The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

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.

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Get plenty of rest so you can focus and concentrate well. Get to the test venue in plenty of time ao you are not under pressure. Do something relaxing like listening to music or meditation.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Jess

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test isn't a job interview, so don't feel like you need to wear your best clothes. The most important thing to do is dress in clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. This will be different for everyone but find what works for you. Also, make sure you dress for what the temperature might be in the test room, so even if it is hot outside bring a light jacket just in case. Remember, though, you are not allowed to wear bulky jackets, hats or scarves in the test room and will be asked to remove them before entering.

Read more

Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 16, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
No. Just start with 'Dear ....' but make sure you include the purpose of the letter and sign off in the appropriate way.
Jun 16, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Don't force yourself to speak in a manner you are not used to. Just make sure you use a wide range of language as accurately as you can and expand and support your ideas.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
It’s best to speak at a normal pace. If you speak too quickly, you might not express yourself clearly. If you speak too slowly, you might sound unnatural as it could affect your pronunciation in areas such as rhythm or intonation.   My tip: Imagine you’re talking to a colleague at work and speak at a natural pace.
May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
As long as you use them correctly, then it should be fine. For vocabulary, it is important you use a wide range and ensure they are applied in the right context.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It is up to you - it doesn't really matter. Just make sure that you only use a given name for an informal letter and both a given name and surname when ending a formal letter.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 29, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
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.

Read more

May 29, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
You can include: - one word - two words - a number - a word and a number - two words and a number
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconMay 27, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
I’d recommend listening out for signposting language. When you’re driving, road signs give you directions and warn you what is coming up ahead. Similarly, speakers use signposting language to tell you what information is coming next in a talk or lecture. They might use words or phrases to show the sequence of ideas or a change of topic e.g. “Let’s begin with” or “now, let’s look at...”  Paying attention to signposting language can also make it easier to follow a lecture because it shows how ideas are related to each other. Listen for language for giving examples, comparing and contrasting and showing cause and effect e.g. “for example”, “although” and “because of this.”

Read more

May 27, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Yes. There is always the practice that indirectly helps, and that is listen, listen, listen: podcasts, lectures, speeches, etc. The other advice I have is : always read the questions carefully, remember the key words, look for words that may direct you to the answer, things like” next”, “however”, “in summary”, “as a result”, and also try to predict what the answers might be.

Read more

Jun 30, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
A very good question. This is an indicator of how cohesive and coherent a piece of writing is. Referencing and substitution is when we use words like pronouns (him/her, this/that, these/those, it), and articles (a/an, the). Substitution and referencing help avoid repeating ideas and making sentences clearer.
Jun 30, 2025
profileverified-icon

Fahad Rafique

flag

Canada

16 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Jess Christie

flag

Australia

8 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Lewis Crannitch

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Linda Alley

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Reza Tasviri

flag

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

profileverified-icon

Rocco Nigro

flag

Australia

26 years

Experience

role

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

profileverified-icon

Vincent Blokker

flag

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

Show less

Powered byTap logo

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

1
1
...
19
19
20
20
21
21
22
22
23
23
24
24
...
29
29