Studying for the IELTS can be stressful, especially if you have a job, attend classes, have family obligations, or have a number of other obligations and commitments. What is crucial is to have a study plan in place that makes sense and is practical, along with the discipline to follow that study plan. Rather than trying to squeeze it all in at the last minute, it will make all the difference in the world if you can even partly use your existing schedules to prepare your preparation plan.
Here is how to create an IELTS study plan that works for you. With that said, The Princeton Review is here to support you along the way.
Step 1: Find out what the format of the IELTS exam is
I think it is useful to know what IELTS is before you start to set up a schedule. The IELTS exam will test four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. All four of these components need to be practiced and familiarized with the question types. Once you understand the format of the exam, you can break it up into its 4 sections and then break things down for time purposes. For example, if Writing is your weakest skill, you should add more practice to the schedule for Task 1 and Task 2 essays.
Step 2: Analyze Your Time
Begin by examining your usual week. What does it all look like? If you keep track of your time, you will discover how much time you will spend actually doing things: working, going to class, traffic or commuting time, responsibilities at home, or family time. Then you can identify at no hourly times, even for short amounts of time, that you can try to invest in IELTS prep.
- Time to do it ‘early mornings’: This could be a good time to read passages, or work on listening exercises when your brain is prepared.
- Time to do it ‘commuting or even traffic’: Perhaps it’s time to listen to an IELTS podcast, or practice your vocabulary flashcards.
- Time to do it ‘evenings or weekends’: When you have extended study time, you can write an essay, or practice a set of new listening or speaking practices.
However, remember, quality over quantity. Even 45 minutes of focused time could yield three hours of distracted productivity.
Step 3: Establish SMART Goals
Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. For instance:
- “I will do one full Reading passage every Tuesday evening.”
- “I am going to write one Task 2 essay every Saturday and review it on Sunday.”
Having realistic goals helps you gauge your progress and avoid being too burnt out.
Step 4: Create a Weekly Schedule
A possible multiple skill balanced week schedule for IELTS could look like this:
- Monday: Listen for 30 minutes and review your vocabulary for 30 minutes.
- Tuesday: Read a passage for 1 hour and make notes.
- Wednesday: You should do some speaking practice with a work partner or some other online method for 30-45 minutes.
- Thursday: Review some grammar and work on Writing Task 1 for 1 hour.
- Friday: Listening resource on your commute to work + short vocab practice.
- Saturday: A full Task 2 essay (1 hour), and you then review the sample.
- Sunday: Mock test or timed practice section (2-3 hours)
Now you know that you will be interacting with each area of the four skills for an appropriate time over the week, and you are not using a whole study period studying the one area.
Step 5: Use Active Practice Techniques
- As for listening, transcribe parts of short audio clips to develop accuracy.
- As for reading, practice skimming and scanning habits instead of reading word for word.
- As for writing, set a timer, and see how promptly you can write a few essays as if doing an exam practice.
- As for speaking, record yourself discussing or giving a response to a few common IELTS speaking prompts, and evaluate your fluency.
Active practice will ensure that you use that knowledge and you are not simply reviewing notes in a passive way.
Step 6: Reflect and Adjust
Evaluate your learning schedule and progress every two weeks. Are you noticeably improving your scores on the practice tests? What test section indicates that you need to spend more time examining the content? Find ways to schedule practice so you are covering areas of weakness without sacrificing time on the things you do enjoy. You will be required to make changes as work or deadlines appear, so it is essential to be flexible.
Ways The Princeton Review Can Support Your Studies
Balancing IELTS preparation around class or work can be difficult, and you won’t have to do it alone. The Princeton Review has specially designed resources and services for busy students and professionals like you:
- Personalized Learning Roadmaps: Tutoring collaborates with you to devise a doable plan that will fit around your other schedule demands while moving forward and developing your writing skills.
- Dynamic Online Classes: The Princeton Review offers self-directed online classes, live online classes, or a combination of both so students can learn wherever and whenever they want.
- Professional Assistance: Most of your writing and speaking assessments are going to require constructive input, you not only need to be evaluated, but also receive professional feedback to help you get better faster.
- Practice Tests and Analytics: Complete mock exams with a breakdown of your overall performance to help identify areas that may need more attention.
- Scholarships and Discounts: Affordable choices/resources ensure access to educational prep without money wastage.
Using The Princeton Review resources, you won’t just be studying hard; you’ll be studying smart.
Conclusion
The IELTS tests more than just English; it tests time management, consistency, and tactics. By shaping your study schedule to fit your current job/ school schedule, you will remain balanced and avoid burnout. With your dedication to the plan you’ve built for yourself and the support of an expert from The Princeton Review, you will be on your way to the score you need to pursue your studies or career abroad successfully.
Start out slowly and systematically to produce a consistent habit, to make your study plan effective for you. Succeeding on the IELTS has nothing to do with quitting your job or leaving your education on the back burner. Success comes from discipline, strategy, and support.