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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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iconLast updated on May 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes! When you book your IELTS test with IDP Education, you will get free access to an online IELTS preparation course developed by Macquarie University experts. You can choose to focus your study on one IELTS skill (Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking) and get access to all related study materials for 30 days. Or you can choose to enjoy free unlimited access to all four IELTS skills for 4 days.

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You may be asked to describe how data changes over time, so it can be useful to practise words and phrases for describing increases, decreases, fluctuations and periods of stability. You might also need to describe how much something has changed, e.g. “a sharp rise”, “a gradual increase.”You should also be able to use words in different forms so you can show the examiner that you can use a range of sentence structures. E.g. “There was a gradual increase in exports.” “Exports increased gradually.” Some Task 1 questions will ask you to compare maps, so you’ll need to know vocabulary for describing positions or locations e.g. “at the bottom of”, “above” etc.

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Because writing an essay plan is optional, you might be tempted to skip it, so you have more time to write your essay. However, creating a quick plan before you begin could actually save you time later. Imagine you’re in middle of your essay and you realise you don’t have enough ideas. Or you discover you don’t have enough examples to support your ideas. Take the pressure off yourself by spending a few minutes brainstorming and planning at the beginning of your test. Decide your position on the topic. Use bullet points to note ideas and examples you’d like to include. That way you can check if you have enough information before you start. If you’re taking IELTS on computer, you’ll receive some scrap paper for this.

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start by returning to the main idea you presented in your introduction, reinforcing your position. Next, it’s important to give a summary of the main points you mentioned in your essay.  Finish by giving your opinion. This might also include a suggestion for future action or a prediction about future impact, depending on the essay topic. Make sure you use different words and sentence structures so you’re not repeating the same phrases you used in your body paragraphs. It’s also important not to introduce any new arguments in your conclusion. If you’d like to see a sample conclusion, read our article IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good conclusion

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It can be helpful to think of an upside-down triangle when you write your essay introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2. Start with a general statement to introduce the topic and give some context.  Next, give more specific details, such as key issues and perspectives related to the topic, which you will discuss in your essay. Finish with your thesis statement, which gives your position on the topic. This might also include a list of key points you’ll cover in your essay. Make sure you use your own words when you write your introduction.  If you’d like to see a sample introduction, read our article IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction .

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Even if you take the IELTS Listening test in your home country, it will include audio recordings from a range of accents, such as British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian.  To prepare for this, listen to both sample tests and other audio recordings like radio shows, movies, podcasts and online talks. This will help you get used to different accents and understand the recordings more easily.

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May 29, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Good question! Preparing for your IELTS test is important if you want a higher score. If you want to improve your listening skills, try subscribing to podcasts spoken in English. Or watch TV shows (but don’t enable subtitles!). When you do this, try to listen to shows in British English, American English, and Australian English, so you’re familiar with different accents. Don’t know where to start? Check out this IDP IELTS podcast that focuses on the Listening test: IELTS Prepare by IDP - Episode 5: IELTS Listening

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May 28, 2025
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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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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Preparing for your IELTS Reading test is crucial if you want a higher score. To improve your reading skills, pick up a book or an ebook. If you come across a word you don’t know, write it down and search for its meaning – you'll expand your vocabulary while reading! If you don’t enjoy books, try reading quality blog or news articles. Set yourself a small goal and be consistent with your practice. You can also enable English subtitles for English series on your favourite streaming service. Don’t know where to start? Check out this IDP IELTS podcast that focuses on the Reading test: IELTS Prepare by IDP - Episode 6: IELTS Reading

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May 28, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Usually, organisations that ask for your IELTS scores will only accept scores from one single test report form – that can be a full IELTS test, or an IELTS One Skill Retake. Most organisations that accept IELTS won’t allow you to mix-and-match scores from two different tests. There are some exceptions, so always check with the organisation where you intend to send your scores to.

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May 28, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
No, you can’t convert scores from an Academic test to a General Training test. That’s because some of the questions in the Academic test are different from the General Training test. My recommendation: always check with the organisation where you intend to use your scores to learn what IELTS test they require: Academic or General Training.
May 28, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When your results for IELTS One Skill Retake have been released, we’ll send you an email. You can then log in to your IELTS account to check your scores. When you see your IELTS scores, you can download a PDF or send your results electronically to an organisation that accepts IELTS.
May 28, 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

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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