Starting with little English? Planning to begin IELTS preparation? Unsure how long it takes to reach 4.0 or what the requirements are? This guide on building a roadmap from 0 to 4.0 will address all your questions—don’t miss it!
1. Criteria for Achieving IELTS 4.0
To design a roadmap to reach IELTS 4.0, it is essential to understand the criteria behind this band. IELTS has two formats: Academic and General Training.
IELTS Academic assesses English proficiency for university or postgraduate study.
IELTS General Training evaluates fluency required for high school, vocational training, or immigration purposes.
Generally, the General Training format is considered more challenging in scoring. Choose General Training if your goals include immigration, secondary education, or professional registration. Opt for Academic if you plan to study at graduate level or demonstrate specialized skills in fields like law or medicine.
1.1 Test Format and Scoring
The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both formats. However, Reading and Writing differ in content and scoring.
Reading
Both formats have 40 questions, 60 minutes.
In your roadmap to reach band 4.0, you should aim to correctly answer 10 to 15 questions in Reading to secure around band 4.0.
Score conversion varies slightly between formats, but achieving around 25–30% accuracy typically corresponds to band 4.0.
Writing
At band 4.0:
Answers are simple in structure.
You can convey familiar ideas clearly with standard format.
You can present information from charts or short texts in coherent form.
You can write simple messages or notes clearly.
Listening
Both formats include 40 questions.
To aim for band 4.0, you need around 15 correct answers.
You must:
Understand main ideas and key details.
Recognize common vocabulary and simple expressions.
Understand clear, everyday contexts.
Follow short announcements or simple spoken messages.
Speaking
To achieve band 4.0 in Speaking, you must meet criteria in four areas:
Fluency and coherence: Some hesitation, use simple linking, maintain clarity.
Lexical resource: Can discuss familiar topics with basic vocabulary, but limited range.
Grammar: Use simple and familiar structures with repetitions and occasional errors.
Pronunciation: Understandable but may include mispronunciations or stress errors that affect clarity.
2. Preparing to Build Your Roadmap to 4.0
2.1 Assess Your Current Level
Band scores from 0 to 4.0 align with A2–B1 in CEFR, or TOEIC ~310–335, TOEFL ~53–64. Without basic vocabulary and grammar, reaching band 4 may not be realistic. Take a mock IELTS test at a trusted provider like IDP to determine your level.
2.2 Set a Study Timeline
On average, improving by 0.5 band takes about 3 months, depending on your level and dedication. A smart and streamlined plan is essential when time is limited.
2.3 Build Basic Knowledge
Vocabulary
Expand daily in context—not just single words, but phrases, synonyms, antonyms.
Understand part of speech and collocations.
Use both English–Vietnamese and English–English dictionaries.
Actively use new vocabulary within 24 hours of learning.
Grammar
Start with 6 essential tenses, subject–verb agreement, conditionals, comparatives, and relative clauses.
Practice both in writing and speaking to internalize structures.
Pronunciation
Learn IPA basics and practice sounds in words.
Work on linking, ending sounds, and sentence-level prosody.
Use shadowing: listen and repeat to build fluency naturally.
3. Detailed Roadmap from 0 to 4.0
3.1 Reading
Grasp main ideas rather than reading every word.
Practice scanning to find answers to Yes/No/Not Given or detail questions.
Use skimming for matching, summary completion, and multiple-choice.
Read materials on topics common in IELTS (education, environment, health, etc.) from reliable sources.
3.2 Listening
Focus on Section 1 and Section 2:
Section 1: Dialogue between two speakers involving basic information (name, date, place).
Section 2: Monologue on familiar topics with clear vocabulary.
Regular and sustained listening practice over time is key to improvement.
3.3 Writing
Write simply and accurately before attempting complex structures.
Keep correct spelling, grammar, and word choice in focus.
Understand task structure for IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 essentials.
3.4 Speaking
To improve speaking:
Practice listening and pronunciation regularly.
Build essential vocabulary and grammar to express ideas.
Use methods like speaking in front of a mirror, giving short presentations, or conversing with native/natural speakers.
Seek feedback and learn from mistakes to build confidence.
4. IDP—Your IELTS Preparation Partner
IDP co-runs the IELTS exam globally along with British Council. IDP supports test takers by providing official resources, practice tests, and flexible test scheduling. With professional testing environment and high credibility, IDP is trusted by learners preparing for IELTS certification.
This roadmap from 0 to 4.0 offers you a clear view of preparation targets and strategies. With a structured approach and consistent study, achieving band 4.0 is within reach. For more IELTS tips, visit IDP IELTS Vietnam or contact us via our Facebook page.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!