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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.

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iconMay 28, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
The Academic IELTS test is designed for those who want to study at a university that teaches in English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, including New Zealand. However, if you are looking to study secondary education, work experience or vocational training programs, sometimes IELTS General Training is also accepted. So, always check with the institution where you want to study before you book your IELTS test.

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May 28, 2025
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iconJun 4, 2026

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Before you start, find out which IELTS test you need to take. For example, you may need to take the IELTS Academic test if you want to study at university or the IELTS General Training test if you want to work in an English-speaking country. It’s always best to check with the organisation you’re applying to. They can tell you which test they require. You’ll also need to decide how you’d like to take the test. A popular option is IELTS on computer in a test centre. But depending on the organisation you’re applying to, you might be able to take IELTS Online from home. The next step is preparation. Make sure you understand the IELTS test format and how it’s scored. Familiarise yourself with the question types, set your goals and create a study plan. Our IELTS Prepare Hub offers a range of preparation materials. If you’re new to IELTS, I’d recommend watching or listening to our 10-part video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP . Once you’re ready, you can book your IELTS test here .

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Jun 4, 2026
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iconJun 9, 2026

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
One of the best ways to build confidence is to become familiar with the IELTS test format before test day. Some useful tips include: • Start preparing early and study regularly. • Complete practice tests under timed conditions. • Focus on one skill at a time: Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. • Use official IELTS preparation materials whenever possible. • Consider taking a mock test before your actual IELTS test. You can find free preparation materials here The more familiar you become with the IELTS test format and question types, the more confident you are likely to feel on test day.

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Jun 9, 2026
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
All IELTS on Computer tests around the world use the same testing platform. If you click here you can see what the platform looks like and practice all 3 components before your test. Test out what all the buttons and options do. You will see you can change the font size, screen and text color. Knowing what to expect will help you massively on test day!

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconJun 19, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The best place to begin is the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website. You’ll find a section on essential resources for IELTS preparation as well as the option to search for study materials by test skill (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking).   In the Prepare Hub, you can also find our video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP , which covers everything you need to know about IELTS. Over 10 episodes, you’ll learn about the IELTS test structure, how to prepare, what to expect on test day and more.

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Jun 19, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
If you look at how reading is calculated you will find out that Band 6.5 in reading means that you correctly answer fewer than 30 (in Academic IELTS) or 35 (in General Training IELTS) of the questions in the Reading test. I suggest that you do a few practice Reading tests and see in which parts of the test you have the lowest number of correct answers. That helps you focus on increasing your score and lifting your correct answers to the 30 or 35 required for at least Band 7. IELTS Scoring

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Jul 1, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Not at all. The structure and content of the IELTS Online test is exactly the same as the IELTS Academic test in a test centre. Our IELTS preparation hub has lots of free resources you can use to get ready for your test. These include practice tests, masterclasses, videos, vodcast episodes and articles. You can you find these resources here.

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Feb 14, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Have a look at the public band descriptors and you will see the type of language examiners look for. There are ways that people lose marks unnecessarily, like being underlength, not having a clear position in the essay, using short sentences, not having a central idea in the body paragraphs, etc..
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJul 29, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Access arrangements as they are called are only available for in centre tests within your country if available. Access arrangements are not available for IELTS online tests as it would require for special test arrangements for specific needs. You are able to review the types of access arrangements available with IELTS on the link below: Access arrangements

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Jul 29, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test offers various access arrangements for those who need additional support. This includes arrangements for dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Your test center will require some time to facilitate the arrangements, which may include extra time for your exam, so make sure to contact them well before you would like to sit the test. You will need to provide the test center with a medical certificate from a specialist doctor that states why you require specific arrangements. Your test center will then organise a test date and inform you of the arrangements that have been approved for your test.

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Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
This will depend on how the test centre schedules their tests, and which session you select when you book. It might be 10 minutes, or it might be 2-3 hours. If you do have a larger break, take that time to get some fresh air, go for a walk, eat something, and relax before the rest of your test-but don't forget to come back with enough time! If you have a shorter window, don't worry, the Speaking test won't start without you if you're in your other sections!

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Jun 26, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
We know most people get the score they need in their first test. However, it does sometimes happen you don’t get your required score. In that case, there is IELTS One Skill Retake. IELTS One Skill Retake is not a guarantee of a higher score. It could happen you get the same, or a lower score when you retake one skill of the test. Don’t beat yourself up: there are many reasons why you could receive a lower score on your IELTS One Skill Retake. For some, they need to work a bit on improving their English with a qualified teacher. For others, health issues, such as illness or fatigue, can negatively impact performance.

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Feb 7, 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

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

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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

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

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