I wanna share my IELTS journey. My name is Balnur, I’m 16, 11th grade graduate. I took IELTS on 01.11.2025 (yeah, I literally picked the date ‘cause it looks dope hehe ). I got 6.0 overall… no cap, it wasn’t the score I wanted. BUT for a first try, I think it’s actually pretty decent + it gives me +50 for UNT, so I was like okayyy
So, let me tell you how I prepared, how long it took, what I used and all that.
First of all — goal + current level. I had to understand where I was. I went from zero to B1 with this Russian bro on YouTube (Alexander Bebris) thank him God like literally from zero,then continued with a tutor to reach B2.
My goal was overall 7.0. And one important thing — AIM HIGH. Seriously
Also your mindset and attitude matter A LOT. I know many people mess up exactly here.
I used Engnovate, IELTS Advantage, and also joined Umida’s marathon. Only found this site after i finished the test (However I’m gonna repass the test )You just need to find what works for YOU. Methods, courses, whatever. For me, marathons + websites really helped. If you wanna study on your own — there are SO MANY free materials, really. Just use them. But you NEED a clear plan and your “point B”.
Now some tips:
LISTENING (6.5)
Do dictations. Find a short academic podcast and write it down for like 2–3 minutes every day. It helps a lot with spelling + attention.
If you make mistakes — rewrite those words again and again (annoying but it works trust me.)
And just listen A LOT. Like surround yourself with English, let it be everywhere.
SPEAKING (6.0)
Find a partner your level. SPOILER: it’s actually fun,you talk to people from all over the world, learn new cultures, exchange ideas — it’s really-really interesting.
At first it’s hard — people ghost, conversations don’t click… it’s okay. Just find 2–3 consistent partners, that’s enough.
Talk about your daily life too, not only IELTS questions. AND do analysis. Don’t just talk and leave. Ask each other at the end of chatting: what’s weak? Grammar? Vocab? Ideas? work on mistakes
Also talk to yourself (it sounds weird ), record vlogs, do challenges — it helps a LOT.
READING (6.5)
Learn vocab, but not just in one word.Learn meanings, synonyms, how to use the word. Make funny ,strange or emotional associations — it helps you remember faster.
Read books, articles — interesting global topics. Plus You’ll get ideas for writing.
And PLEASE use new words and grammar from what you read. Don’t just recognize them.
Also each question type has its own technique — learn them.
WRITING (5.5)
Probably the hardest section for many students
Writing = ideas + vocab + grammar + PRACTICEEEEE
And don’t forget about TIME!!
IELTS is not only about English. It’s also critical thinking, logic, analyzing information, finding what actually matters.
And the most important thing — don’t stress. Don’t compare yourself to others. Go at your own pace, based on your energy.
If you make IELTS too “serious” in your head — you’ll just ruin your mental health. Not worth it.
I know there are money, parents’ expectations, time… pressure.However still, start with a good mood and just keep practicing. Everything is possible if you stay consistent. No consistency = no result. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU ARE WELCOME!!!!
Just try. That’s it.
JUST DO IT. Fighting