How Long Does It Take to Reach IELTS 5.0 for Beginners?

Reaching IELTS 5.0 is realistic for anyone with a basic level of English. Typically, learning to this band can take anywhere from 21 to 120 days, depending on your starting point. This roadmap consists of 4 key stages: preparation, foundational consolidation, skill-specific practice, and full mock exams. Let’s explore the detailed timeline to go from zero to 5.0.

1.1. Assess Your Current Level

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you build a tailored study plan. Take online tests on Cambridge English, IELTS Online Tests, or try one of IDP’s mock IELTS tests to evaluate your level.

1.2. Set Mindset and Targets

After identifying your level, commit mentally to your IELTS journey. IELTS demands consistent effort and diverse knowledge. Without a clear mindset, you may become unfocused or demotivated.

Here are approximate success criteria for an IELTS 5.0:

Listening: Correct answers on about 16 out of 40 questions. Reading:

• Academic: ~15/40 correct

• General: ~23/40 correct

Speaking:

• Speak continuously, with occasional hesitation or repetition

• Use basic vocabulary with minimal paraphrasing

• Attempt complex grammar structures, with occasional errors

• Pronunciation largely clear and understandable

Writing:

• Responds to the prompt but with formatting or coherence issues

• Academic: Ideas are organized but formulaic and lack supporting data

• General: Logical but incomplete or inconsistent style, lacks full detail

• Vocabulary is limited, with some spelling or word-form errors

• Grammar lacks complexity, multiple punctuation or structure errors

These benchmarks help you understand what IELTS 5.0 level looks like.

1.3. Create a Daily Study Schedule

Aim to study at least 1–2 hours daily and strictly follow your plan. Incorporate passive learning via English music, films, or reading. An example study timetable might balance skill focus across the week.

Target Score: IELTS 2.5–3.0

Duration: 1.5–2 months

Grammar:

• Understand parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs

• Practice countable vs. uncountable nouns, singular vs. plural

• Master four basic tenses: present simple, present continuous, past simple, present perfect

• Build simple sentence patterns: S+V, S+V+O, S + to be + adjective

• Learn correct word order: subject, adverbials, verb, object

Pronunciation:

• Learn IPA chart with its 44 sounds (20 vowels, 24 consonants)

• Distinguish between vowels, diphthongs, and consonants

Vocabulary:

• Focus on core everyday topics such as family, friends, hobbies, and study

Recommended Materials:

• Cambridge Grammar for IELTS (covers 24 essential grammar points)

• English Vocabulary in Use Elementary (2000+ words with exercises)

• Get Ready for IELTS (4-skill resource ideal for beginners)

Target Score: IELTS 3.0–4.0

Duration: 2–3 months

Grammar & Structures:

• Practice all essential tenses and comparative structures

• Use determiners and quantifiers: much, many, some, several, few, a lot of

• Understand active vs. passive voice and how to convert them

• Use linking words: and, or, for, although, therefore, since, despite, nevertheless

Listening Practice:

• Use podcasts, news channels (BBC, CNN), TED Talks

• Simulate exam format: 30 minutes test plus 10 minutes transfer

• Four sections: everyday dialogue, monologue, education topic, academic speech

Speaking Practice:

• Learn topic-related vocabulary (family, study, hobbies)

• Follow exam format: Part 1 (intro questions), Part 2 (short presentation), Part 3 (discussion)

Reading Practice:

• Read English news/articles and complete mock tests

• Academic: read 3 passages of increasing difficulty from academic sources

• General: read letters, ads, notices, and daily life passages

Writing Practice:

• Expand your vocabulary via reading

• Write mock essays daily: identify and correct spelling, structure, word choice mistakes

• Academic: Task 1 (charts/graphs), Task 2 (argumentative essay)

• General: Task 1 (letter), Task 2 (essay on familiar topic)

Target Score: IELTS 4.0–5.0

Duration: 2–3 months

Approach:

• Practice fluency techniques: schwa sounds, intonation, word stress, sentence stress, connected speech

• Take timed mock tests for all four skills, identify frequent mistakes, and correct them

• Review error types to improve accuracy

Recommended Materials:

• English Grammar in Use (Murphy) – key grammar points with vocabulary reinforcement

• Listening & Speaking for IELTS – combines both skills in interactive practice style for band 4.5–6.0 learners

Duration: 1–2 months

Focus Areas:

• Review all vocabulary themes, idioms, grammar

• Complete band 5.0 practice tests daily under timed conditions

• Review each mock within 24 hours and note recurring errors

• Build mental readiness: know test structure, choose reputable test center, maintain physical and mental health

Also, aim to take 1–2 full mock exams 30–60 days before your official test day. Mock exams help you assess readiness and reduce test anxiety.

This complete roadmap for reaching IELTS band 5.0 offers a structured, stage-based approach from beginner to moderate proficiency. With focused study, the right materials, discipline, and determination, you can confidently reach your target score. Explore IDP IELTS Prep for more exercises, masterclasses, and expert guidance—then take the next step and register for your IELTS test today!