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Where do I find good study materials for IELTS?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Preparation materials
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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
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
Answers
Where do I find good study materials for IELTS?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Preparation materials
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
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.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
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.
Read more
Feb 14, 2025
What’s the best way to increase my vocabulary?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Maybe let’s start asking with a few questions: what do I need the vocabulary for? when do I feel I need to know more words? Is it when I read and listen, or is it when I speak and write? Your vocabulary knowledge is mainly built of two parts: your active vs. your passive vocabulary. Your active vocabulary are words you use when you speak and write, words that are present in your mind and ready to use. Passive vocabulary are words that you know when you see them or hear them, but you may not necessarily remember them and use them. The best way to increase your active vocabulary is to pick one or a few words a day and make yourself use them for a few days in a row when communicating. With passive vocabulary, the more you read and listen the bigger your vocabulary knowledge gets, and this usually happens without even noticing it. If you do keep a list of new words that you learn every day, it also helps remembering them longer.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Your vocabulary knowledge is built up of two parts; your passive vocabulary and your active vocabulary. Your passive vocabulary is words that you know but you may not regularly use. They help you in reading and listening and you improve them subconsciously by reading, listening and watching more and more. Your active vocabulary is the vocabulary you regularly use in writing and speaking. It becomes better by focused practice: make a list of words you want to use more, write sentences with them, and force yourself to use them on a daily basis
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Great question! Here are a few techniques you can use. Read the articles below to learn more about each technique: Focus on learning vocabulary that is frequently used in IELTS https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-common-vocabulary-ielts-listening Create mind maps on different topics: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-mind-maps-to-build-vocabulary Make new vocabulary memorable by creating personal examples: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-how-to-remember-new-words
Read more
Feb 18, 2025
Answers
What’s the best way to increase my vocabulary?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Maybe let’s start asking with a few questions: what do I need the vocabulary for? when do I feel I need to know more words? Is it when I read and listen, or is it when I speak and write? Your vocabulary knowledge is mainly built of two parts: your active vs. your passive vocabulary. Your active vocabulary are words you use when you speak and write, words that are present in your mind and ready to use. Passive vocabulary are words that you know when you see them or hear them, but you may not necessarily remember them and use them. The best way to increase your active vocabulary is to pick one or a few words a day and make yourself use them for a few days in a row when communicating. With passive vocabulary, the more you read and listen the bigger your vocabulary knowledge gets, and this usually happens without even noticing it. If you do keep a list of new words that you learn every day, it also helps remembering them longer.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Your vocabulary knowledge is built up of two parts; your passive vocabulary and your active vocabulary. Your passive vocabulary is words that you know but you may not regularly use. They help you in reading and listening and you improve them subconsciously by reading, listening and watching more and more. Your active vocabulary is the vocabulary you regularly use in writing and speaking. It becomes better by focused practice: make a list of words you want to use more, write sentences with them, and force yourself to use them on a daily basis
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Great question! Here are a few techniques you can use. Read the articles below to learn more about each technique: Focus on learning vocabulary that is frequently used in IELTS https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-common-vocabulary-ielts-listening Create mind maps on different topics: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-mind-maps-to-build-vocabulary Make new vocabulary memorable by creating personal examples: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-how-to-remember-new-words
Read more
Feb 18, 2025
What’s the best way to improve my writing skills for the IELTS test?
Writing Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
This is a big question. The best starting point is to get an idea of how good your writing is and then focus on where you need to improve: e.g. is it your grammar that needs work? Is it how you develop ideas?, and things like that. Also it’s always a good idea to have a close look at the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors. Look at all the rating criteria and see what you need to show for each criteria to get to a certain band.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start by identifying which writing sub-skills you need to focus on. For example, maybe you’re good at using a range of vocabulary but you struggle with punctuation? Perhaps you can use verb tenses correctly, but you need to get better at organising your ideas within your paragraphs. Try some IELTS Writing tasks and ask a teacher to give you feedback on your writing. They’ll be able to show you which sub-skills to work on and help you find resources you can work through to improve in these areas.
Read more
May 29, 2025
Answers
What’s the best way to improve my writing skills for the IELTS test?
