To achieve a high band score in IELTS requires you to have solid knowledge, good memory, and a diligent learning spirit. So, how long does it take to learn IELTS from scratch to achieve a band score of 5.0 - 8.0+. The following insights on experience, preparation time, and IELTS study methods will help you find the answer to the above question.
How long should I study for IELTS to achieve my goal?
Before preparing for the IELTS test, you need to determine your target score. Depending on each band score, there will be appropriate and effective IELTS preparation methods.
1.1 IELTS preparation for beginners aiming for 5.0
You will need about 5-6 months to grasp the foundational knowledge, basic vocabulary, and certain experiences to achieve a band score of 5.0. If you already have a basic English foundation, the preparation time can be reduced to about 3-4 months.
To achieve a band score of 5.0 or higher, in each test section, you need to reach the following levels:
Listening: You must answer 16 - 19 out of 40 questions correctly.
Reading: The IELTS Reading test consists of two types: academic and general. For the academic test, you need to answer 15 out of 40 questions correctly. For the general test, you need to answer 23 out of 40 questions correctly.
Speaking: Speaking is a skill that poses many difficulties for IELTS test-takers. In this skill, you only need to achieve a score of 5.5 – 6.5 points.
Writing: Writing requires test-takers to have a solid knowledge base to perform well. The appropriate score to receive an IELTS 5.0 certificate is 5.5 – 6.5 in this test section.
Spend initial time consolidating and supplementing foundational English knowledge before advancing to higher levels
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1.2 How long does it take to study IELTS to achieve a band score of 5.5 - 6.5
After equipping yourself with basic knowledge, you need to challenge yourself with more difficult and advanced knowledge and practice for about 2-3 months more to achieve a band score of 5.5 - 6.5. With this score range, you need to meet the following requirements for each skill:
Listening: With 23 – 26 correct answers out of 40 questions, your score will be around 5.5 - 6.5.
Speaking: To perform well in the speaking skill, you need to meet 4 criteria: Correct pronunciation, good grammar, demonstrating a rich and diverse vocabulary, and coherent expression. In this skill, you need to achieve a score of 5.5 – 6.5.
Reading: In the Academic Reading test, you need to get about 23 - 26 out of 40 questions correct, corresponding to a score of 5.5 – 6.5. For the General Reading test, you need to get about 30-31 out of 40 questions correct, corresponding to a score of 6.0 -7.0 in this skill.
Writing: With a target band score of 5.5 - 6.5, in the Writing test, you should demonstrate the ability to express ideas coherently and present topics clearly with a complete 3-part structure; along with correct grammar usage and rich vocabulary.
You will need an additional 2-3 months after having solid knowledge to raise your score to band 6.5
Watch now: Tips to improve your IELTS band score
1.3 How long does it take to study IELTS to achieve a band score of 6.5 - 7.5?
How long does it take to study IELTS to achieve a band score of 6.5 - 7.5? If you already have sufficient advanced knowledge to reach a band score of 5.5 - 6.5, you only need 1 month to practice more advanced knowledge to achieve a band score of 6.5 - 7.5.
To have a good chance of securing an IELTS certificate of 6.5 - 7.5, you need to achieve the following minimum scores for each skill:
Listening: You need to answer 30 - 32/40 questions correctly to achieve IELTS listening score of 7.0.
Reading: The Reading test also requires a score of 7.0, corresponding to 30 - 32/40 correct answers for the academic test and 34 - 35/40 correct answers for the general test.
Writing: To confidently complete this skill, you need to achieve a score of 7.0 with criteria for coherent expression, logical writing, refined sentences, and a harmonious combination of vocabulary and complete grammatical structures.
Speaking: Using solid grammatical knowledge and trying not to make mistakes, along with a common vocabulary, will give you more opportunities to achieve a band score of 7.0 in this skill. Additionally, you should practice speaking fluently and smoothly to make the test go more smoothly.
