Task 2 is worth roughly two-thirds of the score so you should spend about 40 minutes on this and 20 minutes on task 1.

If you don’t have an overview this could limit your score for task achievement to band 4 so it’s very important to include it.

It should not refer to specific data in the graph, just overall trends. If it includes data it may not be viewed as an overview.

It can but for a band 7 there should not be many mistakes and they should be fairly minor, not mistakes that make sentences difficult to understand or lead to confusion.

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat a question if you do not hear or understand it the first time. In part 1 though, the examiner can only repeat the question how it is written, not provide further explanation. In part 3, the examiner can repeat the question differently if required.

If there is a maximum, you must stick to that.

The conclusion isn’t for new information or ideas. It can do things like summarise your main ideas, give your opinion, and/or give your thoughts about the future in relation to the topic.

It’s about quality not quantity. You do need to ensure you are meeting the word limits suggested but writing a lot doesn’t mean a higher score. A shorter essay that fulfils the grading criteria is better than one that is just long and perhaps is not well-organised and has many grammar errors.

They are though you do not need to say too much in part 1 as this is around 12 questions in 4-5 minutes. In part 2 you should speak for the full 2 minutes and in part 3 it’s a discussion so you are expected fully explain the ideas and opinions you present.

They are only played once.

No they have exactly the same content though some people may have a preference for which they want to take.

If you are taking the IELTS test on paper, you must use the black ink pen provided by the test centre. No other stationery is allowed in the test room. 

If you have any questions about the test or need to use the bathroom, raise your hand to attract the invigilator’s attention.

There is no dress code so you can wear what you like.

You will need to show it and you cannot take the test if you do not have it.