IELTS 4-Week Study Plan (1 Month)
Duration: 4 weeks · Daily time: 2–3 h · Target: 6.5–7.5
Who this plan is for
You have about one month, can study 2–3 hours a day, and want a structured route instead of random practice. This is the plan most candidates should start from.
The one principle
Input alone (memorizing words, watching lessons) stores knowledge; only OUTPUT (dictation, timed tests, speaking aloud, outlining) turns it into a band score. Every day below mixes both — never skip the output half.
The route
Tick tasks as you complete them — progress is saved on this device.
Phase 1 — Diagnose & Foundations (Week 1)
Find your real level and your expensive weaknesses. No technique-collecting yet.
Move on when: You know your baseline score per skill and can name your two worst question types.
Every day
Sit one full listening test from the newest month — exam conditions, then mark it→
40 minmust-do
Re-read yesterday's wrong answers: for each, say out loud WHY the right answer is right before checking the explanation
15 minmust-do
Dictation drill: replay ONE section of a listening test you already sat, write down every word, then check yourself against the transcript. This trains the ear, not the memory→
20 minmust-do
Within the phase
Sit one full reading test — 60 minutes strict, then mark it and read the explanations for every miss→
75 minmust-do
Sit one full reading test — 60 minutes strict, then mark it and read the explanations for every miss→
75 minmust-do
Scan this week's new exam recalls — note any 🔥 high-frequency questions in your skills→
10 minthis week
Check this season's reported writing questions and outline one answer (position + 2 main ideas only)→
20 minthis week
Phase 2 — Question-Type Mastery (Week 2)
One question type at a time: learn the method, then drill only that type.
Move on when: For each of your two worst types, you can state the method in one sentence and score 70%+ on a drill.
Every day
One reading passage, timed by its question mix (2 types ≈ 16 min, 3 types ≈ 20, 4 types ≈ 25)→
25 minmust-do
Re-read yesterday's wrong answers: for each, say out loud WHY the right answer is right before checking the explanation
15 minmust-do
Dictation drill: replay ONE section of a listening test you already sat, write down every word, then check yourself against the transcript. This trains the ear, not the memory→
20 minmust-do
Within the phase
Study the True/False/Not Given format guide, then find that question type in a test and do just those questions→
25 minthis week
Study the Matching Headings format guide, then find that question type in a test and do just those questions→
25 minthis week
Study the Map Labelling format guide, then find that question type in a test and do just those questions→
25 minthis week
Sit one full listening test from the newest month (focus on your weak section) — exam conditions, then mark it→
40 minmust-do
Read TWO band-calibrated sample essays for current questions — study the structure, not the vocabulary→
25 minmust-do
Phase 3 — Volume & Output (Week 3)
Raise stamina and start serious output work on writing and speaking.
Move on when: Two consecutive listening tests within 0.5 band of your target; reading finished inside 60 minutes.
Every day
Sit one full listening test from the newest month — exam conditions, then mark it→
40 minmust-do
One reading passage, timed by its question mix (2 types ≈ 16 min, 3 types ≈ 20, 4 types ≈ 25)→
25 minmust-do
Practice answering 3 current speaking topics out loud — record yourself once→
20 minmust-do
Within the phase
Sit one full reading test — 60 minutes strict, then mark it and read the explanations for every miss→
75 minmust-do
Read TWO band-calibrated sample essays for current questions — study the structure, not the vocabulary→
25 minmust-do
Build personalized answers for this season's cue cards (your stories, not scripts)→
30 minthis week
Scan this week's new exam recalls — note any 🔥 high-frequency questions in your skills→
10 minthis week
Phase 4 — Exam Simulation (Week 4)
Full-length, exam-timed, no comfort breaks. Fix logistics, not new knowledge.
Move on when: Exam day.
Every day
Re-read yesterday's wrong answers: for each, say out loud WHY the right answer is right before checking the explanation
15 minmust-do
Practice answering 3 current speaking topics out loud — record yourself once→
20 minmust-do
Within the phase
FULL mock: listening + reading back-to-back, exam timing, no pauses. Mark after, not between→
130 minmust-do
FULL mock: listening + reading back-to-back, exam timing, no pauses. Mark after, not between→
130 minmust-do
FULL mock: listening + reading back-to-back, exam timing, no pauses. Mark after, not between→
130 minmust-do
Scan this week's new exam recalls — note any 🔥 high-frequency questions in your skills→
10 minthis week
Check this season's reported writing questions and outline one answer (position + 2 main ideas only)→
20 minthis week
Daily anchors
Morning: Read one passage or transcript aloud for 10 minutes before anything else — mouth and ear before eyes.
Before bed: Before bed, review the words you collected today from wrong answers (5–10 minutes, no new material).
Weekly self-review
- Listening: is your score stable or rising? Which section loses the most points?
- Reading: are you finishing in 60 minutes? Which question type costs you most?
- Did you do the OUTPUT work (dictation, outlines, speaking aloud) — or only input?
- Write one sentence: what will you do differently next week?
A plan is a route, not a promise — no schedule can guarantee a band score. Adjust volumes to your reality and keep the output work.