IELTS Study Plan

IELTS Study Plan

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 1: Format

For the starters, get familiar with the format of the exam. Knowing what to expect from the test is a crucial step. In this section, we’ll explore the structure of the exam in more detail.

If it’s the first time you attempt to pass IELTS, you better learn the structure. Knowing how much time you have for each section and how each part should be handled is needed to pass the exam successfully.

Once you know the general structure, you can start gathering your study materials. There are plenty of free IELTS preparation materials online. Books, mock tests, videos – you can find that on the Internet.

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 2: Tutor or Not

Recognize whether you need a tutor. Everyone has a unique way of learning and retaining new information. Instead of spending these ten days struggling to do it yourself, you might want to consider getting some outside help.

Ask yourself two questions to see whether you need professional help or not:

1. Can I get the band I need?

If you never attempted to pass the IELTS exam but confident you’ll get a high band, you are likely a native speaker. Or, you just don’t recognize the complicated structure of the exam. You can get the band you need to get, but only if you invest the time, energy, and resources required. Consider whether it’s possible without a qualified tutor.

2. Can I afford a tutor?

Indeed, the answer will be different for every student. Most people believe that not hiring a person to help will save them some money. Yet, it might not. If you’re not prepared well enough to pass the exam for the necessary band, you’ll have to retake it. That means spending extra money and time. Sometimes, it’s worth spending a bit, in the beginning, not to spend more at the end.

The choice is up to you anyway!

If you are confident that you don’t need professional help, spend this day collecting IELTS books, if you haven’t already, and studying them. Review the exam format and take a closer look at yourself – what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 3: Writing

Start with the writing tasks. Sometimes even native speakers have trouble when it comes to writing. However, you can learn and practice.

Let’s take a closer look at how to get started:

·         Learn the IELTS format and the structure of every essay type you might encounter.

·         Take a look at several sample questions and answers.

·         Start learning new vocabulary to help with your writing.

·         Practice writing about anything in English.

·         Find sample IELTS questions online and try responding to them. Don’t forget to follow a particular essay structure.

·         Do self-assessment and peer review, if possible. That way, you’ll get more expanded feedback on the quality of your writing.

·         Check the sample database for papers and works that might be useful in the preparation for the test.

IELTS writing tip.

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 4: Listening

Shift your focus to listening. Becoming a great listener does not come easily: it takes a lot of time, concentration, and practice. Let’s figure out how to become a listener in this section.

Try the following exercises on your day 4:

·         Start with gathering information about the format and timing of the section.

·         Watch TED talks and listen to podcasts and songs. Pay attention to the words, intonation, pauses, and repetitions used.

·         Find some free IELTS tests and practice them.

·         Before the audio begins, quickly skim through the questions.

·         Practice writing answers down while the audio continues to play.

·         Remember that no one repeats the audio during the listening section. If you miss the answer to the question, don’t bother coming back.

·         Get used to various accents. Listen to podcasts with natives from different English-speaking countries.

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 5: Reading

Prepare for the reading section of the exam. You may consider that part more manageable than the previous ones. But the thing is that you have to read long passages and respond within the time limit. That might be a bit hard without preparation.

Now, let’s get down to the details:

·         Learn the structure of the section, types of tasks, and timing.

·         Find some materials in English and start reading them. Pay attention to new words and phrases, as well as the central ideas.

·         Search for IELTS practice reading sections.

·         Examine instructions well not to miss the details of the task.

·         Don’t forget about timing. Divide your time into parts to complete the task.

·         Compare your responses to correct answers and analyze them.

IELTS reading tip.

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 6: Speaking

Now it’s time to tackle the speaking part. For numerous students, this section is the trickiest one. Due to anxiety and overall stress, talking to an examinator can become a nearly impossible challenge.

However, you can’t let stress get the best of you. Therefore, it is necessary to learn the format, which is what we suggest you do:

·         Find the speaking assessment criteria and take a look at some of the sample questions.

·         Create an audio journal. Record yourself speak every day since day six and evaluate the speech. Pay attention not only to what you say but pronunciation and sentence structure, as well.

·         Control your body movements. Look in the mirror and practice a confident style of speaking.

·         Work on your vocabulary to use during the speaking section.

·         Record yourself more and assess the speech. Seek someone’s help to evaluate your answers, pronunciation, and sentence structure.

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 7: Analysis

To finish the week of studying on a high note, you should analyze your progress. Evaluate how far you have progressed in learning the material and format of the exam.

How can you do the analysis?

1. Take practice tests or skim through the ones you’ve already taken. Identify your stronger and weaker sections.
2. Analyze the mistakes you’ve made. Think about what you should do differently next time.
3. Check some credible resources. Revise information about the format that you might’ve forgotten.

After analyzing your mistakes, you can spend that day perfecting the specific part of the exam that you consider the trickiest. If the odds are roughly equal for every section, spread the time evenly for each task.

Ø   IELTS Preparation Day 8: Focus

Concentrate on developing the skills you lack. After assessing your capabilities, you know what you are missing to pass the IELTS exam. You need to devote the day solely to working on these general skills.

Tips for IELTS preparation day 8.

