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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
Try reading more on a wide variety of topics. This will not only help you with ideas, but also with the language you need on more topics.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
We may run blank every now and then when we want to write something, so it’s important not to panic in the first place. Ideas come from somewhere. We get ideas through reading (e.g. the news), watching (e.g. documentaries even short ones) or listening (to a podcast for example). IELTS topics are general enough so if you read, listen and watch regularly you will already have come across the topic areas. Then give yourself the chance to read the question a couple of times to make sure you fully understand it and you have not missed anything. Now think about possible answers and ask, “what do I think?”, “why?”, “how”, “where can this be true”, and questions like that.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconAug 7, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
When looking at the task, highlight the key words to help you focus when you write down your plan. Besides that, make sure you read widely on as many topics as you can. This will help you generate ideas and vocabulary to make the task easier.
Aug 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Both tests are done on a computer, but you take IELTS Online from your home. On the other hand, you take IELTS on Computer in an IELTS test centre. The test format and scoring are the same for both tests. You’ll take the Speaking test one-on-one with an accredited IELTS examiner. If you take IELTS Online, you’ll do this by video call instead of in a private room at the test centre. If you want to book an IELTS Online test, make sure your academic institution will accept it. If you need to take IELTS for visa or migration purposes, you should choose IELTS on computer or IELTS on paper at a test centre instead. Hope this helps!

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Occasionally even native English speakers need to take an IELTS test. That’s because some organisations have strict requirements what counts as a “native speaker.” For example, a university might consider you a native speaker if you hold a passport from a country where English is the main language. Other organisations only consider you a native speaker if you’re a citizen of an English-speaking country and have lived there for a minimum number or years or have completed education in that country. One of the biggest mistakes native English speakers make is not preparing for the IELTS test. Here are some tips to help you get the score you’re looking for if English is your first language: IELTS for native English speakers – some tips to get a top score

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May 28, 2025
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iconMay 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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iconAug 7, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.

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Aug 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.

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May 13, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconFeb 5, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry – you're not alone. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before any test. Here are a few things you can do to build your confidence. Get familiar with the types of questions you’ll be asked in the Speaking test by watching our IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel. Try to avoid speaking quickly as this will affect your pronunciation. Remember that good fluency does not mean speaking fast – it means you can speak without hesitation and extend your answers. Speak naturally and use your own words. It’s hard to speak with good pronunciation and accuracy if you are trying to respond to the examiner’s questions with memorised answers.

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Feb 5, 2025
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iconAug 6, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s very normal to feel nervous before the speaking test: we sometimes lack confidence about our speaking, we are too stressed about getting the score we need, we have had previous stressful experiences with a test, or we may have heard stories of other people’s experiences and their challenges. I think if you work out where your stress comes from, it’s much easier to deal with it. As a rule, keep reminding yourself that every speaking test is unique so what you have heard from other test takers may not be true in your case, the examiner is a trained professional who is there to help you feel calm and show your best performance, and that being stressed is part of being serious about the test. On the day of the test a few things work for me: keep smiling, spend half an hour or an hour before you go to the test doing an activity that you like and enjoy (going to a café? listening to music? walking? catching up with a friend?). Also like athletes need warm up, you may need to and a good 20-30 minute warm up before the test is repeating after a recording of a speaker you like and who speaks good English (an actor, a sportsperson, a politician, an influencer, e.g) and trying to reach their pace of fluency and clarity of pronunciation.

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Aug 6, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They are only human, so don't worry about them. In fact, they try to put test takers at ease, not try to pressure them. Just be yourself.
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

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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