IELTS Preparation Plan 2 Weeks: Emergency Study Guide
Only 2 weeks until your IELTS test? This intensive 14-day plan focuses on the highest-impact strategies to maximise your score in minimal time. Every day counts, so follow this schedule closely.
Key principle: With 2 weeks, focus on strategy and practice, not content learning. You already know enough English; you need to learn how to use it effectively under exam conditions.
Week 1: Strategy & Diagnosis (Days 1-7)
| Day | Focus (3-4 hours) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Diagnostic test. Full timed practice test (L+R+W+S). Score honestly. Identify your weakest 1-2 skills. |
| Day 2 | Listening strategies. Learn Section 1-4 techniques. Practise prediction, note-taking, and following signpost words. Do 2 sections. |
| Day 3 | Reading strategies. Learn TFNG method, skimming/scanning, and time allocation (20 min/passage). Do 1 full passage. |
| Day 4 | Writing Task 2. Learn the 4-paragraph structure. Study band descriptors. Write 1 timed essay (40 min). See model answer. |
| Day 5 | Writing Task 1. Learn graph/chart description language. Write 1 timed Task 1 (20 min). See bar chart sample. |
| Day 6 | Speaking all parts. Record Part 1 (5 topics), Part 2 (2 cue cards with timer), Part 3 (discuss 3 topics). Cue card answers. |
| Day 7 | Practice Test 1. Full timed L+R test. Review every mistake. Note patterns in your errors. |
Week 2: Intensive Practice (Days 8-14)
| Day | Focus (3-4 hours) |
|---|---|
| Day 8 | Weak skill intensive. Spend the entire day on your weakest skill with targeted exercises. |
| Day 9 | Listening + Reading. 1 full listening test + 1 full reading test. Strict timing. Review errors. |
| Day 10 | Writing. Write 1 Task 1 + 1 Task 2 under exam conditions. Self-assess using band descriptors. |
| Day 11 | Speaking. Full mock test (all 3 parts). Focus on fluency and confidence. Record and review. |
| Day 12 | Practice Test 2. Full timed test (all 4 skills). Simulate exact exam conditions. Compare with Day 1. |
| Day 13 | Review day. Go through all errors from both practice tests. Read strategy cheat sheet. Light vocabulary review. |
| Day 14 | Rest & prepare. Light review only. Prepare documents, ID, test centre directions. Early night. You are ready. |
Quick-Win Strategies (Biggest Impact in 2 Weeks)
Listening
- Read questions BEFORE the audio plays
- Listen for signpost words ("however", "on the other hand")
- Write answers as you hear them (do not wait)
- Check spelling on transfer
Reading
- Skim passage in 2-3 minutes first
- Read questions before detailed reading
- Strictly 20 minutes per passage
- Never leave blanks (guess if needed)
Writing
- Always plan for 5 minutes before writing
- Use the 4-paragraph structure every time
- Learn 10 linking phrases and use them
- Check for common errors in last 3 minutes
Speaking
- Extend answers (never one-word replies)
- Use filler phrases to avoid silence
- Prepare 5 adaptable personal stories
- Speak at a natural pace (not too fast)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if your English is already at B2 level or above. Focus on test strategy rather than language learning. Most candidates can improve by 0.5 band with focused 2-week preparation.
Consider our 1-month preparation plan for a more comprehensive schedule. If possible, postpone your test to allow more preparation time.
Listening and Reading improve fastest through strategy practice. You can learn techniques for question types in a few hours that immediately boost your score.
Related Resources
2-Week Plan Summary
- Duration 14 days
- Daily study 3-4 hours
- Practice tests 2 full tests
- Expected gain +0.5 band