There are three significant aspects that you should work on for the IELTS test:

1. Grammar. It is assessed in two sections of the IELTS: writing & speaking. The examiner will evaluate your ability to use correct and appropriate grammar. Thus, to get a higher band, you’ll need to show the ability to use complex sentences. 
2. Pronunciation. For a high band, you need to perfect the way to talk. First of all, you must master the individual sounds to be easily understood by the examiner. Also, you must pay attention to word and sentence stress. Some syllables and words are emphasized more than others. Indicate your emotions by using intonation. Lastly, don’t forget about using linking words.
3. Vocabulary. You have to learn new vocabulary but do it wisely. Vocabulary will differ for IELTS Academic and General Training. If you know which one you’ll be taking, focus more on the literature related to that. Plus, you can get a notebook and write down every unknown word you come across while reading or listening.

Ø  IELTS Preparation Day 9: Practice

Practice makes perfect, so don’t shy away from the most apparent tip you’ll ever get. If you want to pass IELTS, you need to practice each task multiple times, which we will discuss in this section.

During this day, try to focus on taking as many full tests as possible. Identify the sections you’ve improved. It will help you to build confidence before taking the actual exam. Some skills only practice can improve.

Keep in mind:

·         Timing during IELTS is quite strict. Practicing full tests will help you learn how to manage your time effectively.

·         Multitasking is key to passing the listening section well. You have to listen and mark correct answers at the same time.

·         Regular practice will help you create your strategy.

Ø  IELTS PREPARATION DAY 10: REFLECT

Revise and recollect. You should devote the last day of preparation to reviewing and evaluating your knowledge.

Now that ten days have passed look back and evaluate your knowledge. Make sure you are aware of what you know and that you have a strategy. That way, you’ll be more confident to walk into the exam hall.

Besides, you have to get ready for the day of the exam. Here are a few things you should prepare:

·         Documents. Bring the ID that you provided for the application form.

·         Water and snacks. There’s no need to bring something heavy. A light snack will do great to keep you focused on the test.

·         Itinerary. Check the way to the examination centre. Make sure you know how you are getting to your destination.

·         Clothes. Choose to wear something comfortable. Keep in mind that your photo will be taken before the test.

Ø  How to Focus on IELTS for 10 Days Straight

Speaking of careful preparation, you should replace the question “How long does it take to prepare for IELTS?” with “How long can I focus on studying for the exam?”

Concentrating, in general, can be tricky, but the stakes are exceptionally high when you only have ten days to prepare. That is why here we will analyze how to maintain attention for the period.

Additional Tips:

• Create a study schedule and allocate specific time slots for each section.
• Utilize online resources, study guides, and practice materials from reliable sources.
• Practice time management by setting realistic time limits for each section during practice tests.
• Focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning new words and using them in context.
• Develop effective note-taking techniques during the Listening and Reading sections.
• Seek support from study groups or online communities to exchange knowledge and tips.
• Stay updated with current affairs and practice reading news articles to improve your comprehension skills.

Relaxation and Confidence Building

In the midst of intense IELTS preparation, it is essential to allocate time for relaxation and confidence building. The final day before the exam is an opportune moment to unwind, rejuvenate, and cultivate a positive mindset. By engaging in activities that promote relaxation and reflecting on your progress, you can boost your confidence and set the stage for success on the exam day.

 First and foremost, take a break from the rigors of studying. Allow yourself time to recharge and rejuvenate. Engage in activities that help you relax and relieve stress. Meditation, for example, is an effective technique to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Spend a few moments in quiet contemplation, focusing on your breath and letting go of any tension or worry. This practice can provide clarity, restore mental energy, and promote a sense of calmness. Physical exercise is another powerful tool for relaxation and confidence building. Engaging in activities like yoga, jogging, or dancing can help release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Exercise not only reduces stress but also enhances concentration and cognitive function. Take a walk in nature or participate in a favorite physical activity to refresh your mind and body. Indulging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy is also crucial. Engaging in activities you love, such as painting, playing a musical instrument, or reading, can provide a much-needed break from exam-related stress. These activities not only serve as distractions but also stimulate creativity and promote a sense of fulfillment.

Reflecting on the progress you have made over the past nine days can significantly enhance your confidence. Remind yourself of the hard work, dedication, and commitment you have put into your IELTS preparation. Take pride in the progress you have made in developing your language skills and familiarity with the exam format. Recognize the areas where you have improved and acknowledge your efforts. This positive reflection can reinforce your belief in your abilities and boost your self-assurance. Visualization is a powerful technique to cultivate confidence. Take some time to visualize yourself performing well on the exam day. Imagine yourself confidently answering the questions, speaking fluently, and demonstrating your language proficiency. Visualize the positive outcomes you desire, such as receiving a desirable score and achieving your goals. This mental rehearsal can help alleviate anxiety and instill a sense of self-assurance. Maintaining a healthy mindset is essential in the final stages of exam preparation. Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or areas of weakness. Instead, focus on your strengths and the progress you have made. Embrace a positive attitude and believe in your ability to perform well. Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging individuals who can uplift your spirits and provide motivation.

 Finally, ensure you get a good night's sleep before the exam day. A well-rested mind is sharper and more focused. Establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath. Create a conducive sleep environment, free from distractions and electronic devices. Adequate rest will ensure that you wake up refreshed and energized for the exam. Dedicating time for relaxation and confidence building is crucial in the final stages of IELTS preparation. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, reflecting on your progress, visualizing success, maintaining a healthy mindset, and getting a good night's sleep can significantly boost your confidence and set you up for success on the exam day. Remember, a calm and confident mind performs best, so take the time to relax and believe in your abilities.