How To Self Study For Ielts Exam In One Month – 5 Best Way

Last Updated on January 17, 2024

If you want to prepare for IELTS exam that too without any institute then this article will help you a lot but you have to follow the things in this article before I started my self-study journey, I got IELTS haunted by the thought of taking the exam. I had limited time and resources, and I wasn’t sure I could prepare effectively on my own. However, after a lot of research and trial and error, I discovered the key strategies that helped me achieve my desired score in the IELTS exam.

Through my self-study journey, I learned the importance of setting a well-organized study schedule, using official IELTS study materials, and practice questions, and getting feedback on my progress. I also realized the importance of staying motivated and focused throughout the process. In this article, I will share all the tips and strategies that helped me succeed in my self-study journey so that you can prepare effectively for the IELTS exam in just one month.

5 Ways To Self-Study For IELTS Exam In One Month:

Self-studying for the IELTS exam can be a great option for those who want to save time and money. To prepare effectively, it’s essential to have a well-structured study plan that covers all four sections of the exam: IELTS Speaking, IELTS Reading, IELTS Writing, and IELTS Listening. Make sure to use official IELTS study materials, practice with sample tests, and get feedback on your progress to improve your skills and achieve your desired score.

1. Determine Your IELTS Level

Determining your IELTS level is the first step in preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Knowing your current level of English proficiency will help you set realistic goals and determine which areas you need to focus on in your self-study. Here are some steps you can follow to determine your IELTS level:

• Take a practice test: You can take a practice IELTS exam to get a general idea of your current level. There are many online resources that offer free IELTS practice tests, or you can purchase study guides or practice test books.
• Self-Assessment: If you don’t have access to a practice test, you can self-assess your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Consider factors such as your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and comprehension to assess your current level.

2: Familiarize Yourself with the IELTS Exam Format

The IELTS exam contains four Components:

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Listening 
4. Speaking

Each component tests a different aspect of your English proficiency and is designed to assess your ability to understand and communicate in English in a real-life setting.

• Reading: The Reading component of the IELTS exam consists of three passages and 40 questions in 60 minutes to complete. The passages are taken from books, magazines, and newspapers, and are designed to assess your ability to understand written English. The questions will test your reading speed, comprehension, and ability to identify information, match information, and draw conclusions. To prepare for the reading component, practice reading English texts every day, and try to increase your reading speed. Also, practice answering different types of reading questions
• Writing: The writing task of the IELTS writing test consists of two tasks, one for academics and one for general practice in 60 minutes as well. The tasks are designed to assess your ability to write clearly, and grammatically correct English. To prepare for the IELTS writing section, practice writing essays and letters, speed writing, and practice for different types of writing tasks in the IELTS test, such as argumentative and expository writing.
• Listening: There are several sections of the IELTS listening test, with ten questions in a limit of 30 Min. These sections measure your ability to understand English spoken in conversations, lectures, and radio broadcasts. To prepare for the Listening component, practice listening to English podcasts, news broadcasts, and music, and try to improve your listening speed and comprehension. Also, practice answering different types of listening questions, such as multiple-choice, filling in the blanks, and matching.
• Speaking: The Speaking test of IELTS speaking test consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner. You will have 11-14 minutes to complete this section. The interview is designed to assess your ability to communicate in spoken English in a range of real-life situations, such as giving personal information, expressing opinions, and discussing general topics. To prepare for the Speaking component, practice speaking English with native speakers or language exchange partners, and try to build your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and confidence. Also, practice answering different types of speaking questions, such as giving personal information, expressing opinions, and discussing general topics.

3:Create a Study Plan

Here’s an example of a one-month study plan for self-studying for the IELTS exam:

Week 1: Monday:

• Study grammar rules for 30 minutes
• Read an English article for 30 minutes
• Listen to English news for 30 minutes

Tuesday:

• Study vocabulary for 30 minutes
• Write a sample essay for 40 minutes
• Listen to English podcasts for 30 minutes

Wednesday:

• Study grammar rules for 30 minutes
• Read an English book for 40 minutes
• Speak with a native English speaker for 30 minutes

Thursday:

• Study vocabulary for 30 minutes
• Write a sample letter for 40 minutes
• Watch an English movie for 1 hour

Friday:

• Take a practice test for 2 hours
• Review test improvement results

Saturday and Sunday:

• Rest and recharge

Week 2 to 4: 

Repeat the same schedule and allocate more time for the sections where you need improvement.

Week 5: Monday to Wednesday:

• Review all the materials studied so far
• Take mock tests

Thursday and Friday:

• Rest and recharge

Saturday and Sunday:

• Take the official IELTS exam 

Note: This is just an example study plan and you can adjust it to fit your personal schedule and study preferences. The key is to have a structured plan, be consistent, and make time for self-care and rest.

4:Study English Language Proficiency

Study English Language Proficiency:

• Improve Your Grammar:

Grammar is an essential part of English language proficiency and is closely tested in the IELTS exam. To improve your grammar, you can study grammar rules, do practice exercises, and read English texts to observe how grammar is used in context. You can also seek feedback from a tutor or a native speaker on your grammar mistakes and work on correcting them.

• Enhance Your Vocabulary:

Vocabulary is a critical aspect of English language proficiency and is tested in all sections of the IELTS exam. To enhance your vocabulary, you can read English texts and books, use flashcards and vocabulary games, and learn new words through context. You can also study idioms, collocations, and phrasal verbs to expand your vocabulary and improve your speaking and writing skills.

• Perfect Your Pronunciation:

Pronunciation is an important aspect of English language proficiency, and it’s crucial to have clear pronunciation for effective communication. To perfect your pronunciation, you can listen to native speakers, practice speaking with a language exchange partner, and use pronunciation software or apps. You can also watch English movies and TV shows to learn the rhythm and intonation of the language.

• Improve Your Listening Skills:

Listening skills are a crucial part of English language proficiency, and it’s essential to be able to understand spoken English in a real-life setting. To improve your listening skills, you can listen to English podcasts, news broadcasts, music, and movies. You can also participate in English language exchange programs and practice listening to native speakers. Regular practice will help you improve your listening skills, and you will be able to understand and respond to English more effectively.

5: Using Official IELTS Study Materials

The British Council and IDP (International Development Programme ) ielts foundation offer a range of IELTS specially designed to help candidates prepare for the exam. These materials are excellent self-study resources for the IELTS exam as they provide a comprehensive guide to the exam format and question types.

Some of the study materials that are available include:

• IELTS Official Practice Materials: This includes official practice tests and sample questions, providing a realistic simulation of the actual exam. It includes audio CDs for the listening section and answer keys for all sections.
• IELTS Official Preparation Books: These books offer in-depth guidance and tips on how to prepare for the IELTS examination, including strategies for improving your language skills and practice exercises for each section of the exam.
• IELTS Official Mobile App: The official mobile app provides access to practice tests, sample questions, and tips on how to prepare for the exam. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free.

Using these official IELTS study materials can help you to familiarize yourself with the exam format, practice your language skills, and get an idea of the types of questions you can expect in the actual exam. It is important to use these materials as part of your self-study plan and to allocate enough time to practice with them.

Final Thoughts

In final thoughts, self-studying for the IELTS exam in one month requires a strong commitment and an efficient study plan. Make the most of your time by utilizing IELTS preparation books, practicing with test-taker materials, and applying effective exam techniques. Supplement your study with sample practice material and focus on enhancing your English skills. Following these IELTS preparation tips can lead to success in achieving your desired IELTS score. Good luck!