The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

Get expert answers to your IELTS questions

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.

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It is hard for language proficiency to remain the same if you have not used the language in two years. It is also possible in this time to improve your language level, especially if you have used it constantly.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes. Firstly, you will have some time to check your answers. Then, you are given time to preview the questions in the next section. In Section 1, 2 and 3, there is a pause in the middle before you listen to the second set of questions.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In the Academic test, they are 3 separate articles, which can be a narrative, informative or scientific text. In the General Training, the first section will have a few short texts (e.g. notices), the second section will have two workplace related texts and the third section has a longer descriptive text.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Try to read a wide variety of texts. This can include news and magazine articles, novels, informative texts, transcripts, etc. The more widely you read the better.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
A formal letter is to a person you do not know and you have never met. A semi-formal letter is to someone you know, but you need to be polite. E.g. to a boss or professor.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It is up to you - it doesn't really matter. Just make sure that you only use a given name for an informal letter and both a given name and surname when ending a formal letter.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In an opinion essay, there is a statement which you have to agree or disagree with. In a discussion essay, there are two opposite statements. In this case you need to discuss both sides of the argument and then explain which side you support.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Make sure you have a topic sentence and about another 3-4 sentences to support this. You can provide more definition, a consequence or even an example.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
You can if you want, but if you make your writing non-personal, you are more likely to use a better range of vocabulary and grammar.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
This refers to your vocabulary usage. It looks at the range of words you use, how well you can paraphrase, how accurate your collocations are and how common your word choices are.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconLast updated on Jun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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
profileverified-icon

Fahad Rafique

flag

Canada

16 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Jess Christie

flag

Australia

8 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Lewis Crannitch

flag

New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Linda Alley

flag

Australia

11 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Reza Tasviri

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Rocco Nigro

flag

Australia

26 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Vincent Blokker

flag

Australia

11 years

Experience

role

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

Show less

Powered byTap logo

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say