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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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iconJun 30, 2025

Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I’d like to refer you to the information on the global description of IELTS band scores IELTS Scoring . At band 4, a candidate’s ability is “limited” to familiar situations, and they frequently have problems communicating. At band 5, the test taker is a “modest” user of English and they are usually able to communicate in their own field but tend to make many mistakes.

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Jul 1, 2025
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iconJun 17, 2025

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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iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
In an opinion essay, there is a statement which you have to agree or disagree with. In a discussion essay, there are two opposite statements. In this case you need to discuss both sides of the argument and then explain which side you support.
Jun 17, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
If you are looking to work or study in Britain, you may need to apply for a UK Visa and demonstrate that you have met the required level of English by taking a UK Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). IELTS is an approved and trusted test. IELTS tests taken for the UK are called IELTS for UKVI. So, what’s the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI? IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the same in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the Test Report Form which contains your results is slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an official IELTS for UKVI location, which is approved by the UK Home Office.

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Feb 7, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
IELTS for UKVI is the same as the ‘regular’ IELTS test. You get a band score for your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking English proficiency level. The question types, timing, and marking criteria for are also the same. However, IELTS for UKVI (sometimes also called SELT) has some additional security features required by the UK Government. You’ll also see a unique UKVI reference number on your test report form, along with the CEFR equivalent for each band score component. IELTS also offers another special test for the UK, called IELTS Life Skills. IELTS Life Skills only tests your Speaking and Listening proficiency (not Reading and Writing) against a common European standard, the CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B1. IELTS Life Skills is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories.

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Jun 16, 2025
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iconMay 14, 2025

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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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
When you sit a IELTS test, you get an official Test Report Form (TRF) that shows your band scores. When you do IELTS on paper, your scores will be available 13 days after your test. You test centre will then issue you a hard copy of your IELTS results. My tip: If you do IELTS on computer, you get your results very fast. And you have access to your eTRF (electronic Test Report Form), a digital version of your official IELTS certificate. You can download this, and there's no need to wait for your results to be delivered by post!

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Good question! Our masterclasses and webinars run at different times in different countries. To register for an online masterclass in your time zone, go to the events calendar on our website or app. You can download the IELTS by IDP app in Google Play or the App store. Alternatively, you can contact your local IELTS test centre for more information.

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Feb 7, 2025
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iconSep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres. In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University). In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown). You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconJul 22, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You can search for your country's IELTS by IDP Website or login to the IELTS by IDP App to book an IELTS Test with IDP. Click on the Book Your Test option on the website to register for your test.
Jul 22, 2025
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iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
IELTS Prep is a one-stop shop for IELTS preparation materials. There is a Prepare tab at the top that gives you direct access to IELTS Masterclasses, practice tests, IELTS events and study guides. It's a good place to start your IELTS journey.
Feb 14, 2025
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iconAug 5, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start with the IELTS Prepare Hub on our website . Our top IELTS preparation materials are featured on the front page, or you can search for resources by test skill. If you’re not sure where to start, you can take our English self-assessment tool to get recommendations.
Aug 5, 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

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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