Focus intensely and absorb advanced knowledge to achieve a band score of 6.5-7.5
Useful tips to help you achieve a 7.0 band score in IELTS
1.4 How long does it take to study IELTS to achieve a band score of 8.0+
How long does it take to prepare for IELTS to achieve a band score of 8.0+. If you are already confident in achieving a 7.5 IELTS, it will take 2 - 4 months of intense focus to achieve a higher score. During this period, you need to concentrate on improving your English proficiency, mastering all 4 skills: Listening - Speaking - Reading - Writing.
You will have a good chance of securing an IELTS 8.0 certificate if you achieve the following scores for each skill:
Listening: You need to get 38-40/40 questions correct on the test.
Reading: Whether it's Academic or General Training, you need to achieve 38 - 40/40 questions correct.
Writing: For the Writing test, you need to meet 4 major criteria: fulfilling the task requirements, demonstrating coherence and cohesion, using a rich vocabulary, and applying grammatical knowledge with high accuracy to help you achieve the maximum score for the test.
Speaking: To achieve the goal of 8.0 in the IELTS Speaking test, you must present your speech coherently and logically, with correct pronunciation, combined with a diverse vocabulary and idioms that will make your test fresh and easy to score points from the examiners.
The key to achieving a high IELTS Overall score is to achieve maximum scores in the Listening and Reading skills (40/40 questions). This is because an overall band score of 8.0 is only feasible when you achieve 8.4 or higher in the Listening and Reading skills.
Consult expert advice to achieve high scores in the IELTS test
2. Set goals to create an effective learning roadmap
After determining how long it takes to achieve your desired IELTS band score, you will have a basis for creating a study schedule in a scientific manner. Follow these 3 steps:
Step 1: Understand yourself
To pass the IELTS exam, understanding your own abilities is crucial. It will help you choose effective study methods and quickly improve your knowledge.
Proficiency assessment tests or free IELTS mock tests at IDP will help you determine your current level. This will show you where your weaknesses are and help you find ways to overcome them quickly and effectively.
Proficiency tests help you determine your current level
Step 2: Identify your purpose for studying IELTS
Identifying your purpose for studying and taking the IELTS test will help you choose an appropriate target score and IELTS preparation path.
If you just want to study IELTS to improve your English skills, you won't be under too much pressure about the score.
If you want to learn English to meet the mandatory requirements for studying abroad, in this case, you should study and take the IELTS Academic test and aim for a band score of 6.5 or higher. IELTS 6.5 is the language entry requirement for most schools worldwide.
To be exempt from the high school English graduation exam, the required band score is IELTS 4.0. You only need to have an IELTS certificate before 12th grade and it's still valid (within 2 years), then you won't have to worry about the English exam.
To be directly admitted to top universities in Vietnam such as: National Economics University, Foreign Trade University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, University of Law... an IELTS 6.5 certificate is the entry requirement for separate admission consideration at these universities. See more IELTS to University Entrance Exam Score Conversion Table to determine your target more accurately.
In addition, some Vietnamese universities also have mandatory exit requirements with IELTS scores ranging from 5.0-6.5. However, some others only require students to have an IELTS score of 5.0+ to be exempted from English courses at the university with almost perfect scores.
Read more: What is an IELTS certificate good for? The "golden" benefits that IELTS brings to candidates
Step 3: Choose an appropriate learning and practice path
How long it takes to learn IELTS will depend on each person's path. Depending on your abilities, you can divide the learning path into smaller steps corresponding to a specific goal, gradually progressing from low to high, matching the amount of knowledge from basic to advanced.
From 0 - 3.0: At this stage, you need to learn the most basic English knowledge, while gradually building a solid foundation in English.
From 3.0 - 4.0: You still need to supplement basic knowledge, but you need to familiarize yourself with IELTS Speaking topics, improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.
From 4.0 - 5.0: At this stage, when you have a fairly good grammar foundation, you need to focus on building for the IELTS speaking test with expanded vocabulary, accurate grammar, and logically presented speech.
