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What’s the best way to increase my vocabulary?
Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
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
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
Who can apply for the IDP IELTS Future Award?
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
To be considered for one of the 2026 awards, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Be 18 years or older
2. Be living in these countries or territories: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria or Mexico.
3. Book an in-centre IELTS test (either Academic or General Training) with IDP in one of the countries/territories on the list above and get your IELTS results between 1 April 2025 to 18 September 2026.
You can find all the details on how to apply on our website .
Read more
Jul 13, 2026
Answers
Who can apply for the IDP IELTS Future Award?
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
To be considered for one of the 2026 awards, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Be 18 years or older
2. Be living in these countries or territories: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria or Mexico.
3. Book an in-centre IELTS test (either Academic or General Training) with IDP in one of the countries/territories on the list above and get your IELTS results between 1 April 2025 to 18 September 2026.
You can find all the details on how to apply on our website .
Read more
Jul 13, 2026
How can I improve my accent in English?
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
First of all, let me reassure you that you don’t need to change your natural accent when you take the IELTS test. You don’t need to sound like a native English speaker. Your accent is part of who you are.
But you need to speak clearly so the examiner can understand what you say. Sometimes people’s accents can affect how clearly they pronounce their words and sentences.
If this is the case for you, I’d recommend watching our IELTS Pronunciation Video Series , which you can find on our website, app and YouTube channel.
The series explains the different areas of pronunciation like word stress, intonation and rhythm in six short videos and shares tips on how you can improve in each area.
Read more
Jul 1, 2026
Answers
How can I improve my accent in English?
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
First of all, let me reassure you that you don’t need to change your natural accent when you take the IELTS test. You don’t need to sound like a native English speaker. Your accent is part of who you are.
But you need to speak clearly so the examiner can understand what you say. Sometimes people’s accents can affect how clearly they pronounce their words and sentences.
If this is the case for you, I’d recommend watching our IELTS Pronunciation Video Series , which you can find on our website, app and YouTube channel.
The series explains the different areas of pronunciation like word stress, intonation and rhythm in six short videos and shares tips on how you can improve in each area.
Read more
Jul 1, 2026
What IELTS score do I need to apply for teaching positions in Canada?
Listening General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Vincent
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Each provincial and territorial regulatory body has specific certification requirements, which internationally educated teachers must meet to teach in a given Canadian province or territory.
For example, the Ontario College of Teachers sets the requirements to register as a teacher in that province. For IELTS Academic, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in reading, 6 in listening, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking.
Because each province and territory may have different requirements, always check with the teacher regulatory body where you want to use your IELTS results to see what scores you need.
Read more
Jun 16, 2025
Answers
What IELTS score do I need to apply for teaching positions in Canada?
Listening General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Vincent
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Each provincial and territorial regulatory body has specific certification requirements, which internationally educated teachers must meet to teach in a given Canadian province or territory.
For example, the Ontario College of Teachers sets the requirements to register as a teacher in that province. For IELTS Academic, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in reading, 6 in listening, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking.
Because each province and territory may have different requirements, always check with the teacher regulatory body where you want to use your IELTS results to see what scores you need.
Read more
Jun 16, 2025
What kind of letters could I be asked to write in IELTS General Training Task 1?
Writing General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They can be formal or informal. Besides that, you could be asked to write a letter of complaint, invitation, request, apology, etc. - basically a variety of social functions.
Jun 16, 2025
Answers
What kind of letters could I be asked to write in IELTS General Training Task 1?
Writing General Training & General Training UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They can be formal or informal. Besides that, you could be asked to write a letter of complaint, invitation, request, apology, etc. - basically a variety of social functions.
Read more
Jun 16, 2025
What is the difference between ‘Do you agree or disagree?’ and ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree’ in IELTS essay questions?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Results Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Jun 16, 2025
Answers
What is the difference between ‘Do you agree or disagree?’ and ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree’ in IELTS essay questions?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Results Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Read more
Jun 16, 2025
Do I have to write in pen or pencil in the IELTS test?
Listening Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you are doing your IELTS test on paper, you will need to write with a black pen. This is required for the system to pick up your answers when marking is being completed. If you are doing your IELTS test on the computer, you will be provided with a pen to make notes.
Jun 2, 2025
Answers
Do I have to write in pen or pencil in the IELTS test?
Listening Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you are doing your IELTS test on paper, you will need to write with a black pen. This is required for the system to pick up your answers when marking is being completed. If you are doing your IELTS test on the computer, you will be provided with a pen to make notes.
Read more
Jun 2, 2025
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.
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 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
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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- 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
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
- 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.
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
- 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.
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
Trending
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
Trending
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
Trending
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
Trending
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
Trending
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
Trending
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
Trending
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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Last answered by Reza