IELTS Preparation: 8-week self-study plan

Here is a clear 8‑week Academic IELTS weekly schedule assuming about 2–3 hours study per day, 5–6 days per week.

Weekly Focus Overview

Week	Main goals
1	Understand test format, diagnose level, build basics in all 4 skills.
2	Listening + Reading strategies, start regular writing and speaking.
3	Reading focus + Writing Task 1 development.
4	Writing Task 2 focus + Speaking Part 1.
5	Speaking Parts 2–3 + vocabulary/grammar upgrade.
6	Two full mock tests + intensive review.
7	Fix weak areas, timed practice in all skills.
8	Light full‑test practice, review, and exam readiness.

Day 1
- 45 min: Learn full IELTS format, band descriptors, timing.
- 60 min: Take a short diagnostic (one Listening + one Reading section).
- 30 min: Reflect: list your strong/weak skills.
Day 2
- 45 min Listening: Section 1–2 from Cambridge test, review mistakes.
- 45 min Reading: 1 passage, practise skimming/scanning.
- 30 min Vocabulary: 10–15 new words (education/family).
Day 3
- 45 min Writing: Intro to Task 1 (describe simple graph).
- 45 min Writing: Intro to Task 2 (basic 4‑paragraph structure).
- 30 min Grammar: present/past tenses.
Day 4
- 45 min Listening: another Section 1–2 + correction.
- 45 min Speaking: Part 1 questions (record yourself).
- 30 min Pronunciation: word stress, basic sentence stress.
Day 5
- 45 min Reading: 1 passage + T/F/NG.
- 45 min Writing: 1 short Task 2 (180–200 words).
- 30 min Vocabulary review (flashcards).
Day 6 (optional/light)
- 60–90 min: Mix: 1 Listening section + 1 Reading passage + speaking for 10 minutes.
- 30 min: Review notes, correct old writing.

Day 1–2
- 45 min Listening: focus on Section 2–3, multiple choice.
- 45 min Reading: headings + sentence completion.
- 30 min Vocabulary: topics – work, studies.
Day 3
- 60 min Writing: 1 Task 1 (graph) + quick feedback/self‑check.
- 30 min Grammar: linkers (and, but, because, however).
- 30 min Speaking: Part 1 practice.
Day 4
- 45 min Listening: mini test (Sections 1–3), check score.
- 45 min Reading: 1 passage under 20 minutes.
- 30 min Pronunciation: intonation in questions.
Day 5–6
- One day: 1 full Listening (4 sections).
- One day: 2 Reading passages.
- Each day 20–30 min vocab + error review.

2 days
- 45–60 min Reading: 1 full passage (all question types).
- 45 min Reading skills: identify paraphrase/synonyms.
- 20–30 min Vocabulary: environment/travel.
2 days
- 60 min Writing: Task 1 (trends, comparisons) – 2 reports per week.
- 30 min Grammar: comparatives, complex sentences.
- 20–30 min Speaking: Part 1 questions.
1–2 days
- 45 min Listening: focus on Section 3–4.
- 45 min Reading: mixed questions.
- 20–30 min Pronunciation: connected speech, rhythm.

3 days
- 60 min Writing: 1 full Task 2 each day (250+ words, timed 40 min).
- 30 min Grammar: sentence variety, clauses.
- 20–30 min Vocabulary: health, technology.
2 days
- 45 min Listening: full test split over two days.
- 45 min Reading: 1 passage per day.
- 20–30 min Speaking: strong Part 1 answers (3–4 sentences each).

3 days
- 45–60 min Speaking: Part 2 cue card + Part 3 follow‑ups.
- 30 min Pronunciation: intonation in long answers, recording & review.
- 30 min Vocabulary: society, government, crime.
2 days
- 45 min Listening: focus on Section 3–4, attitude/opinion questions.
- 45 min Reading: tricky types (T/F/NG, matching headings).
- 30 min Writing: 1 Task 1 or Task 2 (alternate days).

Day 1
- Full mock test (L, R, W) in one sitting (about 3 hours).
- Later: 30–45 min review of mistakes.
Day 2
- 60–90 min: analyse wrong answers from Listening/Reading.
- 60 min Writing: rewrite or improve one Task 1 and one Task 2.
Day 3
- 45 min Speaking: simulated test Parts 1–3.
- 45 min Grammar/vocab: focus on your most common errors.
- 30 min Pronunciation: specific problem sounds.
Day 4–5
- 45 min Listening: 1–2 sections + review.
- 45 min Reading: 1 passage.
- 30 min Writing: mini‑tasks (introductions, overviews, topic sentences).

2 days (focus your weakest skill)
- 60 min on weak skill (e.g., Reading or Writing).
- 30 min targeted drills (e.g., T/F/NG, essay planning).
- 20–30 min vocab review.
2 days
- 45 min Listening: timed sections.
- 45 min Reading: timed passages.
- 30 min Speaking: random topics, 10–15 min.
1 day
- Mini mock: 1 Listening + 1 Reading + 1 Task 2.
- 45–60 min review.

Day 1–2
- One more full practice test (L, R, W, plus Speaking if possible).
- Detailed review next day.
Day 3–4
- 45 min light Listening/Reading each day.
- 30–45 min Writing: checklist practice (Task 1 one day, Task 2 next).
- 20–30 min Speaking: focus on fluency, not new language.
Last 1–2 days before exam
- Light review of vocabulary, key structures, and notes.
- Short speaking practice only.
- Sleep well; prepare documents and test‑day plan.