Achieving an IELTS score jump from 5.5 to 7.5 within 30 days is ambitious—but absolutely possible with the right strategy. This guide provides a realistic, high-impact study roadmap designed specifically for busy learners, including workers, students, and individuals juggling multiple commitments.
Below is a complete 30-day plan focusing on efficiency, language exposure, and targeted skill improvement.
Why a 30-Day Study Plan Works
Most learners plateau at Band 5.5 not because of low ability, but because their study method is unfocused. A structured plan helps you:
- Maximize study impact even with limited daily time
- Understand IELTS scoring instead of studying blindly
- Build strong grammar, vocabulary, and exam technique
- Correct mistakes through active practice
- Focus on high-yield areas that directly affect your band score
What You Need Before Starting
To make this 30-day roadmap effective, prepare:
- A reliable IELTS practice app or question bank
- A notebook for vocabulary and error logging
- A timer for mock tests
- Daily study time: 1.5–2 hours minimum
- Weekly time for a full mock test: 2 hours
30-Day IELTS Study Roadmap
Week 1: Build Foundation (Days 1–7)
1. Understand Band Descriptors
Spend one session reading what examiners look for in Speaking and Writing:
- Fluency & Coherence
- Vocabulary Range
- Grammatical Accuracy
- Task Response
- Pronunciation
Once you understand the scoring rules, you can study smart.
2. Strengthen Core Grammar
Focus on fixing the grammar mistakes that often keep learners at Band 5.5:
- Tenses (especially Present Perfect)
- Subject–Verb Agreement
- Complex sentences
- Conditionals
- Passive voice
Practice 15–20 minutes daily.
3. Essential Topic Vocabulary
Learn 10–15 words per day from high-frequency topics:
- Education
- Environment
- Technology
- Health
- Society
Use them in short sentences to reinforce retention.
4. Listening & Reading Techniques
Start applying exam techniques:
- Skimming vs. scanning
- Predicting answers
- Identifying paraphrases
- Listening for keywords
Week 2: Skill Deepening (Days 8–14)
1. Writing Task 1 & 2 Drills
Write 1 Task 1 and 1 Task 2 every two days.
Focus on:
- Clear paragraphing
- Using linking words correctly
- Avoiding repeated vocabulary
- Following the Task 2 structure (Introduction – BP1 – BP2 – Conclusion)
2. Listening Practice with Transcripts
Choose 1 recording daily.
Steps:
- Listen once without transcript
- Listen again with transcript
- Identify vocabulary and paraphrases
- Shadow difficult sections
3. Reading Under Time Pressure
Target: 3 passages – 60 minutes (but start with 90 minutes).
Focus on question types:
- True/False/Not Given
- Matching headings
- Summary completion
4. Speaking Practice
Record yourself answering 3–5 questions daily.
Focus on:
- Fluency
- Reduced hesitation
- Using complex sentences naturally
Week 3: Exam Simulation (Days 15–21)
1. Full Mock Tests
Do one complete mock test every 3 days.
Analyse mistakes and put them in an error log.
2. Writing Improvement
Rewrite essays based on examiner-style feedback or model answers.
Learn high-scoring structures such as:
- While it is true that…
- Not only… but also…
- It is widely believed that…
- There is no denying that…
3. Pronunciation Focus
Spend 10–15 minutes daily on:
- Chunking
- Stress
- Intonation
- Reductions (“gonna”, “wanna”, etc.)
This improves fluency instantly.
Week 4: Final Boost (Days 22–30)
1. Identify Your Weakest Skill
Use your mock results to determine where your score is stuck.
Focus 60% of your study time on that skill.
2. Practice High-Frequency Topics
Review Speaking & Writing topics such as:
- Environment
- Technology
- Health
- Society
- Globalisation
Prepare sample answers to avoid last-minute panic.
3. Real Exam Conditions
In the final 3 days:
- Take 2–3 full mock tests
- Follow strict timing
- Avoid checking answers mid-test
4. Stay Mentally Ready
Sleep well before the exam
Do light practice only
Review vocabulary—not full tests
Final Tips for Success
- Consistency beats intensity
- Record and evaluate your speaking daily
- Learn from mistakes instead of repeating them
- Stay calm and follow your strategies
- Use authentic IELTS practice tests
A Band 7.5 is fully achievable in 30 days if you follow this roadmap with discipline and focus—even if you have a busy schedule.
