IELTS in 30 Days: The Ultimate Preparation Plan
Only 30 days to prepare for the IELTS? This day-by-day strategy gives you a clear roadmap to boost your band score efficiently — even if you're short on time.
With only 30 days until your IELTS test, you might feel overwhelmed. But don’t panic — you can still make massive progress with the right plan. Whether you’re targeting Band 7 or higher, this 4-week IELTS crash course breaks your prep into manageable goals and tasks.
Here’s how to structure your month for maximum impact. 💪
Week 1: Build Your Foundation (Days 1–7)
Your goal this week: Understand the test format, identify your strengths/weaknesses, and build daily study habits.
📘 Daily Goals:
- Learn the test format (4 sections, timings, question types)
- Take a diagnostic mock test
- Analyze your band score and weak areas
- Set a realistic target score and daily routine (2–3 hours/day)
🧠 Focus Topics:
- Listening: Practice Section 1 and 2 (easier parts)
- Reading: Skim/scan practice + T/F/NG questions
- Writing: Understand Task 1 vs Task 2
- Speaking: Record answers to Part 1 questions
Week 2: Skill Improvement Phase (Days 8–14)
Now that you know where you stand, it’s time to level up each skill with focused strategies.
🎯 Writing
- Task 2 focus: Opinion and discussion essays
- Learn how to structure intro, body, and conclusion
- Practice writing with 40-minute time limit
🎯 Listening
- Practice Section 3 and 4 (more complex topics)
- Focus on predicting answers before listening
🎯 Reading
- Focus on Matching headings and Summary Completion
- Time yourself: aim for 20 mins per passage
🎯 Speaking
- Part 2: Cue card practice
- Work on fluency and avoiding long pauses
Week 3: Test Simulation and Feedback (Days 15–21)
Time to simulate real conditions and start fixing common errors.
📝 Mock Tests
- Do 2 full-length IELTS tests (timed)
- Get AI or tutor feedback on Writing & Speaking
🚨 Fix These Common Mistakes:
- Misunderstanding Writing prompts (esp. Task 2)
- Missing keywords in Listening
- Spending too long on 1 Reading passage
- Overusing fillers in Speaking ("like", "you know")
Week 4: Final Push + Exam Strategy (Days 22–30)
Refine your strategy, manage stress, and stay sharp.
⏱️ Time Management Practice
- Set strict time limits for each section
- Prioritize accuracy in Reading and Listening
🔄 Review
- Revise vocab notebooks, grammar rules, essay templates
- Review past mock tests and note recurring errors
🗣️ Final Speaking Practice
- Focus on Part 3 (long-form answers with opinion)
- Practice with a study partner or AI tool
📋 Sample Weekly Planner Table
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Diagnostic test + format overview |
| Day 8 | Write Task 2 essay + Listening Section 3 |
| Day 15 | Full Mock Test #1 (all 4 sections) |
| Day 22 | Review all Writing feedback + Speaking mock interview |
| Day 29 | Light revision + early sleep |
| Day 30 | Exam day! Relax, hydrate, and stay confident 💥 |
💬 Sample Speaking & Writing Prompts
Writing Task 2:
- Some people believe the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be useful to society. Others say it is to help people become fulfilled individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Speaking Part 2:
- Describe a book you recently read. You should say: what it was about, why you read it, and how you felt after reading it.
🎯 Ready to Boost Your Band Score?
Practice with realistic, examiner-style mock exams for both Academic and General IELTS at 👉 ieltsexam.ai/ielts-mock-tests
Get instant AI feedback, scoring, and sample answers for Writing Task 1 & 2!