7-day IELTS study plan for busy international students (with resources)

So you have booked your IELTS test, and now you need a study plan.

But who has time to make one? Between juggling work, studies, visa deadlines, and probably keeping up with your favourite TV series, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even start.

Here comes this study plan to save your day! 

This 7-day plan is designed for busy international students. You can use it if you literally just have 7 days to prepare, or use it as a guide for more extended preparations.

In short, it’s a structured yet flexible way to prepare for IELTS without the stress. Plus, each day includes recommended resources. 

So it’s basically everything you need to prepare. You’ll save time from having to research materials and make your own plan. All you have to do is show up for each session and go back to this guide each day!

Book your IELTS test now

Remember, there’s no single plan for every student. This 7-day plan serves as a starting point. You can expand it if you have more time, or adjust it to focus on your weak areas.

This plan will function like a review class, where you’ll get a step-by-step guide on what to do in your study session per day. 

• Each day focuses on one IELTS section to master your skills. 

• You’ll start with a practice test to assess your level and finish with a full mock test.

• The minimum daily study time is two hours, but you can extend it as needed.

• If you have more than a week, repeat practice tests or deepen your review.

To feel more motivated, you can make a checklist of each step in every study session. Depending on your learning style and goals, you can make certain adjustments. 

You don’t have to do it in one sitting if you have a shorter attention span. You can also allot more time on each step in the session, depending on which you find more difficult. But the goal is to finish each session in one day. 

Time: 1-2 hours

Goal: Know the test format, and assess strengths & weaknesses.

What to do

• Start with a free IELTS self-assessment to identify your current English level. 

• After answering this self-assessment, you’ll get tips and resources based on your English language ability. You can add those suggested materials to this study plan.

• Familiarise yourself with the IELTS test format, including the structure and timing for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Time allotment per day: 2 hours

Goal: To improve listening comprehension across different question types, familiarise with question types, and practice active listening.

What to do

Step 1:  Full Listening Test – Simulate Exam Conditions - (40 minutes)

• Complete one full IELTS Listening test (all four sections) under timed conditions. You can answer this familiarisation test.

• Treat this as if you’re taking the real exam: no pauses, no distractions.

Step 2:  Mixed Practice – Cover Different Question Types - (40 minutes)

• Complete at least three additional tests from the IELTS Listening practice sets.

• Focus on a mix of question types (e.g., Multiple Choice, Sentence Completion, Matching).

Step 3: Review and Analyse Mistakes (10 minutes)

• Check your answers and note any recurring mistakes (e.g., missing key details, struggling with fast speech).

Step 4:  Targeted Practice (20 minutes)

• Choose one question type that gave you the most trouble and do another round of practice for it.

Step 5: Takeaway & Reflection - 10 minutes

Answer this:

Final Reflection

• One thing I did well today: _______

• One thing I need to work on: _______

• What’s my focus for the next listening session? _______

Resources

The listening part of the IELTS test for both Academic and General has 4 sections.

Here’s a complete list of listening practice tests. 

Suggestions for improvement

If you are struggling with:

Catching specific details (e.g., names, dates, numbers) in Section 1, practice focusing on listening for key information like numbers, names, and dates.

• Materials for you:

  • Short Answer Questions

  • Sentence Completion

  • Form Completion

Understanding the structure or main ideas of a monologue in Section 2, practice listening for the overall structure: introduction, key points, and conclusion. Take notes while listening to identify main ideas and supporting details.

• Materials for you:

  • Notes Completion

  • Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling

  • Flow Chart Completion

Following multiple speakers or distinguishing between voices in Section 3, focus on identifying who is speaking and their tone of voice. This will help you follow the conversation.

• Materials for you:

  • Matching 1

  • Multiple Choice (One Answer)

  • Multiple Choice (More Than One Answer)

Understanding academic vocabulary in Section 4, listen to academic content (e.g., TED Talks, university lectures) to familiarise yourself with the vocabulary commonly used in academic settings. 

• Materials for you:

  • Matching 2

  • Multiple Choice (One Answer)

Tip: On your computer, press ctrl+f to search for these specific materials in the IELTS Practice Tests for Listening.

Time allotment per day: 2 hours Goal: Improve reading speed, comprehension, and accuracy across different question types.

What to do

Step 1: Full Reading Test – Simulate Exam Conditions (60 minutes)

• Complete this full IELTS Reading test under timed conditions.

• Treat this as if you’re taking the real exam: no extra time, no breaks, and no re-reading the passage after answering.

• Smart Hack: Skim the passage first before looking at the questions. This gives you a general idea without getting stuck on details.

Step 2: Review and Analyse Mistakes (20 minutes)

• Check your answers and note any recurring mistakes (e.g., misinterpreting True/False/Not Given, struggling with Matching Headings).

• Identify patterns in your errors and adjust your approach.

