IELTS Last 7 Days Checklist
A day by day checklist for the last week before your IELTS exam: what to practise, what to stop doing, how to protect sleep, and what to prepare for test day.
What the last week can and cannot do
In the final 7 days you cannot rebuild your English. You can still protect your score by removing careless mistakes, rehearsing your timing, and arriving rested. Candidates who study hardest on days 5, 6 and 7 often sit the exam tired and perform below their mock level. Mirror real section timing from IELTS test format (IELTS.org).
The aim of this week is to peak on exam day, not to learn new material. Treat it as a taper, like an athlete before a race. Volume goes down, quality stays high, and every task you do should mirror the real exam. Book confirmation details come from British Council Take IELTS or IDP IELTS.
If you are not sure you are ready, check your last two mocks first. If both reached your target, follow this checklist. If they did not, read the IELTS study plan for 30, 60 and 90 days and consider moving your exam date. How bands average is explained on how IELTS is scored (IELTS.org).
Day by day plan
- 1Day 7: Final full mockSit a complete mock in real timing, ideally at the same time of day as your exam. Mark it strictly. Use the score calculator for Listening and Reading and compare your Writing with the criteria.
- 2Day 6: Review mistakes onlyGo through every lost mark from the mock. Group them by type: spelling, distractor, timing, grammar. Write the three rules you will follow on exam day, such as check plurals and never leave blanks.
- 3Day 5: Writing and Speaking dayWrite one Task 1 and one Task 2 under time, then check them in the Writing Checker. Record a full three part Speaking session and listen back for pauses and repeated words.
- 4Day 4: Listening and Reading sectionsOne Listening section and one Reading passage per question type that costs you marks. Keep it short. Stop when accuracy drops.
- 5Day 3: Light practice and logisticsConfirm test centre address, travel time and ID. Do a 20 minute Speaking warm up and read two model answers aloud.
- 6Day 2: Rest with light reviewSkim your mistake log and your personal rules. No new tests. A 30 minute walk and an early night help more than another essay.
- 7Day 1: Prepare and relaxPack your bag, check your passport or ID, set two alarms, and eat a normal meal. Go to bed at your usual time, not earlier than you can fall asleep.
How many hours to study each day
Use the table as a ceiling, not a target. If you feel tired, stop. Quality drops sharply after 2 to 3 hours of exam style practice.
| Day | Study hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 3 to 4 hours | Full mock under timed conditions |
| 6 | 2 hours | Mistake review |
| 5 | 2 hours | Writing and Speaking |
| 4 | 1.5 hours | Listening and Reading weak types |
| 3 | 1 hour | Speaking warm up and logistics |
| 2 | 30 minutes | Skim notes |
| 1 | 0 to 20 minutes | Rest |
What to stop doing
Last week
Stop
These habits raise anxiety and add little score.
- •Collecting new templates or band 9 sample answers
- •Learning long lists of rare vocabulary
- •Taking a mock every day
- •Comparing scores with other candidates
- •Staying up late to study
Last week
Keep
These habits keep your skills sharp and your mind calm.
- •A regular sleep schedule
- •Short, targeted practice on weak question types
- •Speaking aloud for 10 to 20 minutes daily
- •A written list of your exam day rules
- •Water, food and a walk each day
For the full exam day procedure, including what you can bring and how the speaking test is scheduled, read what happens on IELTS test day and the IELTS test day checklist. If you are sitting on computer, check computer vs paper so you know how the interface differs.
Exam day rules to write on one page
Make a single page of personal rules from your mistake log. Read it the night before and again in the waiting room. Keep each rule short and specific to you.
- Listening: read ahead during gaps, write what you hear, check plural and spelling before moving on.
- Reading: 20 minutes per passage, skip and return, never leave an answer blank.
- Writing: spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, plan for 3 minutes, leave 3 minutes to check.
- Speaking: answer the question first, then add a reason and an example, and keep going if you make a mistake.
- Whole test: if one section goes badly, forget it and focus on the next one.
Last week questions
Should I take a mock test the day before the exam?+
No. A mock the day before can damage confidence and tire you. Do your last full mock 6 to 7 days before, and only light review after that.
What if my last mock score is lower than my target?+
One mock can be bad for many reasons. Look at the errors: if they are careless, fix them. If they are consistent, you may need a later date. Read retakes, mistakes and weak skills.
Can I study on the morning of the exam?+
Only a light warm up, such as reading an article or speaking for 5 minutes. Do not attempt full practice sets.
How do I handle nerves?+
Prepare your logistics early, sleep normally, and use a short routine: breathe slowly, read the instructions, and move on after any hard question.
When will I get my result?+
Timing depends on whether you test on paper or computer. See IELTS results timeline.