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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not necessarily, as the speaking has 3 parts and your score shows how well you did the test overall and not just in one part. If you give short answers in all parts of the test, then there is an issue and you may not get a very high score
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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Sometimes when you answer question, you may give very short answers and then the examiner has to ask you more. This in itself does not mean you get a lower score, but it may show that you need to speak longer if you want to make sure you get a high score.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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Always 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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The easiest way is to follow the order of bullet points that are included in the question. Start your letter by saying why you are writing the letter/purpose of the letter, then follow the order of bullet points and finish your letter with an appropriate ending.
Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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The best way is to look for what seems logical based on the task/ question and the data, graph, chart, table or map. For example, if it’s a flowchart or process, it’s best to organise your ideas in a way that they follow the process. As a general rule there are always a few things that you should always include. These are “introduction”, “overview”, “Summary/Description”. The safest way is to have them in this order, but it’s not the only way.

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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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I'd like to say first that there is no specific grammar for IELTS you need to focus on, but there is thenowledge of grammar of English, so basically anything you do that means you listen and watch in English more, you read in English more, you use English more in speaking and writing improves your grammar. The other exercise that really helps is to use books on grammar, or grammar exercises online and focus on one grammar lesson for a day or two and do as many exercised you can. This directly improves your grammar.

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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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You do not get a lower or higher score just because of your accent. If you look at the descriptors for the IELTS speaking test and the rating criteria you will find out that things like speech rate, word and sentence stress, correctly pronouncing sounds and things like this are all looked at and accent only matters when it affects intelligibility (that is how easily you are understood by other people when you speak).

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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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Coherence refers to how logically your ideas are organised and follow each other. Cohesion is about using connectives (e.g. and, in conclusion, however), reference and substitution (e.g. pronouns, articles). You may find this document helpful too: 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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Jun 30, 2025
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Last answered by Reza

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Reza Tasviri
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It’s not part of the rating criteria, so the short answer is no. However, like in any human interaction, maintaining natural eye contact helps to better communicate ideas and avoid confusion.
Jun 30, 2025
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Reza Tasviri
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No. IELTS examiners are trained to focus on the language you produce and are not to judge your opinions. If you refer to the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors you will find out that the rating criteria focuses on how well, you logically organise and sequence your ideas and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to express them.
Jun 30, 2025
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Reza Tasviri
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The instructions in the writing question specifically ask for a letter to be written. While emails and letters share a lot of similarities, the format and tone of a letter is different to an email, so it’s best to stick with what you are asked and write a letter
Jun 30, 2025
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Reza Tasviri
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Complex structures are those sentences that have more than just the basic elements of subject, verb, object, and adverb as in “ I studied French in the first year of college”. They contain one or two structures within a sentence. Examples of complex structures are conditionals, adverbials, relative clauses, passive structures, using participle clauses, etc. Instead of saying “I don’t have time. I cannot finish my assignment by this evening” we can combine the two sentences into a complex structure and say “If I had more time, I could finish my assignment by this evening”. Complex structure allow us to express more ideas and also make the writing more engaging

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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

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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