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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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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, every time you take an IELTS test, you get a unique IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). This document has details about the test, and your score. When you sit IELTS a second time, you will get a new TRF but your previous one also remains valid. It’s up to you which one you want to share with the organisations you’re sending your scores to.
May 21, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you request a remark (Enquiry on Result or EOR), we will start reviewing your test the moment you submit your request. We know how important this is to you, and we aim to get the remark to you as quickly as we can. Remarks may be completed within less than an hour or sometimes up to 21 days. If your result is changed to a higher band score you will receive a full refund of your remark fee and get a new Test Report Form with the changed scores.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. If this is not flagged by the administrator, it will be picked up by the examiner. Putting your answer on the correct answer sheet will just make the administrative process smoother and avoid any delays for you.
Jun 16, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Sometimes when you answer question, you may give very short answers and then the examiner has to ask you more. This in itself does not mean you get a lower score, but it may show that you need to speak longer if you want to make sure you get a high score.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
In writing tasks of this kind, you are not required to write equally about both agreement and disagreement positions. Naturally you need to write more about your own position but also mention the other side and write some ideas about it too.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
You need to use the exact words from the passage because the questions are designed to test your ability in locating specific information.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The examiner was just trying to get you to expand on your ideas more. If this happened a lot it probably means your answers were too short, which can affect your Fluency & Coherence band score.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconJun 4, 2026

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
IELTS testing software has a word counter on the bottom of your screen so no need to manually count them yourself!
Jun 4, 2026
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Yes. There is no requirement to do this but there is no penalty either so you can use your own name or any other name.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s not part of the rating criteria, so the short answer is no. However, like in any human interaction, maintaining natural eye contact helps to better communicate ideas and avoid confusion.
Jun 30, 2025
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iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Yes, more than 3,400 institutions in the USA alone accept your IELTS results. This includes top Ivy League colleges like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. So, if you’re looking to study in the US, taking the world’s most trusted test can make your application stand out from the rest. Check if your preferred organisation accepts IELTS: IELTS Recognising organisations

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconMay 21, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, it's a misconception that taking the IELTS test in another country is easier or harder. Your test is marked to the same standard wherever you take it. Besides, IELTS is very transparent about how we mark your test: the marking criteria examiners use are available for you to look at, too. IELTS Examiners are highly trained and follow global standards. That makes the IELTS test is fair and consistent, and the reason why more than 12,500 organisations around the world trust IELTS scores.

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May 21, 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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