Writing Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
This is a big question. The best starting point is to get an idea of how good your writing is and then focus on where you need to improve: e.g. is it your grammar that needs work? Is it how you develop ideas?, and things like that. Also it’s always a good idea to have a close look at the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors. Look at all the rating criteria and see what you need to show for each criteria to get to a certain band.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Start by identifying which writing sub-skills you need to focus on. For example, maybe you’re good at using a range of vocabulary but you struggle with punctuation? Perhaps you can use verb tenses correctly, but you need to get better at organising your ideas within your paragraphs. Try some IELTS Writing tasks and ask a teacher to give you feedback on your writing. They’ll be able to show you which sub-skills to work on and help you find resources you can work through to improve in these areas.
Read more
May 29, 2025
What videos would you recommend for IELTS preparation?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Free preparation
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
There are plenty videos that you will be able to find online. Here are a few links to get you started:
1. IELTS Prepare website by IDP - Video podcasts available - Also available on IELTS by IDP App
2. IELTS by IDP Youtube Channel.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
New to IELTS: If you’re new to IELTS, I’d recommend watching our 10-part video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP. Each episode includes an interview with a different IELTS expert and covers everything you need to know about the test. IELTS Speaking: If you’re aiming for a particular Speaking band score, watch the IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel to see other people take the test and learn why they got the score they did.
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Feb 7, 2025
Answers
What videos would you recommend for IELTS preparation?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Free preparation
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
There are plenty videos that you will be able to find online. Here are a few links to get you started:
1. IELTS Prepare website by IDP - Video podcasts available - Also available on IELTS by IDP App
2. IELTS by IDP Youtube Channel.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
New to IELTS: If you’re new to IELTS, I’d recommend watching our 10-part video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP. Each episode includes an interview with a different IELTS expert and covers everything you need to know about the test. IELTS Speaking: If you’re aiming for a particular Speaking band score, watch the IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel to see other people take the test and learn why they got the score they did.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
What should I do if I can't think of anything to say for my IELTS Speaking topic?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
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- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Speaking test tends to examine your ability to effectively communicate and converse with a live person. If you are not able to gather thoughts on the topic given, it would still be highly recommended to talk about something rather than staying silent. You may create phrases and talk about you being unfamiliar with the topic given. You can use general knowledge and speculate on the topic which will award you a score for the speaking ability.
I would recommend you review IELTS speaking resources and brush up on how to achieve a good score in the speaking test here .
Read more
Aug 4, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Focus on some of the key words in the question first and talk about them. You may find that you can link them together. Besides, you can always speculate on the topic - you are judged on your language skills, not your knowledge.
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I can assure you this is a very rare thing to happen, and if it happens it may just be nerves. All IELTS Speaking questions and topics are carefully constructed so the topics are not too specialized or obscure. If you can’t think of anything to say, it is fine to tell the examiner things like “Well, it’s a tough one. I am trying to remember”. It’s best not to stop and stay silent. In the end, if nothing comes to mind, be creative and make up stories. You do not get or lose points for telling the truth. It’s OK to make up stories. The Speaking Examiner only looks at how well you speak.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Answers
What should I do if I can't think of anything to say for my IELTS Speaking topic?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Speaking test tends to examine your ability to effectively communicate and converse with a live person. If you are not able to gather thoughts on the topic given, it would still be highly recommended to talk about something rather than staying silent. You may create phrases and talk about you being unfamiliar with the topic given. You can use general knowledge and speculate on the topic which will award you a score for the speaking ability.
I would recommend you review IELTS speaking resources and brush up on how to achieve a good score in the speaking test here .
Read more
Aug 4, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Focus on some of the key words in the question first and talk about them. You may find that you can link them together. Besides, you can always speculate on the topic - you are judged on your language skills, not your knowledge.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I can assure you this is a very rare thing to happen, and if it happens it may just be nerves. All IELTS Speaking questions and topics are carefully constructed so the topics are not too specialized or obscure. If you can’t think of anything to say, it is fine to tell the examiner things like “Well, it’s a tough one. I am trying to remember”. It’s best not to stop and stay silent. In the end, if nothing comes to mind, be creative and make up stories. You do not get or lose points for telling the truth. It’s OK to make up stories. The Speaking Examiner only looks at how well you speak.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
What is the best way to handle matching heading questions in IELTS Reading?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Matching heading question types test your ability to get the “gist” of a text and have a birds eye view of ideas in the passage. Read the headings first. Try to remember the key ideas and some key words. When reading the passage, remember not to look for exact matches for words in the headings, but rather ideas that match the headings as closely as possible.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The answers will appear in a mixed order in the text, so rather than answering question by question, tackle this paragraph by paragraph. In this way, your search area is significantly smaller and is a more efficient use of time.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
What is the best way to handle matching heading questions in IELTS Reading?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Matching heading question types test your ability to get the “gist” of a text and have a birds eye view of ideas in the passage. Read the headings first. Try to remember the key ideas and some key words. When reading the passage, remember not to look for exact matches for words in the headings, but rather ideas that match the headings as closely as possible.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The answers will appear in a mixed order in the text, so rather than answering question by question, tackle this paragraph by paragraph. In this way, your search area is significantly smaller and is a more efficient use of time.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
What can I do to reduce my mistakes in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Rocco
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you are talking about grammar errors, it can be a good idea to record yourself when you do speaking practice. You can then go back and listen to see what kind of errors you make. You may see a pattern - if so, do some exercises on that particular problem area.
