Question 1

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 IELTS on computer, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

Question 2

What to do if I am late to my test due to situations 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.

Question 3

What should I bring on my 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 an IELTS on paper test, you can take pens, pencils and erasers into the examination room. If you do an IELTS on computer 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. Mobile phones, pagers and smart watches must be switched off and left with your personal belongings.
If you keep mobile phones or electronic devices with you, you will be disqualified.

Question 4

What order will I complete the IELTS test in?

Accepted Answer

If you take IELTS on computer, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session.

If you take IELTS on paper, you will do the tests in the following order: Writing, Reading and Listening. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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

Accepted Answer

Pencil is recommended for the IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing tests. This is because tests are scanned and work best with pencil. It also means that you can easily erase and rewrite words. If you forget to bring a pencil, the test centre will provide one for you.

Question 8

If I take IELTS on paper, can I write notes in the question booklets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are encouraged to write notes on the question booklets. IELTS examiners do not have access to your question booklets.

Question 9

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 on the familiarisation tests here. You can also write notes on the login details sheet you receive at the beginning of the test.

Question 10

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 11

How can I improve my Writing band score?

Accepted Answer

Read the assessment criteria used for both 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. Our news and articles page has extensive tips and advice to help you prepare and improve your English-language skills.

Question 12

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.

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