How Long Does It Take to Prepare for IELTS After +2?
For many of the students in Nepal, the +2 is a stepping stone towards a larger dream: To study abroad. No matter if you’re looking to study in Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA or New Zealand, one thing is always going to be your first big step: the IELTS exam.
One of the most frequently asked questions by students is: How to prepare for IELTS after +2?
It’s up to you, your desired band level and your diligence in your studies. It may take three to six months for some students to achieve better results and as little as one month for others.
In this blog, we will discuss all the details you need to know about IELTS preparation time, strategies, and tips to help you get your desired score in no time.
What is IELTS and the reason its significance?
One of the most widely accepted tests of English proficiency is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS is accepted for student visa and university admission in countries such as Australia, Canada, UK and New Zealand.
This test assesses four skills:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
The overall band score is required to be 6.0-7.0 for most universities (course & country dependent).
The average IELTS preparation time after +2 is 6 months. After +2 the average time to prepare for IELTS is 6 months.
This is a general guide as to how the time for students’ preparation typically breaks down:
English Level Target Score Preparation Time
Beginner 6.0+ 3–6 Months
Intermediate 6.5+ 2–3 Months
Good English Skills 7.0+ 1-2 Months
If you already know a lot about English from your schooling, movies, books or social media, you might need less time. If however you have difficulties with grammar, vocabulary or speaking confidence, longer preparation is suggested.
The factors that influence the time required for preparation of IELTS exam
This is to identify your current level of English.
Preparation can be done quicker by students having good reading, writing and speaking skills. French may be more difficult for you than English, and require additional practice.
You can get an idea of what your current band score is by taking a diagnostic mock test before you begin preparation.
You will need to determine which Target Band Score you wish to attain.
The IELTS score is different for various universities and countries.
For example:
Canada: Usually 6.0–6.5
Australia: 6.0–6.5
UK: 6.0+
USA: Accepted – sometimes IELTS or TOEFL required
The more complex the score the more practice and strategy will be necessary.
Daily Study Routine
The regular study is more important than occasional study.
Students who study:
2–3 hours daily
Take lots of mock exams.
Use English frequently, all day long.
tends to get better than students that study sporadically.
How to share your knowledge
Taking professional IELTS lessons can benefit you in the following ways:
Learn test strategies
Improve weak areas
Get expert feedback
Practice speaking interviews
But with zeal and keen interest, students can also prepare at home successfully with the help of internet, YouTube and sample papers.
This book is the best preparation plan for +2 students to practice for their IELTS examination.
First Month: Build Basics
Focus on:
Grammar improvement
Vocabulary building
Listening practice
Basic writing skills
Activities:
Read English articles everyday.
View English videos on subtitles
Talk with friends to practice and get feedback.
Get familiar with IELTS words that are frequently used.
Second Month: High Intensity Practice
Begin to begin all four IELTS sections everyday.
Focus on:
Time management
Mock tests
Essay writing
Speaking fluency
At this stage, pupils should be introduced to:
IELTS question types
Band descriptors
Common mistakes
By the end of third month, mock tests and Band improvement tests will be administered.
This phase is to become more accurate and more confident.
Focus on:
Full-length mock exams
Weak section improvement
Speaking confidence
Writing feedback
An effort should be made to mimic the conditions of an actual test during practice.
The most typical errors that students encounter during IELTS preparation are listed here.Students often make the following mistakes in preparing for the IELTS.
1. Ignoring Speaking Practice
Many students only read and write English and don’t speak English every day.
You can only improve your ability to speak confidently by regularly speaking and communicating.
2. Memorizing Answers
Examiners will definitely notice if candidates give a ‘canned’ response for their speaking or writing. Instead, concentrate on natural communication.
To write without time constraints. To write without time pressure.
One of the major problems in IELTS is TIME. Try to always time your practice.
3. Taking the Exam Too Early – 47%
Some students take the exam but do not prepare adequately and get displeased with the results. It is preferable to have more preparation time rather than repeat the test.
Is it possible to prepare for IELTS in 1 month?
Yes — but only if:
You have a fairly good level of English!
You study regularly on a daily basis.
Regularly take practice exams
With good English ability, it is possible for students to prepare for Band 6 or 6.5 in one month.
But new players will generally require more time to get a better outcome.
The following are some tips for getting a higher score in your IELTS test more quickly.
Practice English Daily
Speak English in everyday situations:
Watch English movies
Listen to podcasts
Read news articles
Speak with friends
Do Mock Test once a week.
Mock tests are useful to assist you with:
Track progress
Improve timing
Reduce exam fear
Learn IELTS Strategies
Knowing the types of questions is really helpful in boosting your score.
For example:
Techniques in reading: Skimming Techniques in reading: Skimming
Note-taking in listening
Writing structure of essay.
Improve Vocabulary Naturally
Useful everyday words and phrases rather than difficult words to remember.
Get Expert Feedback
The comments of proficient educators can be more helpful in accelerating your progress in writing and speaking.
IELTS vs PTE after +2 – Which is better?
There are also quite a few students who make a comparison between IELTS and PTE.
IELTS is:
More widely accepted
More suitable for students who are at ease with speaking face-to-face
PTE is:
Computer-based
Faster results
Some students preferred to use this one for AI scoring
Depending on the country you are travelling to and how comfortable you are, it is best to choose the one you need.
Final Thoughts
Taking a study abroad course in preparation for IELTS is one of the best investments that you can make in your study abroad journey. Preparation time is dependent on your level of English, target score and consistency.
In most cases for the Nepalese students:
The preparation for basic level takes 1–2 months.
Higher scores & higher confidence may be considered better at 3–6 months
Keep in mind that IELTS is an exam, but also a step towards your international education and career!
You can achieve your target band score if you plan, practice and are guided by an expert.