From 5.0 - 6.5: Focus on practicing reflexes and communication to have a chance to achieve 6.0 - 6.5 in the Speaking test. Additionally, you need to master the IELTS test structure and start doing practice tests for each skill.
From 6.5 - 7.5: At this stage, you must possess proficient English skills. Know how to "transform" structures to make the test more dynamic, along with solid grammar knowledge. Highly academic content should not be difficult for you with your Listening - Reading comprehension skills of this knowledge. Upgrade your vocabulary and avoid grammatical errors when speaking.
From 8.0 and above: This is considered a dream goal, but with effort and perseverance, no matter how difficult it is, you can achieve it. To achieve this band score, you need to equip yourself with natural language reflexes to help you adapt to situations quickly and effectively.
>>> Read more: Highly effective 30-day IELTS preparation plan
3. Fastest methods to study and review for IELTS to achieve target band scores
To achieve your goal quickly, you need to have effective learning and practice methods. Or you can also refer to some of the following methods:
3.1. Create an effective revision plan
After determining why you're studying for IELTS and how long it will take, you need to plan your exam preparation and allocate time for practicing each skill reasonably to achieve the best results.
For Reading and Listening skills, you should choose to practice in the morning rather than in the evening. The morning is when your brain is most active, the best time for absorption, helping you to absorb and remember knowledge more effectively.
Regularly take practice tests for these two skills from 9 AM as it helps you focus and perform most effectively.
For Speaking and Writing skills, you should find someone with knowledge and experience in IELTS testing to support you during your exam preparation period.
3.2. Regularly take proficiency tests
Taking proficiency tests every 1-2 months is an appropriate frequency to assess your English language skills. This helps you improve your weaknesses and maximize your abilities.
Regular proficiency checks help you identify your strengths and weaknesses
3.3. Stay committed to your goal
After all, without perseverance, all previously set goals and plans will become meaningless. To ensure your efforts are not wasted, you need to persist with the goals and plans set from the beginning.
4. Effective IELTS study materials for home preparation
In addition to having a plan for how long to study IELTS, possessing effective IELTS preparation materials also helps you easily improve your knowledge. A book that you can refer to during the process of preparing for IELTS at home includes:
IELTS Cambridge: A classic book series designed with complete tests for all 4 skills. The test structure is similar to actual IELTS test, helping you practice before entering the real test.
Get Ready for IELTS: A book series published in England, with 100% of the content on 4 skills compiled in English. It provides you with comprehensive knowledge of all skills, helping you self-study and improve your level effectively.
English Pronunciation In Use: This book is suitable for supplementing those who are just starting to familiarize themselves with IELTS learning and want to improve their pronunciation skills. The book comes with audio files and illustrative videos to help you absorb the content better.
English Vocabulary in Use: This book series provides vocabulary from basic to advanced, researched by the team of professors from Cambridge University. It gives you the latest vocabulary set on common topics.
Cambridge grammar for IELTS: The book is compiled with 25 units corresponding to 25 important and extremely focused grammar points that are helpful for the IELTS test. It helps you build a good basic grammar foundation and serves to improve Writing and Speaking skills in the exam.
IDP organizes online test preparation classes to help candidates gain more knowledge and experience before taking the test
In addition to the above materials, you can also participate in IDP's free IELTS skills training class. This is a test skills training class for all candidates guided by experienced foreign IELTS experts. The sharing session helps Vietnamese candidates improve and enhance their test-taking skills while grasping important principles in the test process to achieve optimal scores. Please follow the IELTS IDP Fanpage or https://ielts.idp.com/vietnam/events for more detailed information.
So the above article has helped you answer the question of how long it takes to learn IELTS. Hopefully, with these suggestions, you can plan how long to prepare for IELTS. Depending on each individual's knowledge and abilities, make a perfect study plan for yourself. If you have any questions about the preparation classes or IELTS test dates, you can contact us directly through the website: https://ielts.idp.com/vietnam for more specific and accurate advice!