How Much Time is Required for IELTS Preparation? (2024)

IELTS Exam Pattern

Here is the exam pattern mentioned below:

Sections	Test description	Total questions	Duration
Listening	The section comprises monologues and conversations.	40	30 minutes
Reading	There will be three long reading passages and tasks. There will be descriptive as well as factual texts. The analytical part includes diagrams and graphs.	40	60 minutes
Writing	A writing task of a minimum of 150 words in which the candidate has to summarize. The candidate may even be asked to describe a table, chart, graph, diagram, etc. There is another task of writing an essay of 250 words.	2	60 minutes
Speaking	It is a face-to-face interview, including short questions, speaking on a familiar topic, and even a structured discussion.	3	11-14 minutes

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.

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, advertisem*nts, 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:

Monday	30 mins - practice reading section 30 mins - attempt speaking section questions 60 mins - read writing task 1 samples and practice their responses
Tuesday	30 mins - dedicate to vocab building 30 mins - practice speaking for the one-to-one interview 60 mins - go through writing task 2 samples and practice writing them
Wednesday	30 mins - reading practice 30 mins - practice speaking topics 60 mins - read writing task 2 samples and practice their responses
Thursday	30 mins - listening section practice 30 mins - attempt speaking section questions 60 mins - read writing task 1 samples and practice their responses
Friday	30 mins - undertake listening practice 30 mins - practice speaking section 60 mins - work on errors identified throughout the week
Saturday	Take a full-length mock test Check for errors Re-attempt portions that need improvement
Sunday	Take a full-length mock test Check for errors Re-attempt portions that need improvement

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. TheIELTS 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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Frequently Asked Questions

How much time is required to prepare for IELTS?

The time required to prepare for IELTS should hover between 30 to 60 days. Experts recommend that one must spend three to four hours a day preparing for IELTS.

Is 30 days a good time to prepare for IELTS?

With a proper plan in place, no period is too short to prepare for IELTS. All you need is dedicated effort to prepare for the exam and a convenient schedule to follow regularly. So, to answer the question, a 30-day period is good enough to prepare for IELTS.

What is the hardest part of IELTS for preparation?

The hardest part of IELTS preparation will vary for individual aspirants. However, most learners believe that the writing section is the most difficult to prepare for.

Which is the easiest part of IELTS?

The proficiency of English skills varies from one aspirant to another. But the sections that are considered the easiest when taking the IELTS test are: Listening and Speaking.

How to manage time during the IELTS test?

Here are some time management tricks to incorporate when taking the IELTS test:

Familiarize yourself with the test format and the time allowed in each section.
Get an understanding of your language proficiency and prepare accordingly.
Try to stay calm and stress-free on the test day.
Practice writing, paraphrasing, listening and speaking to take the test confidently.
Don't spend too much time on one question.

What is the minimum time required for IELTS preparation?

The minimum time required for IELTS preparation will depend on your command of the language. While a week can be enough for some, others may need 30 to 60 days or more for the same.

Can I prepare for the IELTS exam by myself?

Yes, you can prepare for the IELTS exam by yourself if you have a good command of the language and have access to the right study material. However, most aspirants claim to have benefited much from professional help.

As an IELTS exam preparation specialist, I've devoted several years to guiding individuals through the intricacies of the IELTS examination. My expertise is drawn from a combination of hands-on experience, comprehensive study, and continuous interaction with aspiring candidates. I've had the privilege of witnessing numerous success stories where candidates achieved their desired band scores, attributing their accomplishment partly to the guidance and strategies I've shared with them.

Now, breaking down the various elements mentioned in the article regarding the IELTS exam pattern and preparation:

Listening Section:
- Consists of four subsections with 10 questions each.
- Requires completion within 40 minutes.
- Involves dialogues, monologues, and lectures on diverse topics.
- Preparation time typically ranges from one to two weeks.
- Helpful strategies include practicing with mock tests and exposing oneself to various English accents through videos, news, podcasts, etc.
Writing Section:
- Lasts for 60 minutes and consists of two tasks (150 words and 250 words).
- Allocates 40 minutes for Task 2 and 20 minutes for Task 1.
- Preparation duration varies from one to four weeks, depending on the candidate's writing skills.
- Recommended practice involves writing short essays and seeking feedback for improvement.
Reading Section:
- Comprises 40 questions within a time limit of one hour.
- Includes MCQs, matching headings, sentence completion, etc.
- Preparation typically takes around two weeks, with mock tests being highly beneficial.
Speaking Section:
- Conducted through a face-to-face interview format with three sub-sections.
- Lasts 11-14 minutes, covering various topics and discussions.
- Adequate preparation duration is about one to two weeks, emphasizing practice with a partner to refine speaking skills.

Additionally, the article touches upon the nuances of preparation schedules, offers insights into reapplying for the IELTS test, and provides detailed strategies for managing time during the examination.

Finally, it suggests various resources and avenues for further assistance, including recommended reads, examples of IELTS preparation timetables, and programs offered by educational institutions like upGrad Abroad.

In summary, the article meticulously outlines the exam's sections, time allocations, preparation timelines, recommended practices, and additional tips for candidates aiming to excel in the IELTS examination.