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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 Jun 5, 2026

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
An easy way to improve spelling quickly is to type an essay in MS Word. This will ready you for taking the writing test as well as improve spelling mistakes. Don't use spell checker or auto fill and see what mistakes stand out. Think and fix these errors on your own. Spelling helps you immensely in the listening, reading and writing components of the test. You may also ask someone to dictate and you type it instead. See what errors you make. It all comes down to your listening and cognitive thinking when writing your answers.

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Jun 5, 2026
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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
There are various reasons to missing an answer while doing your listening test. One of the main errors is reading questions while listening for an answer. You should've read the question during the pause and underlined what you are looking for. Don't get distracted by the conversation going back and forth within the test. The answer would be right infront of you. Do understand that if you think you missed an answer, go to the next question or you will miss more. Use short hand while answering and then coming back to see if spelling mistakes were made and fix that. Distraction is the biggest factor while taking the listening test. It can be a wrong sentence heard or your mind playing tricks considering you are engrossed in gathering information.

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Jun 5, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
AI can be a helpful support tool for improving your English, but it’s important to understand its limitations, especially for IELTS, where Writing and Speaking are assessed by human examiners.    Most general AI tools learn from information available on the internet. As not all IELTS advice online is accurate, AI may sometimes give incorrect information, “hallucinate” facts, or miss important errors when providing feedback.    To get the best results, I’d recommend using AI carefully and combining it with official IELTS preparation materials and guidance from IELTS experts.    Using AI in this balanced way can give you the best chance of reaching your target band score.    If you’d like more guidance, our team has written an article with practical tips on how to use AI as part of your IELTS preparation:

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Before you start, find out which IELTS test you need to take. For example, you may need to take the IELTS Academic test if you want to study at university or the IELTS General Training test if you want to work in an English-speaking country. It’s always best to check with the organisation you’re applying to. They can tell you which test they require. You’ll also need to decide how you’d like to take the test. A popular option is IELTS on computer in a test centre. But depending on the organisation you’re applying to, you might be able to take IELTS Online from home. The next step is preparation. Make sure you understand the IELTS test format and how it’s scored. Familiarise yourself with the question types, set your goals and create a study plan. Our IELTS Prepare Hub offers a range of preparation materials. If you’re new to IELTS, I’d recommend watching or listening to our 10-part video podcast series, IELTS Prepare by IDP . Once you’re ready, you can book your IELTS test here .

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
At IDP, we understand how important teachers are in helping students prepare for IELTS and take their next steps toward studying, working or living in an English‑speaking country. To support you in that role, we offer a free online IELTS Teacher Training Program that you can complete at your own pace.   The course is for IELTS teachers who want to understand how to use the public Writing and Speaking  Band Descriptors as a teaching tool to help their students with test preparation. You can register for the course here . The course is for IELTS teachers and tutors only, but if you’re looking for an online IELTS preparation program for your students, we currently offer two of these with Macquarie University and **E2 Test Prep (https://promo.e2language.com/ielts-and-e2/**.

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. In our IELTS preparation library you can filter study materials by target band score under the search bar. I'll also share the links to some of our popular videos and articles for test takers aiming for a band 7 below:     Video podcast: How IELTS is scored     Article: IELTS Writing Task 2: 7 steps towards a band 7     Video: 7 steps to help you reach a band 7

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You need to match statements to a list of features from the text in this question type. Because of this, you’ll need to use both scanning (reading quickly to find specific information) and intensive reading techniques. Start by reading the instructions carefully. Check if you can use the options more than once when selecting your answer. Next, I'd recommend highlighting keywords in the questions and options. Then, scan the text for these keywords and highlight them. After that, check the text for any synonyms or paraphrased expressions of the keywords you underlined in the in the questions and options. Finally, read through the text carefully to find the correct answer.

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You can write the time as numbers or words in your IELTS Listening test. Just make sure you follow any instructions that give a word limit e.g. Write no more than TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER.  When you’re writing the time as numbers, there are some variations with punctuation. For example, you can write 7:45 or 7.45. If you want to specify that it’s after midday, you can write 7:45pm or 7:45 p.m. In English, we sometimes use the 24-hour clock format (e.g. 19:45) in situations where it’s important to avoid confusion. Some examples are when we discuss time zones or travel timetables. If you enjoy watching action movies and hospital dramas, you’ve probably noticed that 24-hour time is used in these situations too!   When you take your IELTS Listening test, bear in mind that the speaker could say the time in a few different ways. For instance, if the answer is 7:45pm, the speaker might say ‘seven forty-five’ or ‘quarter to eight.’ They might also add ‘in the evening’ to make it clear that they’re not talking about the morning.

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can move through the questions within the section at your own pace and desire. This is very useful during the Reading and Writing sections as it allows you to start with the questions you are most confident with. For the listening section however it is important to stay in line with the audio, so follow along the questions in order.
Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
IELTS can offer a wide range of access arrangements. For hearing difficulties we can offer modified listening tests in a private room that are played through twice. For those with more severe hearing difficulties we can also offer lip reading listening tests including practice sessions with the designated staff who will assist you on the day. Exemptions can also be obtained in the most severe of cases. Please contact your local test centre to arrange these ammendments to your test. Ensure you allow enough time as applications for access arrangements must be approved by Cambridge in advance.

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Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
IELTS testing software has a word counter on the bottom of your screen so no need to manually count them yourself!
Jun 4, 2026
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Last answered by Jess

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Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you are not able to use any AI tools during your test, but they may be useful to help you in your IELTS preparation journey. Just make sure you don't become reliant on them as they won't be there on test day!
Jun 4, 2026
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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

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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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