• Smart Hack: Many mistakes happen due to misunderstanding synonyms and paraphrased phrases—train yourself to spot them in the passage.

Step 3: Targeted Practice (25 minutes)

• Choose one or two question types that gave you the most trouble and complete additional practice sets for them.

• Smart Hack: If struggling with Matching Headings, read the first and last sentence of each paragraph first—these often contain the main idea.

Step 4: Active Reading & Summary Practice (10 minutes)

• Read an article or academic text and summarise it in one sentence without looking back.

• This helps improve retention and your ability to grasp key ideas quickly.

Step 5: Takeaway & Reflection (5 minutes)

Answer this:

Final Reflection

• One thing I did well today: _______

• One thing I need to work on: _______

• What’s my focus for the next session? _______

Resources 

The Reading section of the IELTS test is different for Academic and General Training, but both consist of three sections with increasing difficulty. 

Access these practice tests for reading.

Suggestions for Improvement

If you are struggling with:

Understanding facts and details in Section 1, focus on scanning for specific information like names, numbers, and keywords in the passage.

Materials for you:

• True/False/Not Given

• Sentence Completion

Identifying the main ideas in Section 2, practice reading the first and last sentence of each paragraph before answering. These often summarise key points.

Materials for you:

• Matching Headings

• Table Completion

Handling complex vocabulary and inference questions in Section 3, train yourself to recognise synonyms and paraphrased phrases in the passage.

Materials for you:

• Summary Completion

• Yes/No/Not Given

Tip: On your computer, press Ctrl + F to search for these specific materials in the IELTS Practice Tests for Reading.

Time allotment per day: 2 hours Goal: Develop clear, well-structured responses for both IELTS Writing tasks while improving coherence and accuracy.

What to do

Step 1: Full Writing Test – Simulate Exam Conditions (40 minutes)

• Complete one IELTS Writing familiarisation test: Task 1 (20 minutes) + Task 2 (40 minutes).

• Smart Hack: Plan your answer for Task 2 first (3-5 minutes), then start writing. A clear structure improves both speed and coherence.

Step 2: Review and Analyse Mistakes (20 minutes)

• Go through your responses and check for errors in grammar, coherence, and task achievement.

• Identify the most common mistakes (e.g., sentence structure, word choice, idea development).

• Smart Hack: Compare your response with high-scoring sample answers to see what could be improved.

Step: Targeted Practice (30 minutes)

• Choose one specific weakness (e.g., introductions, coherence, grammar, or idea development) and rewrite a paragraph focusing on improving it.

• Smart Hack: If struggling with coherence, practice using linking words like “however,”  

•  Therefore,” and “on the other hand” to improve flow.

Step 4: Takeaway & Reflection (10 minutes)

Answer this:

Final Reflection

• One thing I did well today: _______

• One thing I need to work on: _______

• What’s my focus for the next session? _______

Resources

The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks:

• Task 1 (Academic): Describing a graph, chart, table, or process.

• Task 1 (General Training): Writing a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal).

• Task 2: Writing an essay in response to a question prompt.

Access these writing practice tests to practice tasks 1 and 2.

Suggestions for Improvement

If you are struggling with:

• Organising ideas clearly in Task 2, practice outlining your response before writing.

• Writing concisely in Task 1, focus on summarising key trends without unnecessary details. 

• Using formal, academic language, study sample high-scoring essays and note sentence structures.

Tip:  You can watch these IELTS preparation videos for writing. We share tips on how to reach a band 8 in Writing, along with Masterclass videos on Writing Task 1 and 2.

Time allotment per day: 2 hours

Goal: Improve fluency, pronunciation, and coherence while building confidence in answering different IELTS Speaking question types.

What to do

Step 1: Mixed Practice – Cover All Three Parts (40 minutes)

• Answer questions from all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test:

  • Part 1: Short, everyday questions

  • Part 2: Cue card (long turn)

  • Part 3: Discussion (abstract questions)

• Smart Hack: Record yourself and listen back. Identify areas where you hesitate, repeat words, or struggle with pronunciation.

Step 2: Review & Analyse Mistakes (30 minutes)

• Listen to your recording and assess fluency, coherence, and grammar. Pay attention to pauses, filler words ("um," "uh"), and unnatural phrasing.

• Smart Hack: Focus on linking ideas smoothly. Instead of answering in one sentence, expand with explanations and examples.

Step 3: Targeted Practice (25 minutes)

• Pick one weak area and practice improving it. If you struggle with:

  • Part 1: Work on answering with detail instead of short responses.

  • Part 2: Practice structuring answers using the PPF (Past, Present, Future) method.

  • Part 3: Develop the habit of supporting opinions with examples.

• Smart Hack: If you get stuck, rephrase the question in your answer to buy time and sound more natural.

Step 4: Speed & Fluency Training (15 minutes)

• Answer rapid-fire questions on common IELTS topics (e.g., travel, education, technology) without pausing for too long.

