How Much Time is Required for IELTS Preparation?

IELTS is used for assessing your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the English language. It helps in measuring one’s competence to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country. So how much time is required for IELTS preparation?

We shall learn about it in a while but first, let us look at its pattern:

IELTS Exam Pattern

Here is the exam pattern mentioned below: 

What is the Average Preparation Time for IELTS?

It is quite difficult to mention how many days it may take for someone to prepare for IELTS. It depends upon the proficiency in English of the candidate. However, the average preparation time for IELTS is six to eight weeks. Depending upon your command of the language, it may take you less time. 

To get started with the preparation, you must first try to understand the exam pattern. Once you are familiar with the pattern, you can prepare a study plan. Make sure the study materials you have are reliable. If you want to focus your preparation on an individual section of the IELTS test, you can follow these guidelines:

Preparation for Listening Section

The listening section of the IELTS test comprises four subsections with 10 questions each. This section needs to be completed within 40 minutes.

 Section 1: A dialogue on a general topic between two people will be played. 

Section 2: A monologue on an event with factual information will be played. 

Section 3: Dialogue on an academic subject or event between two or more people will be played. The speaker’s opinions and factual information needs to be focused on. 

Section 4: A lecture on an academic topic will be played with a focus on the lecturer’s main ideas.

So, how much time does it take to prepare for the IELTS listening section? 

Usually, the preparation time for the listening section can range between one to two weeks. However, if you have additional time, it always helps. Listening to mocks and watching videos with different English accents, news, podcasts, book recordings, etc., can prove helpful while preparing for this section.

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Preparation for Writing Section

Lasting 60 minutes, the writing section can be divided into two types. The first section consists of visual information and requires you to observe, understand, and write your understanding of the information in 150 words. 

The second task requires the candidate to write down their points and ideas on a given topic in 250 words. As task 2 takes longer, the candidates should spend 40 minutes tackling this task and use the remaining 20 minutes for task 1. To prepare for this section, the participants need to practice writing short essays and getting them edited. 

How much time is required to prepare for the IELTS writing section? 

Depending on the candidate's writing skills, it may take between one to four weeks. 

Preparation for Reading Section

There are 40 questions in the reading section, including MCQs, matching headings, sentence completion, and short answer questions. There is a time limit of one hour assigned to complete this section. IELTS General exam syllabus consists of everyday English topics such as newspapers, advertisements, handbooks, etc. Studying journals, magazines, books, research articles, etc., are recommended for academic IELTS preparation. 

So, how much time is required for IELTS Reading section preparation? 

Preparation for this section varies according to the ability of the candidate. Usually, two weeks are considered sufficient. Mock tests are very helpful in the practice of this section.

Preparation for Speaking Section

The IELTS trainer interviews the candidate in this section. It is 15 minutes long and has three sub-sections. 

Section 1: General questions on family, interest, study, work, etc., are asked.  

Section 2: A task card is shared with the test taker, followed by a two-minute talk on a topic of choice from the card.

Section 3: The section consists of some questions on the topics by the trainer. The test taker needs to answer these questions in about five minutes.

Test takers need to practice with a partner and focus on minimizing fillers and perfecting pronunciation. 

How much time is required to prepare for the IELTS speaking section? 

The preparation time of one to two weeks for this section is adequate for most people.

Taking mock tests for IELTS is a great way to prepare. The sooner you get started, the better your results will be!

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IELTS Preparation Time for Retake

If your IELTS test score hasn't been satisfactory and you intend to take a retest, it is advisable to undergo it whenever you feel ready. 

Usually, a time of four months is considered sufficient for preparing yourself for the retest.

Things to Consider When Reapplying for IELTS

Think through the following when reapplying for IELTS: 

• Identify your weakness and work dedicatedly on it. 
• It's important to have a goal and work towards it. In this case, have a target IELTS band score in mind when preparing. 
• Practice mock tests. 
• Have a strategy in place to attempt all the four IELTS sections. 

Example of IELTS Preparation Timetable 

Here's a one week IELTS preparation schedule sample for your reference: 

Prepare for IELTS with upGrad Abroad

To cater end-to-end requirements of learners planning to pursue higher education abroad, upGrad Abroad has launched a Booster Program. The IELTS Booster Program is designed to offer support to students in preparation for IELTS, Academic Writing, Profile Building, International Faculty Masterclass, and University Application, Education Loan, and Visa Support.

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