IELTS – How I Prepared / How You Can Score Higher Than Me!


Last Modified on March 24, 2025

IELTS can be challenging for non-native english speakers but it didn’t feel like a grind for me, perhaps because I spent nearly four years in South India, where English was my primary medium of communation or because I had taken the GRE exam before the IELTS. I gave Computer Based Test and scored an overall 7.5. Here’s my study plan, along with some tips if you’re aiming even higher. Let's get started!

N.B : This site is best viewed on a tablet or desktop.

Target Score (Minimum) : Overall 7.5 with no band less than 6.

N.B : You can go at your own pace, but it's best to complete the preparation within 20–40 days or at most 2 months. Don't forget to keep a track of everyday progress.

Test Format and Question Types – Understand the IELTS test format: The ultimate guide
IELTS Band Scores – How IELTS band scores are calculated

YouTube Channels


  1. IELTS Liz – TOP level content (check out her website for more content)
  2. IELTS Advantage – Tips, tricks, and speaking score samples (Optional)
  3. IELTS Daily – Speaking score samples
  4. IELTS UP – Writing only
  5. E2 IELTS – Tips, tricks, and speaking score samples (Optional)
  6. POC English – TOP level Vocabulary-focused content

Reading


  1. Solve the latest 5-10 Cambridge IELTS books.
  2. Use YouTube channels for a quick brush-up on rules, tricks, and basics.

Listening


  1. Solve the latest 5-10 Cambridge IELTS books.
  2. Refer to YouTube channels for refreshing rules and tricks.
  3. Listen to podcasts like Lex Fridman or Andrew Huberman.

Speaking


  1. Get familiar with the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors from British Council.
  2. Watch IELTS Daily videos featuring different band scores to grasp the dos and don'ts.
  3. Consider Makkar's latest book for cue card practice (optional).
  4. Check out Keith’s Speak Better English playlist on YouTube (optional).

Writing


  1. Get familiar with the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors from British Council.
  2. Explore the IELTS UP playlist for comprehensive guidance.
  3. Review Liz's task 1 and task 2 instructions and templates available on her website.
  4. Read Rachel Mitchel’s book on Writing Task 1 & 2 (optional).

Tips & Tricks


  1. Speaking:
    • Use idioms, phrases, collocations, compound sentences, and synonyms.
    • Focus should be on grammer and fluency first, then on using high frequency words, idoms and phrases.
  2. Writing:
    • Focus on answer structures, vocabulary, connectors, and synonyms.
    • In a Computer Based Test, you can see the word counts.
    • If you're writing Computer Based Test, you can always write the introduction and conclusion first for task 2, then start writing the body paragraphs between the introduction and conclusion.
  3. Listening:
    • During the exam, you'll have some time to go through the questions first. Use this time to review the upcoming questions as well whenever possible.
    • While listening, try to predict the next sentence and pay close attention to words related to the question.
    • You can often catch a hint in the previous sentence before they say the one containing the answer.
  4. Reading:
    • Fill in the gaps usually come from the same paragraph or consecutive paragraphs.
    • For MCQs, True/False/Yes/No/Not Given questions, find the literal meaning of each word.
    • Complete the first section in 15 minutes, second section in 15-20 minutes and save at least 25 minutes for the third section.
    • Look for synonyms in the MCQ questions.
    • For Passage 1, answer questions separately.
    • For Passage 2, answer the questions together—read each paragraph and check its relevance to all related questions.
    • For Passage 3, mostly try to answer separately but check for questions from the same paragraph.
    • You can refer to this Video by Lilie IELTS for an excellent tip on tackling the reading section.

Not To Forget


  1. Maintain an Excel sheet to track your scores and progress.
  2. Identify your weaknesses and keep working on them.
  3. Concentrate on achieving at least an 8 in Reading and Listening—you can miss up to 5 questions and still score an 8.

Extra Resources

  1. ieltswordly.com (To solve Cambridge book tests online)
  2. ieltsonlinetests.com (Online practice for Computer Based Tests)
  3. IELTS Band 9 Grammer Secrets (Book to brush up on IELTS Grammer by Cambridge)
  4. Liz's Writing Task 2 Videos

Remember that practice is essential, so don’t hesitate to engage with different materials and seek feedback on your performance. With the right approach, you can not only reach your target score but also gain confidence in your English language skills. Good luck on your IELTS journey!