Are you planning to take the IELTS test but cannot attend a coaching centre or hire a teacher? Don’t worry! You can prepare for the IELTS at home, and many students have succeeded this way. You only need a clear plan, motivation, and the right tools. This guide will show you how to study at home step-by-step with real examples and simple advice.
IELTS-at-home-683x1024.jpg" alt="Why should you study for the IELTS at home" srcset="https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-study-for-the-IELTS-at-home-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-study-for-the-IELTS-at-home-200x300.jpg 200w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-study-for-the-IELTS-at-home-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-study-for-the-IELTS-at-home-600x900.jpg 600w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-study-for-the-IELTS-at-home.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" />Why Study for IELTS at Home?
Studying at home has many benefits:
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You save money by not paying for coaching
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No travel time or cost
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Learn at your own speed
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Flexibility to study anytime
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Access to many free online tools
For example, Rahim, a student from Sylhet, scored Band 7.5 in IELTS by preparing only at home. He made a daily plan and used YouTube videos, mobile apps, and Cambridge books.
But to succeed, you must be disciplined, avoid distractions, and follow a routine. Let’s see how to do that.
1. Understand the IELTS Test Format
First, learn how the IELTS test works. It has four parts:
| Section | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 parts, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 texts (Academic or General) |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks (letter/report and essay) |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Face-to-face interview |
Each part is scored from 0 to 9, and your final band score is the average of all four parts.
2. Set Clear Goals and Make a Study Plan
Without a goal, you can feel lost. Ask yourself:
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What band score do I need? (Example: Band 7)
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Which IELTS type am I taking? (Academic or General)
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When is my test date?
Then make a weekly plan. Here’s a sample 4-week plan:
Week 1: Learn the format and take a sample test to check your current level
Week 2: Focus on Listening and Reading with daily practice
Week 3: Start Writing and Speaking tasks
Week 4: Take full mock tests and review mistakes
Real example: Rina from Chittagong needed Band 6.5. She used a printed calendar to plan her tasks and tracked her progress with a checklist.
3. Collect Useful Study Materials
Use both free and paid tools.
Paid Books:
Free Websites and YouTube Channels:
Mobile Apps:
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IELTS Prep by British Council
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Magoosh IELTS
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Quizlet (for vocabulary)
Example: Mahmud from Dhaka used IELTS Liz videos every day, especially for Task 2 writing. He also used the IELTS Prep App to do listening exercises on the bus.
4. Create a Daily Study Routine (3–4 Hours)
A fixed routine helps you stay focused.
| Time Slot | Task |
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Listening practice + review |
| 10:00–11:00 AM | Reading and vocabulary |
| 2:00–3:00 PM | Writing Task 1 and Task 2 |
| 7:00–8:00 PM | Speaking practice with cue cards |
Customize your schedule. If you work or study, shift your hours accordingly.
5. Improve Your Listening Skills
Follow these steps:
Watch English news (BBC, CNN)
Listen to TED Talks or English podcasts
Do IELTS listening mock tests with results
Common mistakes:
Not reading the instructions (e.g., “no more than two words”)
Confusing spellings (“their” vs. “there”)
Mishearing numbers or dates
Example: Try this exercise. Listen to a TED Talk and write down 5 keywords from each paragraph.
6. Practice Reading Strategies
IELTS reading is not about reading every word. Use these tips:
Skimming: Read fast to get the general idea
Scanning: Look for numbers, names, or keywords
Keyword Matching: Underline words in questions and find them in the passage
For practice:
Use Cambridge Reading tests
Try one reading test daily with a 60-minute timer
Example: Sumi used to read slowly. After learning skimming and scanning, she improved from 20 to 33 correct answers in two weeks.
7. Master IELTS Writing Tasks
Writing Task 1:
Academic: Describe charts, graphs, maps
General: Write formal or informal letters
Writing Task 2:
Write essays on topics like:
Opinion (e.g., “Do you agree or disagree?”)
Problem-Solution
Advantages/Disadvantages
Structure:
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion
Example: “Some people think children should start school at a young age. Do you agree?”
Answer: “I agree that starting school early helps children become social and disciplined. However, I believe they also need time for free play. Therefore, starting school at age 5 or 6 is a better choice.”
Tools to help:
Grammarly (correct grammar)
Hemingway Editor (simplify sentences)
Google Docs (store your writing)
8. Speak English Daily – Even Alone
Speaking can be hard if you have no partner. Here’s what you can do:
Record yourself using cue cards
Practise in front of a mirror
Use Zoom or Skype with friends
Watch mock speaking tests on YouTube
Sample Cue Card: “Describe a time you helped someone.”
Example Answer: “Last week, I helped my neighbour carry groceries. She is an old lady and couldn’t lift the bags. I felt happy to help.”
Compare your answers with Band 8+ samples to improve.
9. Monitor Your Progress
Use a simple weekly tracker. Ask:
Did I finish 3 listening tests?
Did I write 2 essays?
Did I learn 15 new words?
Did my mock scores improve?
Use a notebook or Google Sheet.
Example: Rashed created a chart. After 4 weeks, he improved his average band from 5.5 to 6.5.
10. Simulate the Real Exam
Before your test, take at least 3 full-length practice tests.
Checklist:
Quiet room
No mobile phone or dictionary
Time each part properly
Use answer sheets
Grade yourself using official band descriptors
Example: Nila took a full test every weekend. She used past papers and stopped when time ended. This helped her manage time better on the real test.
Final Tips for Success
Stick to your study plan
Focus more on weak areas
Don’t study too much in one day
Take breaks to stay fresh
Ask for feedback from teachers or native speakers online
Final Thoughts
You can absolutely prepare for IELTS at home. Many students have done it. If you follow a plan, use good materials, and practise daily, you can get your dream band score.
Start today. Make your plan. Track your work. Believe in yourself.
Good luck on your IELTS journey!
About the AuthorWelcome to TechIELTS. I’m Md. Jahangir Alam, an experienced engineer with over 15 years in electrical and automation systems. Alongside my engineering career, I’ve developed a strong interest in English language learning and IELTS preparation.
I hold a Duolingo English Test score of 135 (IELTS 7.5 equivalent) and am currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Cyber Security from Royal Holloway, University of London. I use my technical background to create clear, structured IELTS learning materials for students and professionals.
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