IELTS Band 7.0+ Study Plan
Duration: 4–6 weeks · Daily time: 2.5–3 h · Target: 7.0+
Who this plan is for
You are already around 6.0–6.5 and need 7.0+. From here, listening/reading precision is trainable — but writing and speaking usually decide whether you cross the line. This plan weights output accordingly.
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 — Precision (Weeks 1–2)
The formats that separate 6.5 from 7: matching headings, Y/N/NG, multi-speaker listening, map labelling.
Move on when: 80%+ on your two hardest question types across two tests.
Every day
One reading passage, timed by its question mix (2 types ≈ 16 min, 3 types ≈ 20, 4 types ≈ 25)→
25 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
Re-read yesterday's wrong answers: for each, say out loud WHY the right answer is right before checking the explanation
15 minmust-do
Within the phase
Sit one full listening test from the newest month — exam conditions, then mark it→
40 minmust-do
Study the Matching Headings format guide, then find that question type in a test and do just those questions→
25 minthis week
Study the Yes/No/Not Given 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
Scan this week's new exam recalls — note any 🔥 high-frequency questions in your skills→
10 minthis week
Phase 2 — Output Decides (Weeks 3–4)
Daily speaking; writing studied at target-band level. Input skills go to maintenance.
Move on when: Speaking: 2-minute cue-card answer without freezing. Writing: you can outline any current question in 5 minutes.
Every day
Practice answering 3 current speaking topics out loud — record yourself once→
20 minmust-do
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
Within the phase
Read TWO band-calibrated sample essays for current questions — study the structure, not the vocabulary→
25 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
Check this season's reported writing questions and outline one answer (position + 2 main ideas only)→
20 minthis week
Sit one full listening test from the newest month — exam conditions, then mark it→
40 minmust-do
Phase 3 — Simulate (Final 1–2 Weeks)
Full mocks; current pool via the recall wall; keep speaking daily.
Move on when: Exam day.
Every day
Practice answering 3 current speaking topics out loud — record yourself once→
20 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
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
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.