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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 Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
As much variety as you can. This can include verb tenses, conditional sentences, gerunds & infinitives, compounds, complex sentences, relative clauses, comparative language, etc.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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Yes. If you don't sit for a particular skill at all, you will obtain a band score of zero. The only ezxeption is if you do the One Skill Retake (OSR).
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test measures a person's English language proficiency. So, you might want to ask if English is difficult. But it also depends on what band score you want to achieve and how close it is to your English level.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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No. Once you submit your Listening, Reading and Writing test answer sheets, you will not have access to them. It is the same for the recording of your IELTS Speaking test.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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Your Overall band score will just be the average of the 4 skills. However, you may want to check with the organisation you are applying to and see if they have any minimum requirement for the individual skills.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Yes. It is possible for both your individual skill (e.g. speaking) and your overall band score ti appear in half bands.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on your new rating. If it is a band higher or lower, it can affect the Overall score given that it is the average of 4 skills.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you have any variation in test scores, it has nothing to do with the location. All IELTS tests go through a rigorous process to ensure all test takers have a standardised test.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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No. IELTS uses human raters for their tests. All examiners go through a rigorous training process and are closely monitored to ensure they rate to standard.
Jun 17, 2025
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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
Make sure you get familiar with the task types and the type of language you need (check the public band descriptors). It is also handy to get feedback from a professional tutor who can point out any areas for you to work on. Doing a second draft can also help with any language issues.
Jun 17, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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These are words or phrases that you do not hear so often, but carry the same meaning as words that are used all the time. E.g. 'obtain' can have the same meaning as 'got' but is used less often.
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

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

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

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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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