IELTS General Training study plan
IELTS General Training · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Listening & Reading
Map the Listening section format (4 parts, 40 questions, ~30 minutes plus transfer time) and the General Training Reading format (3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes) and write a one-page format summary from memory.
Diagnose current band levels by completing one full Listening test and one full Reading test under strict timing, then tabulate raw scores against the 40-question conversion scale.
Build a personal error log with columns for question type, reason for error (spelling, distractor, pacing, vocabulary), and corrective action.
Practise spelling and number capture by transcribing 60 dictated items (names, addresses, dates, prices, postcodes) with 90% accuracy.
Your checkpoint
A one-page format summary plus a diagnostic score table and a 40-row error log covering the first Listening and Reading attempts.
Listening & Reading
Identify and drill the four Listening part types (form completion, multiple choice, map/plan labelling, matching) using one part per session.
Apply prediction techniques: read questions before audio starts, underline keywords, and anticipate answer word class (noun, number, verb).
Practise Reading skimming and scanning on Section 1 and 2 texts (notices, adverts, workplace documents) within 15 minutes per text.
Memorise 40 high-frequency General Training reading vocabulary items from accommodation, employment and travel contexts.
Your checkpoint
A timed mini-test of Listening Parts 1-2 and Reading Sections 1-2, scored and annotated with a corrected error log.
Listening & Reading
Handle distractors and self-correction in Listening by practising 20 items where the speaker changes an answer mid-sentence.
Complete Listening Parts 3 and 4 (academic monologue and discussion) and note the shift in vocabulary and pace.
Master True/False/Not Given and matching-headings questions in Reading Section 3 with a written justification for every answer.
Reduce Reading time per section to 18 minutes while maintaining at least 28/40 overall.
Your checkpoint
A full timed Listening test and a full timed Reading test with a written justification sheet for all Reading answers.
Writing
Analyse the two Writing Task 1 letter types (formal, semi-formal, informal) and produce a reusable structure for opening, purpose, body and closing.
Draft three Task 1 letters (a complaint, a request for information, an invitation) in 20 minutes each, hitting all three bullet points.
Analyse Task 2 opinion and discussion essays and write thesis statements for 10 prompts without writing full essays.
Self-assess two pieces against the four band descriptors (Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy).
Your checkpoint
Three timed Task 1 letters plus ten Task 2 thesis statements, each with a self-assessed band score and one improvement note.
Writing & Speaking
Write two full Task 2 essays in 40 minutes each with a clear position, two developed body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Build a personal bank of 30 linking devices and 20 topic-specific collocations for common Task 2 themes (education, environment, technology, work).
Record and review answers to Speaking Part 1 questions on familiar topics, targeting 20-30 seconds per answer without memorised scripts.
Practise Speaking Part 2 by preparing and delivering four two-minute talks from cue cards, using a one-minute note structure.
Your checkpoint
Two timed Task 2 essays and four recorded two-minute Speaking Part 2 talks with a written self-review of fluency and vocabulary.
Writing & Speaking
Refine Task 1 and Task 2 under exam conditions: 20 minutes for the letter and 40 minutes for the essay, with five minutes for planning and checking.
Eliminate recurring grammar errors by reviewing the error log and rewriting three previously marked paragraphs.
Develop Speaking Part 3 skills: extend answers with reasons, examples and comparisons for 45-60 seconds per question.
Practise paraphrasing prompts aloud and in writing to demonstrate lexical resource without repetition.
Your checkpoint
One complete timed Writing test (Task 1 and Task 2) and a 12-minute recorded mock Speaking interview with a transcript-based error list.
Listening & Reading & Writing & Speaking
Run two full mock exams under strict timing, including answer transfer for Listening.
Review every incorrect answer and classify the cause to confirm which question types remain weakest.
Target the two weakest question types with 30 focused practice items each.
Rehearse the full Speaking test flow (Parts 1, 2 and 3) twice with a partner or recording, focusing on pace and pronunciation.
Your checkpoint
Two completed mock exams with score comparisons and a prioritised list of the three remaining weaknesses.
Listening & Reading & Writing & Speaking
Consolidate exam-day routines: check answer transfer, spelling, word limits and timing checkpoints for each section.
Complete one final full mock exam and compare results with the Week 7 baseline.
Review the error log and vocabulary bank only, avoiding new material in the final days.
Practise relaxation and pacing strategies for Speaking and Listening to manage nerves.
Your checkpoint
A final mock exam score report showing improvement over Week 1, plus a one-page exam-day checklist.
Milestones
Week 4: Achieve at least 28/40 on a timed Listening test and at least 27/40 on a timed Reading test, and produce three Task 1 letters that address all bullet points within 20 minutes each.
Week 6: Complete a full timed Writing test with Task 1 and Task 2 finished inside 60 minutes, and deliver a 12-minute Speaking mock with sustained answers and no long hesitations.
Week 8: Score at least 32/40 in Listening and 30/40 in Reading on the final mock, and demonstrate a clear improvement in Writing and Speaking self-assessment compared with Week 1.