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Episode 1: Overview of IELTS

Welcome to IELTS Prepare by IDP, your trusted guide for test day success, hosted by IELTS Expert Rocco Nigro.

In this pilot episode, Rocco is joined by Daniel Marsh from IDP for an introduction to all things IELTS. Learn how the test is structured and the different types of IELTS tests you take. 

Whether you’re new to IELTS or aiming to improve your score, Daniel offers plenty  of information on the options available and how IELTS can help you reach your work, study or migration goals. 

Daniel currently helps universities and organisations in Australia and New Zealand understand IELTS and how we test English language. Daniel is a linguist who recently finished his PhD and was also an English language teacher for 3 years, teaching general English and IELTS. 

This episode covers: 

Choosing the right IELTS test 

IELTS One Skill Retake 

  • Discover how to achieve your best score with IELTS’ newest addition, IELTS One Skill Retake.

  • Eligible test takers can now retake any one component of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking without redoing all four sections.

  • This allows them to improve upon their original score, if they didn’t perform as well as they’d liked first time around. 

Different ways to take IELTS 

  • Explore the flexible ways you can take the IELTS test.

  • Learn about taking IELTS on paperor at a test centre.

IELTS test structure 

  • The IELTS test runs for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, which includes a separate Speaking test.

  • Learn about the IELTS format and what skills are covered, including the key differences between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

  • Daniel also explains why completing the Speaking test with a person instead of a computer is preferable.  

IELTS results 

  • Find out when to expect your test results.

  • Learn the different ways you can access your results, and share them with your friends and family using the IELTS by IDP app. 

Test taker questions 

  • “If I don’t perform as well in two skills, can I still do the IELTS One Skill Retake?” 

  • Get the answers to your IELTS questions. 

Watch the episode now on the IELTS by IDP app, YouTube, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

Access through the IELTS by IDP app