just have to be at least 16 years of age.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconLast updated on Jun 16, 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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Jun 16, 2025
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iconLast updated on Jun 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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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
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Please contact your Test Centre as soon as possible if you need to change any times relating to your test booking and they will do their best to accommodate you.
Jun 2, 2025
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iconLast updated on May 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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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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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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iconLast updated on May 14, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Even if you’ve been using English all your life, it doesn’t mean you will achieve a band 9 in the IELTS test without doing any preparation. While you might be confident in your language skills, I’d recommend reading the IELTS Band Descriptors to find out what the examiners are looking for. It’s also important to become familiar with the test format and the types of questions you’ll be asked. Take some practice tests and time yourself, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve sat any formal exams. Many native English speakers find that it’s not as easy as they think to complete both of the IELTS Writing tasks in 60 minutes. If you’re planning to take your IELTS test on a computer, you can take our free IELTS Familiarisation test from home so you know what to expect on test day.

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May 14, 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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