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Practise speaking English regularly, through both everyday conversations and by answering some IELTS Speaking test practice questions . Ask a teacher or some English-speaking friends for feedback. They can point out areas where you may be making mistakes, such as pronunciation or vocabulary. This will help you decide what you need to work on before your IELTS test.
Read more
May 29, 2025
Answers
What can I do to reduce my mistakes in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If you are talking about grammar errors, it can be a good idea to record yourself when you do speaking practice. You can then go back and listen to see what kind of errors you make. You may see a pattern - if so, do some exercises on that particular problem area.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Practise speaking English regularly, through both everyday conversations and by answering some IELTS Speaking test practice questions . Ask a teacher or some English-speaking friends for feedback. They can point out areas where you may be making mistakes, such as pronunciation or vocabulary. This will help you decide what you need to work on before your IELTS test.
Read more
May 29, 2025
What are some common topics that the examiner might ask me about in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
There are no common topics as a wide range of themes are used. Try not to predict what you could be asked and be orepared to talk about any topic.
Jun 17, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on everyday topics about your life such as work or studies, your hometown, family, hobbies and experiences. In Part 2, you’ll be asked to speak for up to 2 minutes on one topic. Part 3 focuses on discussion questions about this topic. For example, the questions might cover areas like technology, health, tourism, the environment, shopping or education. Work on building up your vocabulary, so you’re prepared to speak about a wide variety of topics.
Read more
May 27, 2025
Answers
What are some common topics that the examiner might ask me about in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
There are no common topics as a wide range of themes are used. Try not to predict what you could be asked and be orepared to talk about any topic.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on everyday topics about your life such as work or studies, your hometown, family, hobbies and experiences. In Part 2, you’ll be asked to speak for up to 2 minutes on one topic. Part 3 focuses on discussion questions about this topic. For example, the questions might cover areas like technology, health, tourism, the environment, shopping or education. Work on building up your vocabulary, so you’re prepared to speak about a wide variety of topics.
Read more
May 27, 2025
The lecture in Part 4 is the most difficult part of the IELTS Listening test for me. Do you have any advice?
Listening General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
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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
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
Answers
The lecture in Part 4 is the most difficult part of the IELTS Listening test for me. Do you have any advice?
Listening General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
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
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
Is it necessary to take IELTS preparation classes, or can I study on my own using online materials?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Preparation materials
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
IELTS preparation classes are a good option if you’d like feedback on your writing and speaking. A teacher can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you advice on how you can improve before you take your test.
But don’t worry if you can’t make it to classes - there are also plenty of ways to prepare by yourself. Just make sure you choose official IELTS preparation materials, which you can find on our website .
If you can’t attend classes, a self-paced online IELTS preparation course might suit you better. Our IELTS by IDP app offers two free taster courses by Macquarie University and E2 Test Prep.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As long as you use good quality materials from reliable sources, you should be fine. It’s best to choose official IELTS materials. Just remember that there is a lot of “myths” and misinformation about the test online and particularly on social platforms. They can truly be a time waster and create anxiety, so it’s best to avoid them. IDP is one of the co-owners of the IELTS test and you can find our preparation resources at: IDP IELTS preparation materials
Read more
Jul 1, 2025
Answers
Is it necessary to take IELTS preparation classes, or can I study on my own using online materials?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Preparation materials
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
IELTS preparation classes are a good option if you’d like feedback on your writing and speaking. A teacher can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you advice on how you can improve before you take your test.
