Seven Day IELTS Intensive Review Plan

Introduction

Effective IELTS preparation requires a focused schedule, targeted practice, and regular review. This seven-day plan breaks down each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking—into manageable tasks. Each phase uses proven strategies you can apply immediately. AI tools are referenced only where they add clear value, ensuring you remain in control of your progress.

TL;DR

Key steps:

• Assess skills with a quick diagnostic test (use Lingo Copilot).
• Build timing instincts through micro-practice sessions.
• Drill section-specific tasks with daily goals.
• Review writing with AI-powered feedback.

Phase 1: Skill Assessment

Core Concept: Identify strengths and weaknesses before diving into intensive practice.

• Complete one timed Listening section, one Reading section, one Writing Task 1, and one Speaking mock session under test conditions.
• Record your raw scores and note recurring challenges (e.g., missing keywords, weak paraphrasing).
• Create a simple tracking sheet with columns: Section, Score, Errors, Time Taken.
• Use errors to decide which area needs extra drills in the following phases.

Phase 2: Time Management Tactics

Core Concept: Train your internal clock to match IELTS pacing.

• Reading:
  1. Perform 15-minute skimming drills: read headings and first sentences.
  2. Practice scanning for keywords in 5-minute bursts.
• Listening:
  1. Listen to short audio clips (2–3 minutes) and summarize key points in 5 minutes.
  2. Gradually increase length to full section duration.
• Writing:
  1. Write Task 1 reports in 15 minutes.
  2. Draft Task 2 essays in 35 minutes using bullet-point planning for each paragraph.
• Speaking:
  1. Record 2-minute monologues on random topics.
  2. Simulate Part 2 cue cards with a 1-minute prep timer.

Phase 3: Section Practice

Reading

Core Concept: Combine skimming, scanning, and focused reading.

• Implement daily drills:
  • 10 minutes skimming headings to identify paragraph themes.
  • 10 minutes scanning for numbers, dates, names.
  • 10 minutes intensive reading of one complex paragraph.
• Build a vocabulary log:
  • Note down 5 new words per day.
  • Write synonyms and sample sentences.

Listening

Core Concept: Hone predictive and selective listening.

• Practice initial prediction: read questions before each section.
• Focus on signpost words (however, furthermore, in contrast).
• Review transcripts after each practice to spot missed details.

Writing

Core Concept: Structure and clarity.

• Task 1:
  • Identify the chart type and trend in one sentence.
  • Group data into two or three categories.
  • Use linking words: however, meanwhile, overall.
• Task 2:
  • Plan with bullet points: Introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion.
  • Use complex sentences for cohesion.
  • Seek feedback: submit your essays for writing feedback via Lingo Copilot to get model answers, grammar corrections, and improvement tips.

Speaking

Core Concept: Fluency and coherence.

• Part 1:
  • Practice short personal responses on familiar topics.
• Part 2:
  • Use the one-minute prep to jot down 3 points: who, what, why.
  • Speak for the full two minutes, focusing on clear transitions.
• Part 3:
  • Develop opinions using reasons and examples.
  • Record and play back to self-evaluate grammar mistakes.

Phase 4: Mock Test Review

Core Concept: Analyze mistakes and reinforce learning.

• Re-take a full mock test under strict timing.
• Compare results with initial assessment; highlight improvements.
• Log consistent errors (e.g., article misuse, incorrect paraphrase).
• Build mini-tasks to target weak points:
  • Grammar drills for articles and prepositions.
  • Paraphrasing exercises for Writing and Speaking.
• Expand vocabulary lists with collocations and topic-specific words.

Conclusion

This intensive review plan puts you in the driver’s seat. It combines targeted drills, time-management practice, and AI-powered insights to accelerate your progress. Try our unlimited practice questions and estimated band score predictions in the free trial of Lingo Copilot.