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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 15, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Correct spelling is very important in the IELTS Listening test. If you spell an answer incorrectly, it will be marked as wrong. If you’re taking the IELTS on paper test, you’ll be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers from the question book to the answer paper so make sure you check your spelling carefully when you do this. You can use British or American spelling.   Our blog post How to improve your spelling in the IELTS test has some good tips if you struggle with spelling.

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May 15, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You can read the texts and answer the questions in any order you choose. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to complete all 3 sections in the 60 minutes allowed for the IELTS Reading test.   If you’re taking IELTS on computer, you can use the buttons on the screen to move between different questions.
May 14, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You don’t need to understand every word in the text to answer the questions. If the new word is related to one of the questions, you might be able to work out what it means from the context. Read the whole sentence around the new word for clues. What part of speech is the word (noun, verb, adjective etc)? Are there any signal words which give more information?   Have a look at the surrounding sentences too. Are there any synonyms, antonyms or examples in the text which might help you discover the meaning?    If you’re still not sure, take a guess and move on. It’s important not to spend too long on one question so you don’t run out of time.

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May 14, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
For Task 1, you need to write at least 150 words and for Task 2, you’ll be asked to write at least 250 words. The word count is the same for both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.  Practise writing to these limits before you take the IELTS Writing test to give yourself the best possible change of achieving the band score you need. If you write less, you might not have fully answered the question. If you write too much, it can be easy to go off-topic.  In the IELTS computer test, you don’t need to count each word yourself, as the word count is shown on the screen.

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May 14, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Both tests are 60 minutes’ long. Each test has 3 sections with a total of 40 questions. The texts come from a range of different sources such as books, magazines, newspapers and online resources.    In the IELTS Academic Reading test, you’ll find topics that are relevant to anyone who is studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The texts are written in an academic style (e.g. argumentative, descriptive etc) and might contain visuals such as diagrams or graphs.    In the IELTS General Training test, you’ll find general interest topics and texts that you need to understand for everyday life an English-speaking country (e.g. advertisements, job descriptions, timetables and instructions).

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May 14, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
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Even if you’ve been using English all your life, it doesn’t mean you will achieve a band 9 in the IELTS test without doing any preparation. While you might be confident in your language skills, I’d recommend reading the IELTS Band Descriptors to find out what the examiners are looking for. It’s also important to become familiar with the test format and the types of questions you’ll be asked. Take some practice tests and time yourself, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve sat any formal exams. Many native English speakers find that it’s not as easy as they think to complete both of the IELTS Writing tasks in 60 minutes. If you’re planning to take your IELTS test on a computer, you can take our free IELTS Familiarisation test from home so you know what to expect on test day.

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May 14, 2025
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Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
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The IELTS Reading can be challenging, but there are things you can do to help you do well. For example, you can highlight the keywords in the questions and scan the article to find where they are located. You can begin with the questions that begin in order in the text (e.g. multiple choice) as they will be faster to locate. Don't forget to read about a wide range of topics and use similar texts such as news and magazine articles.

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Mar 12, 2025
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iconLast updated on Feb 18, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Did you take your IELTS test on a computer at a test centre that offers IELTS One Skill Retake? If so, you might be eligible to take IELTS One Skill Retake for Listening if you are within 60 days of your original test date. You can check your eligibility and book a test here: IELTS One Skill Retake

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Feb 18, 2025
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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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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
What you find ‘easy’ will depend on your preparation and your individual skills. The Listening and Speaking tests are the same regardless of if you do General Training or Academic. The only differences are in the Reading and Writing tests. There are the same number of questions, it's just that the kinds of topics are different. The Academic test will contain topics suitable for anyone entering a university or a professional institution. The General Training test will contain topics based on general interest.

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Feb 14, 2025
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. IELTS Online is available in Germany, and over 60 countries and territories around the world for anyone who wants to take the IELTS Academic test without leaving home. Just make sure the academic institution you are applying to accepts IELTS Online results. If you’re planning to take the IELTS test for migration purposes, you’ll need to take your test in an IELTS test centre.

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Feb 14, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
If you feel that your performance on the day of your test does not reflect the score you received, you can ask us to remark your test. It is part of our commitment to be fair and transparent. When you request a remark (IELTS calls this an Enquiry on Result, or EOR), a Senior Examiner will take another look at your test. You can ask us to remark your Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking. Or all of them. The fee is the same whether you ask for one skill to be remarked, or all of them. You’ll have to pay a fee to get your test remarked but if your score goes up, we will refund you that fee in full.

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Feb 14, 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

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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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