IELTS Three Week Intensive Revision Schedule

Introduction

A structured three-week revision plan can bridge gaps in your IELTS preparation and push your band score upward. This schedule emphasizes targeted practice, regular self-assessment, and realistic exam simulations. You’ll learn to diagnose your current level, strengthen weak areas, and refine time management—all without relying on paid courses. Optional AI insights can boost efficiency, but core techniques remain universal.

TL;DR

• Week 1: Diagnose skills and set clear band targets
• Week 2: Intensive drills with strict timing and focused strategies
• Week 3: Analyze mistakes, refine techniques, rest strategically
• Try a quick section diagnostic on Lingo Copilot for tailored feedback

Phase 1: Skill Assessment

Diagnostic Test

Core concept: Identify strengths and weaknesses early

• Take one official practice test under timed, exam-like conditions
• Break down results by section (Listening Parts 1–4, Reading Sections 1–3, Writing Tasks 1–2, Speaking Parts 1–3)
• Record scores and note question types you missed most
• (Optional) Use Lingo Copilot to estimate your band score and get initial vocabulary suggestions

Goal Setting

Core concept: Transform results into actionable targets

• Define your overall band goal and sub-targets for each skill
• Assign daily and weekly milestones: e.g., “Complete two listening parts with 80% accuracy by Day 5”
• Write goals in a visible place and track progress in a simple spreadsheet or notebook

Phase 2: Time Management Tactics

Core concept: Train your internal exam clock

• Designate a fixed study block each day (2–3 hours) divided into micro-sessions
  1. 15 minutes: Reading skimming and scanning drills
  2. 15 minutes: Listening summaries with timed note-taking
  3. 30 minutes: Writing practice (alternate Task 1 and Task 2)
  4. 20 minutes: Speaking mock interview or cue-card response
• Use a stopwatch or timer app to enforce strict limits
• Log actual vs. planned times to identify patterns and adjust pacing

Pacing Strategies

• Allocate question time based on section weight (e.g., 1 minute per reading question)
• Practice skipping overly difficult items and returning if time permits
• Build a habit of checking the clock at consistent intervals (after every five questions)

Phase 3: Focused Section Practice

Listening & Reading

Core concept: Active engagement with audio and text

• Listening:
  • Preview questions and underline keywords before audio begins
  • Predict answer type (name, number, date) to focus your notes
  • Review transcripts to compare predictions with actual wording
• Reading:
  • Skim passages in 2–3 minutes to grasp main ideas
  • Scan for keywords in questions, then read surrounding sentences carefully
  • Paraphrase answer sentences in your own words to build flexibility

Writing Tasks

Core concept: Use reliable templates and self-review

• Task 1:
  • Begin with an overview sentence; highlight major trends
  • Compare data points logically (increase vs. decrease, highest vs. lowest)
  • Vary linking words (however, in contrast, similarly)
• Task 2:
  • Craft a clear thesis statement in the introduction
  • Develop two body paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details
  • Conclude by restating your position and summarizing key arguments
• After writing, review against high-scoring samples and note structural gaps

Speaking Practice

Core concept: Build fluency through repetition

• Part 1:
  • Prepare answers for common personal questions (hometown, studies)
  • Aim for 2–3-sentence responses and expand with examples
• Part 2:
  • Use a brief outline for each cue-card: topic, personal angle, conclusion
  • Practice delivering 1-minute monologues, then review pauses and fillers
• Part 3:
  • Tackle abstract questions by linking to real-world examples
  • Record and listen back to identify pronunciation or grammar weaknesses

Phase 4: Mock Analysis & Final Review

Review Errors

Core concept: Convert mistakes into lasting lessons

• Maintain an error log for each section and question type
• Analyze grammar issues, vocabulary gaps, and time-management slip-ups
• Revisit challenging question types with targeted practice drills

Final Polishing

• Reduce study load in the last 48 hours to light review and rest
• Practice deep breathing, positive visualization, and mock check-in routines
• Prepare exam materials and logistics to minimize day-of stress

Conclusion

Consistency and deliberate practice are the foundations of exam success. Follow this schedule to master core strategies and build confidence. Try unlimited practice questions for all sections in a free trial of Lingo Copilot to track your progress, enhance vocabulary, and receive writing feedback.