• Smart Hack: Use a "5-second rule"—start speaking within five seconds, even if your answer isn’t perfect. This prevents long silences.

Step 5: Takeaway & Reflection (10 minutes)

Answer this:

• What mistakes did I notice? 

  • Pauses and hesitations

  • Lack of vocabulary or difficulty paraphrasing

  • Pronunciation issues

  • Speaking too fast/too slow

  • Struggled with grammar

  • Other: _______

• How will I improve for the next session? (e.g., practice with a timer, record myself, use more linking words)

Resources

The IELTS Speaking test has three parts:

• Part 1: Personal questions on familiar topics (hobbies, work, family).

• Part 2: A two-minute talk on a given topic (cue card).

• Part 3: Discussion with the examiner on broader, opinion-based topics.

Access these practice tests for speaking.

Suggestions for Improvement

If you are struggling with:

• Fluency and avoiding long pauses, practice answering questions without stopping for at least one minute.

• Expanding answers naturally, use the SEE (Statement, Explanation, Example) method to develop ideas.

• Speaking clearly and confidently, record yourself and focus on pronunciation and intonation.

Materials to practice with:

• Speaking: Part 1

• Speaking: Part 2

• Speaking: Part 3

Time allotment per day: 2.5–3 hours Goal: Simulate real exam conditions, assess overall performance, and target remaining weak areas.

What to do

Step 1: Full Mock Test (2 hours)

• Take a complete IELTS practice test under timed conditions, covering all four sections. Follow official test timing strictly.

• Set up a quiet space to mimic an actual exam setting.

Step 2: Analyze & Score Your Test (30 minutes)

• Review incorrect answers and note recurring mistakes. Assess Writing and Speaking responses based on IELTS scoring criteria.

• Smart Hack: Compare your Writing and Speaking answers with high-scoring samples to spot areas for improvement.

Step 3: Targeted Weakness Practice (30 minutes - 1 hour)

• Choose one weak area and do focused practice.

• If timing was an issue, practice under stricter time limits.

• Smart Hack: Redo the toughest question type from your mock test to reinforce learning.

Suggestions for Post-Mock Test Improvement

Refine Your Study Plan

• Adjust your final days of preparation to focus on the weakest section.

Prepare for Test-Day Challenges

• Identify what caused stress or confusion and develop strategies to stay calm.

Time allotment per day: 1.5–2 hours Goal: Reinforce key strategies, review common mistakes, and build confidence before test day.

What to do

Step 1: Quick Recap of Key Strategies (30 minutes)

• Review notes on common mistakes, tricky question types, and test-taking strategies.

• Go over high-scoring sample answers for Writing and Speaking.

• Smart Hack: Create a last-minute cheat sheet with key tips for each section.

Step 2: Light Practice (30 minutes - 1 hour)

• Answer a few practice questions from different sections, focusing on accuracy rather than speed.

• If necessary, do a short Speaking practice session.

• Smart Hack: Record yourself answering a Speaking question and listen for clarity, fluency, and coherence.

Step 3: Mental Prep & Relaxation (30 minutes)

• Visualise the test day and mentally walk through each section.

• Get a good night’s sleep to stay sharp and focused.

• Smart Hack: Avoid cramming—trust your preparation and focus on staying calm and confident.

If you need to modify this plan based on your schedule, study goals, or timeframe, here are some ways to adjust it:

• If you’re studying for months:

  • Spread out each skill over more days to allow for deeper practice.

  • Dedicate 1-2 extra days per week to reviewing mistakes and reinforcing weak areas.

  • Take full-length mock tests every two weeks to track progress.

• If you want to focus on one skill (e.g., Writing or Speaking):

  • Dedicate at least 3-4 days per week to that skill while maintaining some practice in other areas.

  • Get feedback from an IELTS tutor or native speaker to refine your technique.

  • Analyse high-scoring sample answers to understand structure and strategy.

• If you struggle with time management during the test:

  • Incorporate timed drills for each question type to improve pacing.

  • Practice reading passages or listening to audio while under time pressure.

  • Use strategies like skimming/scanning for reading or note-taking for listening to speed up your responses.

• If you’re aiming for a very high band score (7.5+):

  • Focus on advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures in Writing and Speaking.

  • Work on refining accuracy in Reading and Listening by aiming for near-perfect practice test scores.

  • Practice under strict exam conditions frequently to build confidence and endurance.

Struggling with listening to different accents? Finding it hard to manage time in the Reading test? Unsure how to structure your Writing responses? Or do you still panic when trying to do the Speaking test?

The right preparation can make all the difference.

Book your IELTS today and get free access to four learning modules from our IELTS course. Each is designed to help you improve your skills and build confidence before test day.

Want to take your preparation even further? Explore IELTS Prepare for expert-led podcasts, full-length practice tests, tutorial videos, and in-depth guides tailored to your study needs.

Start preparing with the best resources today!