Study plans: Band 5 Study Plan · Band 6 Study Plan (this plan) · Band 7 Study Plan · Band 8 Study Plan · All target scores
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Who this plan is for
This plan suits you if you're scoring around 5 to 5.5 now, or you have band 6 in some skills but not all. It's also a good start if you've never taken IELTS and want a clear routine before your first test.
How the plan works
- Start with the quick check. It takes about 35 minutes: one listening part, one reading passage, one writing task and one speaking task. It shows which skill is furthest from band 6.
- Five sessions a week, about 25–30 minutes each. Each session tells you exactly what to do and links to the practice. Tick it off when you've finished, and the plan remembers where you are on this device.
- One lesson a week. Each week has a short lesson on one skill: what band 6 needs, the techniques that work, and the traps that cost marks. Read it on the first day of the week.
- Your weakest skill first. If the quick check shows one skill is lower, do that week's sessions twice, or repeat the week before you move on.
- A weekly check. At the end of each week, take one full section test. Your result appears on your plan dashboard.
- A full mock test in week 6. All four parts in order, with an estimated overall band.
What band 6 needs
- Listening and Reading: about 23 correct answers out of 40 in Listening, and a similar number in Academic Reading. You don't need to understand every word, but you do need to follow the main ideas and catch specific details, spelled correctly.
- Writing: a clear answer to the whole question, with paragraphs, an opinion where asked, and mostly correct grammar. Mistakes are fine as long as they don't make your meaning unclear.
- Speaking: speak at length without long pauses, use some linking words, and answer every question with a reason or an example. Your accent doesn't matter; being easy to understand does.
An honest note
The bands on this site are practice estimates, not official results. Listening and Reading estimates are the most reliable. For Writing and Speaking, use our band estimates as a guide, and compare your answers with the model answers.
The 6 weeks
- 1Week 1: Quick check and listening basics5 sessions · focus: Listening · Weekly check: Listening full test 1
- 2Week 2: Reading for detail5 sessions · focus: Reading · Weekly check: Academic Reading full test 1
- 3Week 3: Writing Task 2, the clear essay5 sessions · focus: Writing · Weekly check: Writing practice 2
- 4Week 4: Speaking with confidence5 sessions · focus: Speaking · Weekly check: Speaking mock test
- 5Week 5: Task 1, headings and grammar5 sessions · focus: Writing · Weekly check: Academic Reading full test 2
- 6Week 6: Full mock test and review5 sessions · focus: Mixed · Weekly check: Complete IELTS mock test
Before you start
Read our strategy guide, how to get ielts 6, for what this score needs in each skill. Then take the quick check so the plan knows your starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the IELTS band 6 plan take?
Six weeks, with five sessions a week of about 25–30 minutes. If you're short of time, do three sessions a week and take 10 to 12 weeks instead.
Is band 6 enough for me?
It depends on what you need it for. Band 6 in each skill is Competent English for Australian visas, and many courses and employers ask for an overall 6 or 6.5. Check the exact requirement, including any minimum for each skill.
What if I'm already at 6 in some skills?
Do the quick check, then spend most of your time on the skills below 6. Do the other weeks more quickly, but still take the weekly checks so you don't slip back.
Do I need to sign up?
No. The plan is free and your progress is saved only in your browser. If you use another device, start the plan there too.
What should I do after the plan?
Take the full mock test again in two or three weeks. If you're scoring 6 or more in every skill, move on to the IELTS Band 7 Study Plan.
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