IELTS Eight Week Comprehensive Study Plan

Introduction

Preparing for the IELTS exam can feel overwhelming, but a clear roadmap helps you stay focused. This eight week study plan breaks down test sections into manageable phases, combining proven strategies and practical practice. You’ll build skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while mastering time management.

TL;DR

• Assess your baseline with a diagnostic test, track progress weekly
• Use focused drills and simulated conditions for time management
• Incorporate AI feedback sparingly, for example using Lingo Copilot for quick grammar checks and band predictions

Phase 1: Skill Assessment (Week 1)

Core Concept: Establish your starting point

• Complete a timed diagnostic test under real exam conditions
  • Include Listening Parts 1–4, Reading Sections 1–3, Writing Tasks 1–2, Speaking Parts 1–3
  • Use section-specific practice to identify weak areas; try a diagnostic module in Lingo Copilot if you need guided feedback
• Record band estimates and time taken per section
• Create a simple tracker: column for section, initial score, target score, and notes

Action Steps

• Day 1: Listening and Reading diagnostics
• Day 2: Writing Task 1 and Task 2 diagnostics
• Day 3: Speaking Part 1–3 diagnostics
• Day 4–7: Review results, note patterns (e.g., vocabulary gaps, timing issues)

Phase 2: Time Management Tactics (Week 2)

Core Concept: Make every minute count

Daily Routine

• Morning (30 minutes): Short listening drill with varied accents
• Midday (30 minutes): Timed reading passages focusing on skimming and scanning
• Evening (1 hour): Writing micro-practice, alternating Task 1 and Task 2 every other day

Strategies

• Pomodoro: 25-minute focused study blocks with 5-minute breaks
• Progress Log: Note completion time and score for each drill
• Adjust Schedule: If reading sections exceed 20 minutes regularly, allocate extra reading drills on weak question types

Phase 3: Focused Section Training (Weeks 3–5)

Split your time into three 2-week subphases, each concentrating on one skill while maintaining light practice in others.

Weeks 3–4: Reading and Listening

Reading

• Practice one full section daily in 20 minutes
• Drill question types: True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Sentence Completion
• Tip: Underline keywords and paraphrase questions before scanning

Listening

• Use podcasts or lectures, pause to summarize each 30-second segment
• Complete one Listening part per day under timed conditions
• Review transcripts to spot misheard words

Weeks 5–6: Writing and Speaking

Writing

• Task 1: Describe a chart, map, or process in 20 minutes

  • Focus on structure: introduction, overview, details, conclusion

• Task 2: Plan essay in 5 minutes, write in 40 minutes

  • Use PEEL method: Point, Example, Explanation, Link

• Example: Submit a sample Task 2 essay for writing feedback using Lingo Copilot to get grammar corrections and improvement tips

Speaking

• Part 1: Record answers to common personal questions
• Part 2: Prepare 2-minute talks on random topics—practice timing
• Part 3: Discuss abstract concepts; simulate follow-up questions with a study partner
• Use mirror practice to refine pronunciation and fluency

Phase 4: Integrated Practice (Week 6)

Core Concept: Combine skills under pressure

• Create mini-sessions: Listening + Speaking, Reading + Writing
• Example schedule:
  1. 30-minute Listening part, immediately followed by a 2-minute summary aloud
  2. 40-minute Reading section, then write a quick opinion paragraph on a related topic in 10 minutes
• Track fatigue points: which combinations feel most challenging?
• Adjust future drills to reinforce gaps

Phase 5: Mock Test Simulation (Week 7)

Core Concept: Replicate test day conditions

• Schedule two full mock tests on separate days
• Strict timing: 2 hours and 45 minutes total
• After each test:
  • Review Listening and Reading answers immediately
  • Score Writing tasks with self-assessment checklist
  • Record Speaking responses and critique pauses, cohesion, lexis
• Compare mock scores to initial diagnostic to measure progress

Phase 6: Refinement and Strategy Adjustment (Week 8)

Core Concept: Focus on weak links

• Analyze mock test results, update your tracker
• For any section still below target:
  • Dedicate three focused drills per week
  • Use error logs: note recurring mistakes and review grammar or vocabulary points

Final Polishing

• Review high-frequency IELTS vocabulary lists, create flashcards
• Practice transitions and connectors for essays and speaking
• Simulate exam day routine: wake-up time, meals, travel to test center, warm-up drills

Conclusion

Consistency and self-awareness are key to IELTS success. By following this eight week plan, you’ll build confidence in each section and master pacing strategies. For targeted writing feedback and estimated band predictions, try the writing review feature in the free trial of Lingo Copilot.