What Is the Ideal IELTS Preparation Time for Students?

How Much Time Is Required to Prepare for IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency exams. It tests a person’s ability to listen, read, write, and speak in less than three hours. However, the amount of time needed for IELTS preparation varies from one factor to another. It includes your English language proficiency, your target IELTS band score, and your study habits. Thus, some candidates need a few weeks of focused preparation, while others might require several months of dedicated study to achieve their desired band score.

Generally, the IELTS preparation time for students is 6-8 weeks or 2 months if you are already at an intermediate or advanced level. However, if you're starting from a basic or beginner level and aiming for a high band score, then you might need to give more time for IELTS preparation. During this time, students should focus on understanding the IELTS exam format and improve key areas such as grammar, reading speed, test-taking strategies, and writing skills. Moreover, it is also advisable for students to understand the specific requirements for each section of the IELTS exam to modify their preparation effectively. Thus, in the next parts of this section, you will find out about the preparation time for IELTS in each section. Let’s have a look below:

Preparation Time for Listening Section

The IELTS listening section includes 40 questions across the four sections, with 10 questions. The level of difficulty increases in each section. However, the entire section lasts for about 40 minutes. Ideally, the preparation time for the IELTS listening section is 1 week, but you can take more time if you need to. Now read the below-given pointers and understand the types of tasks you can get in the listening section.

• In section 1, you will listen to a dialogue between 2 people, on any general topic.

• In section 2, you will listen to a monologue on any general event. Here you need to focus on the factual information.

• In section 3, you will hear 2 or more people talking about academic subjects or events. You must note down what the speaker is saying and the factual information.

• In section 4, you will hear a lecture or a talk by a speaker on any academic topic. Here, you need to listen to the main ideas in the talk.

Furthermore, to excel in the IELTS listening section, you will need to take an IELTS listening practice test before the actual exam.

Preparation Time for Writing Section

The IELTS writing section comprises two different types of tasks that test students' English language skills. It lasts for about 60 minutes. However, the IELTS preparation time for the writing section is ideally one week or two weeks not more than that. Read the below-given points and understand what IELTS writing tasks include.

• In the IELTS writing task 1, you need to understand some pictorial information and write down in 150 words what you have observed. This task tests your observing and English language skills.

• In the IELTS writing task 2, you need to express your ideas and opinions in the form of an essay of 250 words. Further, you must present your views clearly and logically with the relevant examples.

Additionally, by taking the IELTS writing practice test you can achieve a desired band score in the exam.

Preparation Time for Reading Section

The IELTS reading section comes with 40 questions, and it takes 60 minutes to complete the test. It is the same for both academic and general training versions. However, the IELTS preparation time for the reading section would be a few weeks if you have a high level of English proficiency. Now read the below-given points and understand what the IELTS reading section covers.

• In the IELTS reading section, you will get text in the form of passages from the different sources such as textbooks, magazines, newspapers, journals, and study books.

• The reading section covers several types of questions such as MCQs, short-answer questions, sentence completion, table completion, matching information and so on.

To score good marks in this section, you need to appear for the IELTS reading practice test before the actual exam.

Preparation Time for Speaking Section

The IELTS speaking section is conducted between the examiner and a candidate and lasts for about 11-14 minutes. It includes three parts. However, the ideal IELTS preparation time for the speaking section is one week, keeping aside the other sections. Now read the below-given pointers and see what the IELTS speaking section includes.

• In the first part of the speaking section, questions are asked to candidates about themselves, family, work, and hobbies.

• In the second part of the speaking section, you will get a task card or cue card on which you need to speak for 2 minutes.

• In the third part of the speaking section, you will be asked the possible follow-up questions related to your IELTS speaking part 2.

Additionally, to achieve a high band score you are required to take the IELTS speaking practice test that will help you know your weak areas. In the next section, you will find out about the weekly IELTS preparation schedule that will help you achieve a good score.

Weekly IELTS Preparation Schedule for Students

The total IELTS course duration is typically 4 to 12 weeks. However, to boost your score, you need to go through every essential skill step-by-step. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, this one-week plan will provide a structured approach to help you achieve a good score. Thus, in this section, we have provided a week IELTS preparation schedule for your reference. Through this, you can boost your score on the IELTS exam.

Week 1: Build the Basics

Week 2: Develop Skills

Week 3: Focused Practice

Week 4: Mock Tests and Refinement

Overall, the required IELTS preparation time is based on the individual capability. Thus, we have provided a one-week plan for achieving good scores in the IELTS exam. In the next section, you will find out some helpful tips and strategies for the IELTS test.

Tips to Prepare Well for the IELTS Exam

The IELTS test involves understanding the format, and how the scores are marked, and then making a proper plan for achieving good scores. Thus, in this section have a brief look at the IELTS preparation tips for 8+band score.

• Improve your general level of English and perfect the test skills for Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening.

• Enhance your vocabulary before appearing for the actual IELTS exam.

• Understand the different question types for each section.

• Try to learn linking and synonyms for the IELTS exam.
• Take an IELTS mock test for all the sections.

• Focus on techniques like skimming, scanning, and paraphrasing.

Conclusion

To conclude, we discussed the IELTS preparation time for each section and talked about the weekly schedule for the IELTS exam. Further, in the blog, some helpful tips have been mentioned for achieving a high band score. However, if you are facing issues in preparing for the IELTS exam then you are on the right page! Connect with us and join our IELTS coaching online or offline and achieve 8+band scores with us.

FAQs

1. Is One Month Enough for IELTS Preparation?

On average, it is recommended that preparation time for IELTS is 2-3 months if you are already at an intermediate or advanced level of English.

2. Is It Hard to Get 7 in IELTS?

No, scoring 7.0 or above in the IELTS exam is not an impossible task. Students must understand the syllabus and format of the exam and then start preparing for the same.

3. How to Prepare for IELTS at Home?

There are several ways to prepare for IELTS at home that are cost-effective and time-efficient. Before you start preparing, make sure that you are clear on which test you need to go for (Academic and General Training)

4. How Often Should One Take IELTS Mock Tests?

It is recommended that you solve 1 or 2 practice tests daily for each section. In other words, they should be very small but can be an important part of your preparation.

5. How Much Time You Should Spend Every Day Preparing for IELTS?

It is advised to spend three to four hours daily focusing on test-taking abilities, techniques, and speed. However, the preferable IELTS exam preparation time is at least 30 days studying all the sections.