How to Prepare for IELTS: A Guide for Bangladeshi Students

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most important exams for Bangladeshi students planning to study abroad. A high IELTS score can improve your chances of getting into top universities and securing scholarships. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best strategies for IELTS preparation.


Understanding the IELTS Exam

The IELTS exam has four sections:

  1. Listening (30 minutes) – Tests your ability to understand spoken English in different accents.
  2. Reading (60 minutes) – Includes passages from books, newspapers, and journals with questions to test comprehension.
  3. Writing (60 minutes) – Two tasks: describing a graph or chart (Task 1) and writing an essay (Task 2).
  4. Speaking (11–14 minutes) – A face-to-face interview with an examiner that includes general questions, a short speech, and a discussion.

Step-by-Step IELTS Preparation Guide

1. Set a Target Score

Different universities require different IELTS scores. Research your chosen universities to determine their minimum score requirements.

  • USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany: Usually require an overall 6.0–7.5 band score.
  • Scholarships: Some scholarships demand higher IELTS scores (7.0 or above).

2. Create a Study Plan

  • Dedicate 2–3 months for preparation.
  • Spend 1–2 hours daily on different sections.
  • Take at least 5–10 full-length mock tests before your exam.

3. Improve Your English Skills

  • Listening: Watch English movies, TED Talks, and BBC News.
  • Reading: Read newspapers (The Guardian, The New York Times), academic journals, and English books.
  • Writing: Practice essays and get feedback from teachers or IELTS tutors.
  • Speaking: Join English-speaking groups, record yourself, and practice with friends.

4. Practice with IELTS Sample Papers

  • Download free IELTS practice tests from the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge websites.
  • Focus on time management while practicing.

5. Master Each Section

Listening Tips

✔ Focus on keywords while listening.
✔ Practice listening to different English accents (American, British, Australian).
✔ Use official IELTS audio materials for practice.

Reading Tips

✔ Skim and scan for important information instead of reading everything.
✔ Practice answering True/False/Not Given and Matching Headings questions.
✔ Manage time well; don’t spend too long on one question.

Writing Tips

✔ Learn common essay structures (Introduction, Body, Conclusion).
✔ Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary.
✔ Practice writing Task 1 (graphs, tables) and Task 2 (essays) under timed conditions.

Speaking Tips

✔ Be confident and fluent; don’t memorize answers.
✔ Practice answering common topics like hobbies, travel, and education.
✔ Record yourself and analyze your pronunciation and fluency.


6. Take Mock Tests and Identify Weak Areas

  • Enroll in IELTS mock tests at coaching centers or online.
  • Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.
  • Simulate the real exam environment for practice.

7. Register for the IELTS Exam

  • Book your test at an official British Council or IDP center in Bangladesh.
  • Choose between Computer-Based or Paper-Based IELTS.

Exam Fee in Bangladesh:

  • BDT 24950

Final Tips for Success

✅ Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress.
✅ Follow a structured study plan and be consistent.
✅ Stay calm and confident on the exam day.

With proper preparation, Bangladeshi students can achieve a high IELTS score and fulfill their dream of studying abroad!