How to Prepare for IELTS at Home 2025
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Preparing for the IELTS at home is entirely achievable with dedication and a structured approach. By understanding the IELTS test format, setting clear goals, using better resources, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback, you can improve your English proficiency and boost your confidence ahead of the exam day.
Preparing for the IELTS exam at home is a practical and effective way for Indian students to enhance their English skills and achieve their desired scores. With the right strategies and resources, you can confidently tackle all four sections of the IELTS test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
You have set your eyes on your dream university, now comes the big question, how should you prepare for the exam? Should you enroll yourself in a coaching institute or prepare at home, all by yourself? The good news is that you need not shell out huge sums of money for taking coaching classes. With methodical and systematic planning and with a deep understanding of the structure of the test, you can prepare for IELTS at home.
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This artcile will provide you with simple steps to create a IELTS study plan, utilize online tools, and practice effectively. By dedicating time each day to improve your language skills and familiarizing yourself with the test format, you can maximize your chances of success. Whether you're aiming for higher education or job opportunities abroad, this article will help you navigate your IELTS preparation journey from home.
Q: How can I study IELTS by myself?
Q: How can I prepare for IELTS at home?
The preparation for IELTS can be done either through self-study or by attending professional classes. Here are some IELTS preparation tips that will help you achieve your desired results.
For free preparation, join our free Shiksha online classes with our IELTS preparation expert Disha Wahi (TESOL Certified Trainer). Don’t forget to check out the Calendar for Free IELTS Live Practice Tests & Solutions.
IELTS Reading: The IELTS Reading section can be the trickiest of all and requires lots of concentration as well as preparation. To achieve high IELTS band scores, you can check out our IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks.
IELTS Listening: The IELTS Listening section requires concentration and is a high scoring part of the exam. Scoring high in this section will elevate your total IELTS score so it must not be taken lightly. Check out our IELTS Listening tips for boosting your chances of desired band scores.
IELTS Speaking: The IELTS Speaking section has three parts and is one of the highest scoring modules of the exam. In order to achieve a high band score, you can check out our specially curated IELTS Speaking Tips.
IELTS Writing: The IELTS Writing section can be a little tricky but with the right strategy you can increase your chance of scoring well in this section. Go through our IELTS0 Writing tips and prepare for this section comprehensively.
Q: Can I prepare for IELTS test within 2 weeks?
Although two weeks are less, however, with a solid strategy can help you get a decent IELTS score. Candidates should understand the IELTS test format and prepare a comprehensive study plan for the next two weeks covering all the topics. After covering all the topics in each of the sections give full-length practice tests.
Q: Which is the best book for IELTS preparation?
Q: How to crack IELTS on the first attempt?
Yes, it is possible to clear the IELTS exam in the first attempt. Many test takers achieve their desired scores in their initial attempt with proper preparation, study, and understanding of the exam format. Success in the IELTS exam depends on various factors, including your existing English language skills, familiarity with the test format, preparation strategies, and overall test-day performance. By dedicating sufficient time and effort to study, practising with sample questions and mock tests, and familiarizing yourself with the test structure and timing, you can increase your chances of achieving your target score.
It is important to note that individual results may vary, and success in the IELTS exam depends on personal factors and preparation. Some test takers may require multiple attempts to reach their desired scores. Regardless of the outcome, treat each attempt as a learning opportunity and use the experience to identify areas for improvement. Seeking guidance from experienced tutors or attending preparatory courses can also be beneficial in enhancing your preparation and performance in the exam.
Q: Which is the best study material for IELTS exam?
Q: How can I know my IELTS test centre?
One can check their IELTS test centre details on the IELTS login account. Candidates ave to visit the official IDP IELTS website, enter the login credentials and check the details of test centres.
Q: How can I practice for IELTS exam on my own?
Practicing for the IELTS exam independently can be effective with the right resources. Here are some tips:
- Use Official Practice Materials: Utilize books and online resources that provide sample questions and practice tests.
- Set a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for each section of the exam to ensure balanced preparation.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify which sections you find most challenging and dedicate more time to practicing those.
- Engage with English Content: Read English newspapers, watch movies or shows in English, and listen to podcasts to improve your language skills.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by taking full-length practice tests to build familiarity with the test format.
What is IELTS?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a gateway to enter English-speaking countries for higher studies, work, or PR. Universities and organizations in the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and even in the USA to some extent, recognize IELTS and offer admission based on the IELTS test scores. The exam tests your proficiency in the basics of English Language in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Free IELTS Classes be Shiksha Study Abroad
Shiksha Study Abroad conducts free IELTS online classes on all Weekend and Weekday of the month. In these classes, we would be discussing all four topics that are covered in the four sections of the IELTS exam – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking in detail. Candidates would also be given an opportunity to clear their doubts at the end of every class by directly interacting with our IELTS preparation experts. That is not all, IELTS trainers would also be providing you with online questionnaires at the end of every section and IELTS practice papers for candidates to self-assess their IELTS preparations. To register for your Free Online IELTS Classes, Click Here
How to Prepare for IELTS at Home?
