Stage 1: Understand the Exam (Week 1)
Goal: Know what the exam tests, how it’s structured, and what scoring looks like.
Study:
- Full IELTS test format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
- Band descriptors (focus on Bands 6, 7, 8)
- Common myths and mistakes
Why this first?
Without understanding the rules of the game, you can’t play it strategically.
Stage 2: Build a Strategy Backbone (Weeks 2–3)
Goal: Learn the structures and question types before jumping into practice tests.
Listening:
- Learn all 4 sections and types of questions (e.g., maps, multiple choice)
- Study note-taking & prediction techniques
Reading:
- Learn scanning, skimming, and keyword-matching
- Understand T/F/NG and Yes/No/Not Given logic
Writing:
- Learn essay types: Opinion, Discussion, Problem–Solution, Two-Part
- Study how to write an intro, thesis, body, and conclusion
- Study Task 1 (Academic: Graphs / GT: Letters) structures
Speaking:
- Learn Part 1, 2, and 3 structure
- Prepare 20–30 common topics and answers
- Understand fluency, coherence, and lexical resource scoring
Tip: Use model answers and reverse-engineer them.
Stage 3: Build Core Language Skills (Weeks 4–6)
Goal: Build vocabulary, grammar, and sentence range needed for Band 7–8.
Study:
- Vocabulary by topic (education, environment, health, tech, society)
- Band 7–8 grammar:
- Complex sentences
- Passive voice
- Conditionals
- Relative clauses
- Modal verbs
- Tag questions (for tone)
- Cohesive devices (linking words, reference words)
- Collocations & idiomatic phrases (especially for Speaking)
Why now?
Your strategy means nothing without the language power to back it up.
Stage 4: Controlled Practice by Skill (Weeks 7–8)
Goal: Practice each skill in isolation with feedback.
Do:
- 2 writing tasks per week (one Task 1, one Task 2)
- 3 listening tests per week with error analysis
- 3 reading passages per week with time tracking
- 3 speaking mock recordings per week (record yourself or use a partner)
Resources: Use Band 8+ sample answers, correct your own work, or get feedback from a teacher.
Stage 5: Simulated Exams (Weeks 9–10)
Goal: Build exam stamina and get real timing experience.
Practice:
- Full test under real timing every 2–3 days
- Use real IELTS exam papers or full-length mocks
- Focus on improving timing + accuracy + calm
Stage 6: Refine Weaknesses + Final Boost (Last 1–2 Weeks)
Goal: Target what’s holding you back. Improve 1 band-level mistakes.
Focus:
- Rewrite your worst essays using Band 8 models
- Focus on your most missed reading/listening question types
- Use Speaking frameworks and rehearse Part 2 topics
- Review vocabulary lists & grammar weak spots
- Read Band 9 essays aloud to build rhythm and tone
Weekly Structure Suggestion (from Week 2 onward)
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Listening + Vocabulary + Grammar |
| Tuesday | Writing Task 2 + Feedback |
| Wednesday | Reading + Writing Task 1 |
| Thursday | Speaking Part 2 + Vocabulary Boost |
| Friday | Full Mock or Two Skills Combined |
| Saturday | Feedback + Fixes |
| Sunday | Light Review or Rest |
Optional: Enroll in or Build From…
- IELTS Power Writing (to master essays quickly)
- Band 7–8 Speaking Scripts (to copy fluency and range)
- Grammar and Vocabulary Accelerator (30-day system)
IELTS 5 to 6 