How to start IELTS preparation as a complete beginner
A first-week roadmap for new IELTS candidates: understand the format, take a baseline test, set a target band, and build a study routine that actually sticks.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Do not open a textbook first—take one timed practice test, find your weakest skill, and let that result decide what you study.
Learn the format in one hour
IELTS has four papers: Listening (30 minutes, 40 questions), Reading (60 minutes, 40 questions), Writing (60 minutes, two tasks) and Speaking (11–14 minutes, three parts). Academic and General Training versions differ only in Reading and Writing.
Knowing the format before you study means every practice session is exam practice, not just English practice.
- Listening and Speaking are identical in both modules
- Writing Task 2 (the essay) is worth twice Task 1
- Speaking is a face-to-face interview, not a recording
Take a baseline before studying
Your first action should be measurement, not study. Do one timed Writing task and one recorded Speaking answer, and get them graded. Do a Listening and Reading section and check the answer keys.
Most beginners discover their receptive skills (Listening, Reading) are a full band ahead of their productive skills (Writing, Speaking)—which tells you exactly where to spend your time.
- Grade one essay and one speaking answer first
- Note your weakest skill—that is your priority
- Re-test the same skill weekly to measure progress
Build a minimum daily routine
Thirty focused minutes daily beats a four-hour weekend session. A sustainable beginner routine: one skill per day on rotation, with Writing and Speaking appearing most often.
- Mon/Thu: Writing task with feedback
- Tue/Fri: Speaking answers recorded and reviewed
- Wed: Reading or Listening section
- Weekend: one full timed practice
Related guide: The 15-day study plan
Put this into practice
Submit one essay now and know your starting band within minutes.
Guest AI tries are limited to one use per feature per day. Sign in for saved progress. AI feedback and band estimates are practice guidance, not official IELTS results.
Official sources and further reading
- IELTS: Writing band descriptors
- British Council: IELTS Writing practice
- IELTS: Speaking band descriptors
- British Council: IELTS Speaking practice
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.