Preparation of any exam begins with the understanding of IELTS exam pattern. What follows next is a correct list of IELTS preparation books and resources. In addition to this, students can refer to the IELTS Preparation Guide that contains IELTS Sample Papers and strategies to help them prepare without going to any formal coaching institute.
We are mentioning a list of basic resources that you must have. These resources should form the base of your preparation:
- Official Website for understanding the pattern and solving questions
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS: This book must form the base of your preparation and everything else must be built upon it
- Cambridge IELTS Books 1 to 16: These books contain actual IELTS questions. Make sure to practice all of these
With all the material and resources in your hand, here are few guidelines and tips that help you prepare for the exam on your own.
The test is divided into four sections, and each section requires a unique approach to achieve a decent band score
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening section is supposed to be the easiest of the four sections. The candidate will listen to 4 different recordings and answer 40 questions within 30 minutes. The tricky part is, you will listen and write the answers at the same time. So how do you ace the listening part of the exam?
- Practice, practice, and practice, take as many trail tests as possible before the actual exam.
- Focus is the key, listen to every single detail of the conversation being played out. Most often, losing the focus for a few seconds will fail you in answering one or two questions, this is where your score comes down.
- Please note that the recordings will be played only once. Keep your focus intact and do not get swayed away in your thoughts.
- Try to master different accents of English.
- When you are not taking mock tests listen to podcasts and follow British news channels such as the BBC. In addition, you can watch English shows. But do not watch these shows for entertainment purpose, rather watch them to get a hang of the accents. This will help in improvising your listening capabilities and understanding the accent of the native English speakers better.
Related Reads: How to Get IELTS Band 7
IELTS Reading
The reading part of IELTS contains 3 sections with 40 questions, and you need to answer them within 60 minutes. If listening is about practice, reading is about time management.
- Time your mock tests while practicing reading sections.
- Section 3 is relatively tougher compared to 1 and 2. As the test progresses, questions get tougher. Here, time management plays a major role. You must practice time management so that as you reach later sections, you have sufficient time at your disposal.
- Hone your vocabulary. As time is the deciding factor here, you should know the meaning of complicated words to proceed quickly.
- Take a glance at questions before you read the text. Make a note of keywords while you read. This helps you in identifying the important parts of the passage.
- As you read along, build a gist of the paragraph in your mind.
- Practice reading. It is not only about IELTS, but also about developing a reading habit. The more you read, the more you learn. There are excellent books and reading material available in the market. Pick up a genre that you enjoy, and read as much as possible. In addition, you can also read magazines such as the Economist to understand how formal language is written.
IELTS Writing
IELTS Writing involves 2 sections, Task 1 and Task 2. Task 2 is common for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules. However, Task 1 is different for both. On the IELTS Academic, Task 1 comprises analyzing a graph/chart/diagram/process and writing it summary. On the IELTS General, Task 1 comprises of an informal/semi-formal/formal letter. In Task 2, you will be required to write a long essay on a given topic.
- You must write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. Writing less than that will attract a penalty.
- Writing tests your language skills in real sense. Mentally plan your composition and give a thought on the structure of the essay before putting it on the paper.
- Make sure that your text has a structure, a seamless flow, and sense. Your content must answer the question directly.
- You can substantiate your point of view in essay with the help of examples.
- Divide your content into 3 to 5 short paragraphs depending upon the question. The flow from one paragraph to another must be continuous and the ideas must connect with each other.
- Start with an attractive introduction and end with meaningful conclusions. However, you must make sure that both of them must answer the question.
- Do not repeat the words; use synonyms.
IELTS Speaking
Speaking test of IELTS takes place either few days before or after the other three section. This test requires you to wear your confidence on your sleeves for a smooth get-through. The entire test lasts for about 11-14 minutes and comprises three sections, introduction, individual long run, and two-way conversation between examiner and examinee.
- Start and end the sentences well.
- Do not repeat the words or sentences.
- Practice at home by talking to your pals on various topics and ask them to give feedback.
- Construct simple, error-free sentences.
- Get your pronunciation right and let your speech be organic. Do not try to forcefully fit in “high-level words”. Focus on coherence.
- Do not focus on regurgitating your memorized words. You should speak what fits the context. Remember that IELTS is not a test of vocabulary; rather it is a test of your general English. Examiner must not feel that you have memorized what you are speaking.
So, you can certainly prepare for IELTS at home and save on money and time. Hard work and smart work is the way to go. All the best.
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You can study IELTS by yourself by creating a structured study plan that includes all four sections of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.