How should I study for IELTS?
Facts last checked against official sources on October 7, 2026.
Short answer
Set your target band together with the section minimums your institution asks for, learn the Writing and Speaking criteria and practise with feedback, watch your spelling in Listening and manage time in Reading (40 questions in 60 minutes).
Practical tips
- Many programmes set a separate floor for Writing; set your target per section.
- Get feedback on Writing and Speaking against task response, coherence, lexical range and grammar.
- Spelling mistakes cost marks in Listening; practise numbers, names and dates.
- You have 1.5 minutes per Reading question; read the questions first, then scan the text.
With Prepina
Prepina gives criterion-based AI feedback on IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks and has Reading and Listening mock sets.
Frequently asked
How do you get an IELTS 7?
Band 7 sits above B2 at the start of C1 and needs consistent performance in all four skills. In practice that means 30 or more correct out of 40 in reading and listening, clear paragraphing and wide vocabulary in writing, and extended, well-linked answers in speaking; from B2, 3–5 months of focused work is typical.
How many months does IELTS preparation take?
Allow roughly 6–8 weeks of regular study for each half band between your level and the target; 5.5 to 6.5 takes 3–4 months, 6.0 to 7.0 about 4–6. Learning the format and timing first, then concentrating on the weakest skill, shortens the time.
Should I choose IELTS Academic or General Training?
University and postgraduate applications require Academic; migration and work permits mostly ask for General Training. Listening and speaking are identical in both; reading and writing differ. Check which module the institution accepts before you book.
Start preparing for IELTS today
Take the free level test to see where you stand; Prepina builds a 10–20 minute daily plan around your exam date.