How to Get A High Score in IELTS in One Month?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized English proficiency test, essential for candidates planning to work, study, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. With four key components, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—the test is scored on a band scale of 1 to 9.

Many aspirants ask: “Can I crack IELTS in just 30 days?” The answer is yes if you already have a reasonable command of English and follow a focused and structured study plan.

Is One Month Enough to Crack the IELTS?

If your current proficiency is around Band 6.0 or above, one month of intensive preparation can significantly improve your score. However, if you're starting from Band 5.0 or below, it may take more time to improve your general English level before aiming for a high band.

That said, a dedicated one-month strategy with 4–6 hours of study per day can help most candidates reach Band 7.0+, especially with guided preparation.

30-Day IELTS Preparation Plan

Here’s a breakdown of your four-week plan to strengthen all IELTS skills. Focus on mastering strategies, building stamina, and improving your weak points each week.

Week 1: Foundation Building

• Understand the test format
• Take a diagnostic test to assess your level
• Focus: Vocabulary building (10 words/day), basic grammar revision
• Practice 1 Listening + 1 Reading section per day
• Start watching English news and shows with subtitles

Week 2: Skill Development

• Focus on weakest skills first
• Start Writing Task 1 (Graphs, Charts) and Task 2 (Opinion Essays)
• Record yourself speaking on common topics (2 mins each)
• Use resources like:
  • Cambridge IELTS 17-19
  • IELTS Liz and IELTS Advantage websites
  • BBC Learning English for vocabulary and listening

Week 3: Practice Under Exam Conditions

• Take full-length mock tests (alternate days)
• Time yourself strictly for each section
• Focus on reviewing mistakes
• Learn exam strategies (e.g., skimming, scanning for reading)

Week 4: Final Review and Refinement

• Revisit all Writing and Speaking samples
• Focus on fluency, coherence, and lexical resource
• Practice common cue card topics
• Take at least 3 full-length mock tests this week

Key Preparation Tips by IELTS Section

Each IELTS section requires unique techniques and practice. Here’s how to improve your performance in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking within 30 days.

IELTS Listening

IELTS Listening demands both comprehension and attention to detail. Daily practice with authentic materials is the key to scoring Band 7 and above.

• Use podcasts like BBC 6-Minute English, TED Talks, and The English We Speak
• Focus on synonyms and paraphrasing in questions
• Practice using official Cambridge books and online mock tests

IELTS Reading

Time management and understanding question types are essential in IELTS Reading. Improve skimming, scanning, and keyword-identification skills for accuracy and speed.

• Practice skimming and scanning techniques
• Read articles from The Guardian, National Geographic, and The Economist
• Focus on True/False/Not Given and Matching Headings questions

IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing is often the toughest section for test-takers. Learn structures, brainstorm effectively, and practice Task 1 and Task 2 with time limits.

• Learn structures for Task 1 (Academic or General) and Task 2
• Write essays under 40-minute time constraints
• Use model answers from trusted platforms like IELTS Simon

IELTS Speaking

IELTS Speaking tests fluency, pronunciation, coherence, and vocabulary. Daily speaking practice, especially with real topics, boosts your confidence and articulation.

• Record yourself answering Part 1, 2, and 3 questions
• Practice with a study buddy or trainer
• Use apps like IELTS Prep by British Council for practice and feedback

Vocabulary Tips for IELTS

A strong IELTS Vocabulary helps across all four IELTS sections. Use smart techniques like repetition, associations, and active usage to retain new words. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Maintain a vocabulary journal with definitions and usage
• Use flashcards or apps like Quizlet or Memrise
• Learn topic-specific vocabulary for education, environment, health, crime, etc.
• Practice using new words in speaking and writing

Grammar and Pronunciation Tips

IELTS Grammar and pronunciation are the backbone of your language ability. Practice them daily through structured lessons and mimicry of native speakers.

• Revise essential grammar topics: tenses, articles, subject-verb agreement, and sentence connectors
• Use Grammarly or Perfect English Grammar to improve your accuracy
• For pronunciation, mimic English videos on YouTube (BBC Pronunciation, Rachel’s English)
• Practice phonetics and stress patterns using ELSA Speak app

For Scheduling your Study:

A lot of students who have more than 3 months to study, don’t work so hard. Hence, when the exam approaches, their preparation will not be up to the mark. Proper scheduling will help in better preparation. Success in IELTS exam requires the following three qualities : Focus, Commitment, Hardwork.

• There is no substitute to hardwork.
• Make a to-do list. These should be as specific as possible e.g. learn the technique for part 2 of the speaking test, listening to the podcast every day, reading 4 English newspaper articles each day, practice test, etc.
• Get a calendar (make your own calendar or use an electronic one) and fill out what you are going to do every day before the test.
• Tick off every day and every task you complete, as you do them.
• Don’t skip. If you miss something, go back and do it.

If you follow the advice above you will be more prepared than 95% of people taking the test.

For Improving your General Level of English Proficiency:

• You should engage yourself in learning English for at least 6 hours per day. It means you will be a full-time IELTS learner and you need to listen to English and read English daily. You should also be writing and speaking in English as much as possible.
• I suggest that you should get access to the most popular magazine World News, Politics, Economics, Business & Finance, BCC learning English to improve your Reading and Listening skills and learn Vocabulary and useful structures for Writing Task 2.
• For Speaking, you just need this site: IELTS Speaking: Face the IELTS Speaking exam with confidence.
• You can also study from these great Youtube Channels: Learn English with Emma [engVid] | AcademicEnglishHelp | IELTS Ryan
• To practice daily, you can download Top IELTS Books and do at least 1 practice test per day.

Achieving a high score in IELTS within a month is possible with a solid plan, dedication, and access to the right resources. Tailor your study strategy to your current level, focus on your weak areas, and don’t forget to practice exam techniques.