If your IELTS test is just one week away, don’t panic, you can still make great progress with the right strategy. This IELTS one-week study plan is designed to help you use your time wisely, focus on what matters most, and walk into the test with confidence.
Most common question – Can you prepare for IELTS in one week?
Preparation time varies for everyone, if you have strong English skills and are already close to your target band score, one week of focused study might be all you need.
Remember, one week is not about “learning everything.” It’s about polishing your skills, practising efficiently, and focusing on strategy rather than theory. In seven days, your goal should be to:
Understand the test format
Learn from official IELTS resources
Practise all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) daily
Build test day confidence through mock tests
With focus, discipline, and smart planning, you can make every day count.
Explore IDP’s official IELTS preparation materials.
How to plan your one-week IELTS preparation
Before jumping into practice, spend an hour setting up your plan:
1. Set realistic goals
Decide your target band score and make sure you understand what that means by reading the IELTS Band Descriptors. For example, to achieve a Band 7+ you’ll need to show you can use a wider range of vocabulary, including some less common words or idiomatic language.
Know your strengths and weaknesses, take the English self-assessment tool on our website to check your Reading and Listening skills and see which areas need the most attention.
2. Focus on strategy
Choose reliable preparation tools that truly support your learning and progress. Use official IELTS materials and learn techniques to manage time, understand question types, and avoid common mistakes.
3. Stick to a routine
Decide how much time you can realistically study each day and block out time in your calendar. Short breaks keep your brain fresh and improve memory.
The IELTS one week study plan (7-day breakdown)
Here’s your 7-day IELTS study plan — designed to help you improve quickly and confidently.
Day 1 – Know the test and set your baseline
Go through the IELTS test format (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
Try our official sample questions
Take a full-length mock test to understand your current level
Identify your weakest areas (e.g., Reading speed, Writing Task 2 structure)
Goal: Focus on understanding the test, not acing every section today.
Day 2 – Focus on Listening
Complete a IELTS Listening practice test from our website
Familiarise yourself with different accents (e.g. British, Australian, American)
Practise note-taking and answering questions while listening
Review your mistakes, especially with spelling or missing keywords
Quick Tip: Watch podcasts or TED Talks for 20 minutes to improve concentration and comprehension.
Day 3 – Master Reading skills
Do one complete IELTS Reading test (Academic or General, depending on your test type)
Practise skimming and scanning for keywords
Time yourself – you should complete all 3 passages in 60 minutes
Review your incorrect answers and learn from them
Focus: Improve speed and accuracy.
Pro tip: Read headlines from English news sites to sharpen your scanning skills.
Day 4 – Writing Task 1
Use resources from our official IELTS Writing section
Practise one Task 1 daily (150 words)
Find out what to include in your writing with our video series How your IELTS Writing test is marked.
Compare your writing with this Band 7 sample to see the difference
Tip: Use connectors like on the other hand, overall, whereas consequently – they make your writing more fluent.
Day 5 – Writing task 2 (Essay)
Learn about the different essay types in IELTS (e.g. Opinion, Discussion, Problem–Solution)
Write one practice essay (250 words) in under 40 minutes
Focus on clear points, paragraphing, and linking ideas logically
Review grammar errors and avoid repetition by using synonyms
Pro Tip: Use the “PEEL” method – Point, Explain, Example, Link – for stronger paragraphs.
Day 6 – Speaking practice
Record yourself answering Part 1, 2, and 3 questions from these IELTS Speaking practice questions
Practise with a friend and focus on fluency and clear pronunciation, not memorisation
Watch IELTS Speaking samples on our YouTube channel to get tips on how to perform at your best
Tip: Smile, stay relaxed, and treat it like a conversation — not an interview.
Day 7 – Mock test and review
Take a full practice test under exam conditions
Analyse your mistakes and timing
Revise vocabulary lists, common idioms, and grammar structures
Get an early night and have your documents ready for test day
Final Tip: Don’t study late into the night – your brain needs rest to perform at its best!
Time management tips for fast IELTS prep
When preparing for IELTS in just a week, time is your challenge. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Study in short, focused sessions (no distractions, no multitasking)
Use timers during Reading and Listening practice
Spend more time on weaker sections but review all skills daily
Simulate the real test environment at least once before the test
Review mistakes immediately after each test – this is how you improve fast
Remember: Quality over Quantity. Two hours of focused practice beats five hours of scattered effort.
Best resources for quick IELTS preparation
For a one-week plan, you need authentic and efficient resources – not random ones.
Official IELTS by IDP App: Our free app helps you improve all four skills with sample questions quizzes, articles, videos, podcasts and short courses.
IELTS Practice Tests: Take the official IELTS familiarisation test. Experience the test screens for IELTS on computer before test day.
Free Sample Questions: Available on the IDP website — practise one every day to get familiar with question types.
IELTS Prepare Hub: All our IELTS preparation resources in one place.
Common mistakes to avoid in short prep time
Even with limited time, many test takers make avoidable errors. Here’s what not to do:
Skipping mock tests: It’s crucial to keep to the time limit for each section
Ignoring Speaking practice: It’s 25% of your total band score – practise daily
Cramming vocabulary: Focus on using words naturally and in context, not memorising lists
Neglecting Writing feedback: Compare with sample answers to see what Band 7 Writing looks like
Not reviewing mistakes: The fastest improvement comes from understanding errors
Preparing for IELTS in one week is possible with focus, the right materials, and consistent effort. Think of this week as your IELTS Bootcamp — a time to sharpen your mind, build confidence, and trust your preparation.
These IELTS tips can make a big difference when you’re short on time.
Key takeaways:
Focus on strategy and practice, not memorisation
Use official IELTS materials for accuracy
Review your mistakes daily and manage time wisely
Stay calm, stay confident — and give it your best shot