Question 1

What do I need to bring to my Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room and again during the interview.

Question 2

What accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?

Accepted Answer

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used in both the General Training and Academic tests.

Question 3

Accepted Answer

Question 4

Can I make notes during the IELTS on computer test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. IELTS on computer provides a note-taking and highlight function. You can try these functions in the familiarisation tests here. You can also write notes on the login details sheet you receive at the beginning of the test.

Question 5

Can I write my answers in capital letters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use all capital letters in the IELTS Reading and Listening sections. If you use capital letters in the Writing section, make sure that your punctuation is correct and the examiner can see where you start and finish sentences.

Question 6

Can I do all parts of the test on the same day?

Accepted Answer

The Listening, Reading and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date. If you take computer-delivered IELTS, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.
If you take a paper-based IELTS test, you can request to take the Speaking test on the same day as the Listening, Reading and Writing tests. The test centre will try and accommodate your request.

Question 7

What if I am late to my test due to circumstances beyond my control?

Accepted Answer

If you experience difficulty on a test day, please inform the test centre immediately. The test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.

Contact details are below.

IDP IELTS Manila Office:
Landline: +632 8535-3320 loc. 102 to 103
Mobile: +63 919 0826 764
Email: ielts.philippines@idp.com

IDP IELTS Cebu Office:
Landline: +63 32 236 2758
Mobile: +63 926 726 9302
Email: ielts.cebu@idp.com

Question 8

What should I bring on test day?

Accepted Answer

You must bring the same passport or national identity card that you used to book your IELTS test.
If you do a computer-delivered test, the centre will provide you with pencils and paper. You must leave all of your personal belongings outside the examination room in a secure area or locker. You can keep the key with you during the test and return it afterwards.
Mobile phones, pagers and smartwatches must be switched off and left with your personal belongings. If you keep mobile phones or electronic devices with you, you will be disqualified. Find out more about what to expect on test day.

Question 9

In what order will I complete the IELTS General Training for UKVI test?

Accepted Answer

If you take IELTS for UKVI General Training you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading, and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after these test sessions. Depending on the test center, the Speaking test can be done on the same day or up to seven days either before or after the test date.

Question 10

What happens in the IELTS Speaking test?

Accepted Answer

The Speaking test is a discussion with a highly qualified IELTS examiner who assesses your ability to talk about a range of topics. The Speaking test has three parts and is recorded. A description of the three parts of the interview is found in the Information for Candidates booklet.
You can also visit our page on preparing for IELTS Speaking.

Question 11

Do I have to write in pencil for the paper-based IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

You will need to use an HB or No.2  pencil for the Listening, Reading and Writing sections of the test. Answer sheets are scanned and this type of pencil show up best when being scanned. The test centre can provide you with a pencil if you cannot bring your own.

Question 12

How can I improve my Writing band score?

Accepted Answer

Read the assessment criteria used for Academic and General Training writing tests carefully before your test day. The examiner will assess your writing based on four criteria for Task 1 and Task 2. Remember that Writing Task 2 is worth twice as many marks as Task 1. You can improve your Writing band score by practising sample IELTS test questions so you understand what to expect on a test day. This blog will give you tips to achieve a higher band score.
Check out our Youtube channel for expert tips in IELTS Writing.

IELTS Academic

IELTS General training

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS for UKVI Life skills

IELTS One Skill Retake

IELTS on computer vs IELTS Online

IELTS Reading test: how to manage your time?

Grammar 101: Affect vs. Effect

Grammar 101: Understanding verb tenses

IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1: How to write a letter

IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction

IELTS test day

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