Yes, it is. The recording can be used to apply for a remark. It is also used to monitor the examiners to make sure they are doing their job well. It can be a good idea to record yourself and share it with someone you know. They may be able to notice something about your speaking that you do not.

In the IELTS Speaking test, the person who examines you will give you a score as soon as you leave the room. In the IELTS Writing test, one examiner will mark your Task 1 answer and a different examiner will mark your Task 2 answer. They do not know each other and your identity at all. They also do not know the score given by the other examiner.

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will stop you at 2 minutes. This is a good thing because you have shown a lot of language. If you only speak for a minute or a minute and a half for example, the examiner might say "Can you tell me anything more about that?" to encourage you to keep speaking.

To show a sophisticated understanding of words, even simple ones, make a note of the ones you hear or see. Take note of the context they are used in and how they are used. Then use them as much as you can in your own speaking.

In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner knows where you are from because they ask for your passport. They may also ask you about where you are from, but it will not affect your score. Accent is not a problem unless you do not have some natural features of English, such as the sounds or rhythm.

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question in the IELTS Speaking test. You can also ask for clarification if you don't understand a word or what they are trying to ask

No, not as part of the question. However, topics in the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests could be related to health, so you can use COVID-19 as an example if you want to.

In your Writing and Speaking tests, there are no right or wrong opinions. The examiner is assessing how well you can use your English to report information and express ideas.

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.

Everyone speaks with an accent and you are not expected to change your accent for the IELTS test. Instead, focus on speaking clearly and at a natural pace so that the examiner can understand you. Practising your English every day and listening to different native speaker accents will help you to more clearly pronounce difficult words.

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

Smiling can help you feel relaxed which in turn might help you perform better. However, if you smile or laugh too much, it might not be appropriate for the topic you are discussing. Every examiner is trained and monitored closely to be fair to every candidate and to assess your level of English. The examiners will not give you more or fewer marks if you are smiling and laughing. It is best to try and relax as much as you can and communicate in a natural way.