But don’t worry if you can’t make it to classes - there are also plenty of ways to prepare by yourself. Just make sure you choose official IELTS preparation materials, which you can find on our website .
If you can’t attend classes, a self-paced online IELTS preparation course might suit you better. Our IELTS by IDP app offers two free taster courses by Macquarie University and E2 Test Prep.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As long as you use good quality materials from reliable sources, you should be fine. It’s best to choose official IELTS materials. Just remember that there is a lot of “myths” and misinformation about the test online and particularly on social platforms. They can truly be a time waster and create anxiety, so it’s best to avoid them. IDP is one of the co-owners of the IELTS test and you can find our preparation resources at: IDP IELTS preparation materials
Read more
Jul 1, 2025
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s very normal to feel nervous before the speaking test: we sometimes lack confidence about our speaking, we are too stressed about getting the score we need, we have had previous stressful experiences with a test, or we may have heard stories of other people’s experiences and their challenges. I think if you work out where your stress comes from, it’s much easier to deal with it. As a rule, keep reminding yourself that every speaking test is unique so what you have heard from other test takers may not be true in your case, the examiner is a trained professional who is there to help you feel calm and show your best performance, and that being stressed is part of being serious about the test. On the day of the test a few things work for me: keep smiling, spend half an hour or an hour before you go to the test doing an activity that you like and enjoy (going to a café? listening to music? walking? catching up with a friend?). Also like athletes need warm up, you may need to and a good 20-30 minute warm up before the test is repeating after a recording of a speaker you like and who speaks good English (an actor, a sportsperson, a politician, an influencer, e.g) and trying to reach their pace of fluency and clarity of pronunciation.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They are only human, so don't worry about them. In fact, they try to put test takers at ease, not try to pressure them. Just be yourself.
Jun 17, 2025
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry – you're not alone. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before any test. Here are a few things you can do to build your confidence. Get familiar with the types of questions you’ll be asked in the Speaking test by watching our IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel. Try to avoid speaking quickly as this will affect your pronunciation. Remember that good fluency does not mean speaking fast – it means you can speak without hesitation and extend your answers. Speak naturally and use your own words. It’s hard to speak with good pronunciation and accuracy if you are trying to respond to the examiner’s questions with memorised answers.
Read more
Feb 5, 2025
Answers
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s very normal to feel nervous before the speaking test: we sometimes lack confidence about our speaking, we are too stressed about getting the score we need, we have had previous stressful experiences with a test, or we may have heard stories of other people’s experiences and their challenges. I think if you work out where your stress comes from, it’s much easier to deal with it. As a rule, keep reminding yourself that every speaking test is unique so what you have heard from other test takers may not be true in your case, the examiner is a trained professional who is there to help you feel calm and show your best performance, and that being stressed is part of being serious about the test. On the day of the test a few things work for me: keep smiling, spend half an hour or an hour before you go to the test doing an activity that you like and enjoy (going to a café? listening to music? walking? catching up with a friend?). Also like athletes need warm up, you may need to and a good 20-30 minute warm up before the test is repeating after a recording of a speaker you like and who speaks good English (an actor, a sportsperson, a politician, an influencer, e.g) and trying to reach their pace of fluency and clarity of pronunciation.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They are only human, so don't worry about them. In fact, they try to put test takers at ease, not try to pressure them. Just be yourself.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry – you're not alone. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before any test. Here are a few things you can do to build your confidence. Get familiar with the types of questions you’ll be asked in the Speaking test by watching our IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel. Try to avoid speaking quickly as this will affect your pronunciation. Remember that good fluency does not mean speaking fast – it means you can speak without hesitation and extend your answers. Speak naturally and use your own words. It’s hard to speak with good pronunciation and accuracy if you are trying to respond to the examiner’s questions with memorised answers.
Read more
Feb 5, 2025
I’m confused by the True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading. Do you have any tips?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.
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Aug 7, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.
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May 13, 2025
Answers
I’m confused by the True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading. Do you have any tips?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.
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Aug 7, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
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Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.
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May 13, 2025
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Fahad Rafique
Canada
16 years
Experience
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
Australia
8 years
Experience
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
New Zealand
2 years
Experience
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
Australia
11 years
Experience
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
Australia
18 years
Experience
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
Australia
26 years
Experience
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
Australia
11 years
Experience
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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