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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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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
If you look at how reading is calculated you will find out that Band 6.5 in reading means that you correctly answer fewer than 30 (in Academic IELTS) or 35 (in General Training IELTS) of the questions in the Reading test. I suggest that you do a few practice Reading tests and see in which parts of the test you have the lowest number of correct answers. That helps you focus on increasing your score and lifting your correct answers to the 30 or 35 required for at least Band 7. IELTS Scoring

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Jul 1, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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IELTS writing examiners assess writing against 4 criteria: Task Achievement/Response( how well the question is answered), Coherence and Cohesion (how logically ideas are organised and connected), Lexical Resource(how well vocabulary is used) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy(how well grammar is used). You get a separate score (0-9) for each of these and your overall writing score is calculated. There is some very useful information here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/ielts-web-static/production/Guides/ielts-writing-key-assessment-criteria.pdf

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Jul 1, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is one way to know and that is to look at how IELTS is scored and what band 9 means. I highly recommend having a look at IELTS Scoring . It will give you a good idea of what kind of ability and knowledge you should show in the test to reach the highest score.
Jul 1, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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It largely depends on how much you practice and where your mistakes are. First work out how many more questions you need to get right. Here is a good guide: IELTS Scoring . Then do some practice tests and focus on parts of the test that you think can help you get the needed extra scores.You may also realise that you need to improve your listening skills generally and that’s when listening daily to radio, television or podcasts in English help a lot.

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Jul 1, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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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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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
You need to use the exact words from the passage because the questions are designed to test your ability in locating specific information.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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Yes, it's always best to read the questions first and try to remember, highlight or underline key words in them.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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It depends on how much shorter your response was and how it affected how well you responded to the question. There is no fixed penalty for writing shorter responses but bear in mind that in a short response it is harder to elaborate on ideas and develop them and also use a good range of grammar, vocabulary and cohesive devices, so this may lower your score. The equation is not purely mathematical.

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Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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Your final writing score is a combination of your score on both Task 1 and Task 2. Although Task 2 has double the weight, but still getting no score for Task 1 lowers your overall score for IELTS Writing.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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Yes. There is no requirement to do this but there is no penalty either so you can use your own name or any other name.
Jun 30, 2025
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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
If by “figures” you mean numbers, the answer is not all figures but important/ significant ones. You need to include data to support your summary. You don’t have to include every single figure, but the more significant ones to support your descriptions.
Jun 30, 2025
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Reza Tasviri
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In writing tasks of this kind, you are not required to write equally about both agreement and disagreement positions. Naturally you need to write more about your own position but also mention the other side and write some ideas about it too.
Jun 30, 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

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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

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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

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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

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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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