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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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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
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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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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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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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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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Absolutely. IELTS not only tests your English skills but also helps you feel prepared and confident to study in an English-speaking environment. The IELTS Academic test involves reading academic texts, writing essays, understanding lectures and talking on a topic – all important skills for university success. As you prepare for IELTS, you’ll become familiar with common university tasks such as analysing data, arguing a particular viewpoint and taking notes during a lecture. When you prepare for the Reading and Writing sections, you’ll expand your academic vocabulary. Preparing for the Speaking test will help you prepare to talk in tutorials, presentations and group discussions when you start your course.

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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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The IELTS test helps you develop the English skills you need to succeed at work in an English-speaking environment. You'll learn how to express ideas clearly and professionally, which is important for meetings, emails and presentations. The Listening section helps you improve your focus and understanding, which is useful in interviews, phone calls and work discussions. In the Reading section, you'll practise finding important details quickly, a skill needed when reading reports, emails or instructions at work.

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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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Your handwriting will only affect your score if it’s difficult for examiners to read. You don’t need to use a particular style of handwriting, just make sure you write clearly. If you’re worried about your handwriting, consider taking the computer-based IELTS test so you can type your answers instead.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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A lot of universities and organisations accept IELTS Online test scores. However, if you’re taking IELTS for immigration purposes, you’ll need to take the test at an official IELTS test centre.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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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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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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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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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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Not all at. IELTS examiners are trained language teachers, and they’re certified to assess how well you speak English—not your accent. They expect to hear a wide variety of accents during the Speaking test. What matters is how clearly you speak. Your accent can affect the way you say your words – like how you use stress, intonation and rhythm. If there are sounds or stress patterns you find difficult, practise them before your test so there are no communication issues or misunderstandings.

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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

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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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