That depends on your current level and how much time you can dedicate to practice each week.

On average, most students need around 6–12 weeks of consistent study to improve by one full band score.

If your goal is higher (for example, Band 7.5 or above), you’ll likely need longer — especially to strengthen Writing and Speaking.

The key is not just studying more, but studying strategically with feedback, practice under timed conditions, and realistic test simulations.

Both versions test your English skills in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. However:

• Academic IELTS is for students who want to study at university or higher education.

• General Training IELTS is for work, migration, or secondary education in an English-speaking country.

The Listening and Speaking tests are the same, but the Reading and Writing tasks are different — Academic has more formal, academic-style texts and essays, while General focuses on everyday English and workplace communication.

Almost every IELTS candidate hits this wall at some point. You might already have strong English, but Band 7+ requires precision, coherence, and examiner awareness. Typical hidden problems include:

• Writing essays that sound fluent but don’t fully meet the “task achievement” criteria

• Speaking fluently but without enough vocabulary variety or complex grammar

• Over-relying on memorised phrases that limit natural expression

In my sessions, I show you how examiners really think — and how to upgrade your answers step by step until they sound authentically Band 7+.

Examiners don’t look for native accents — they look for clear, confident communication. Your Speaking score comes from four categories, each worth 25%:

1. Fluency & Coherence – how smoothly and logically you express ideas

2. Vocabulary Range – how effectively you use varied, precise words

3. Grammar Range & Accuracy – how naturally you use different structures

4. Pronunciation – clarity, rhythm, and stress (not accent!)

In my coaching, I train you to handle every question type, extend your answers naturally, and sound confident — even when you need a second to think.

Self-study is possible — especially for Listening and Reading — but when it comes to Writing and Speaking, objective feedback is the game-changer. A qualified IELTS coach helps you:

• Spot hidden mistakes that cost marks

• Learn examiner-based techniques

• Progress faster with less guesswork

You could spend months studying alone and not realise what’s holding you back — or you could fix those issues in a few guided sessions. My goal is to make your preparation smarter, not harder.

Time pressure can easily lower your score, but strategy makes all the difference. Here are a few of the methods my students find most effective:

• Reading: Scan first, don’t read every word — find answers strategically.

• Writing: Plan your essay before you start; structure saves time.

• Listening: Always look ahead during pauses.

• Speaking: Take a short pause to organise your thoughts; fluency is about flow, not speed.

We practise these techniques in real test conditions so that when you sit the actual exam, you already know exactly how to use every minute wisely.