How to Improve from IELTS Band 4 to Band 5

You scored Band 4 on IELTS. You need Band 5. This guide shows you how to get there.

Many students feel stuck at Band 4. The good news: Band 5 is possible. You need the right plan and practice.

What Band 4 Means

Band 4 is called "Limited User." At this level, you can understand simple English about daily topics. You can have basic conversations.

But Band 4 shows problems with harder English. Long texts are difficult. Academic words are hard to understand.

Common Band 4 Problems

You know about 2,000-3,000 English words
Long passages are confusing
You read word by word, not by ideas
True/False/Not Given questions are very hard
You run out of time on tests

What Band 5 Needs

Band 5 is called "Modest User." At this level, you understand most everyday English. You can handle simple academic topics.

To reach Band 5, you need to:

Know about 3,500-4,500 English words
Read passages without stopping at every word
Answer True/False/Not Given correctly
Finish tests on time
Follow spoken English without replaying

The 3 Biggest Problems to Fix

Problem 1: Not Enough Words

You need more vocabulary. Not just any words. You need academic words that appear in IELTS tests.

Words like: significant, evidence, factor, method, analysis.

Solution: Study 10 new words every week. Use our vocabulary section. Learn words in groups by topic.

Problem 2: True/False/Not Given Confusion

This question type causes the most problems. Many Band 4 students confuse "False" and "Not Given."

Here is the difference:

True: The passage says this
False: The passage says the opposite
Not Given: The passage does not say this

Solution: Read our T/F/NG guide. Practice this question type every week.

Problem 3: Time Problems

You have 60 minutes for 3 passages. That is 20 minutes per passage. Most Band 4 students cannot finish in time.

Solution: Practice with a timer. Start with easy passages. Slowly reduce your time.

The 12-Week Plan

Moving from Band 4 to Band 5 takes about 12 weeks. Here is what to do:

Weeks 1-4: Build Your Base

Focus on easy passages without a timer. Learn 40 new vocabulary words (10 per week). Practice True/False/Not Given questions.

Weeks 5-8: Add Speed

Start using a timer for easy passages. Try medium passages without a timer. Practice listening sections 1 and 2.

Weeks 9-12: Test Ready

Take full practice tests. Work on medium passages with a timer. Practice all question types.

See the full plan at /learn/band4-5.

How to Measure Progress

Take our Monthly Diagnostic at the start. This shows your true level. Take it again after 4 weeks and 8 weeks.

Track your practice test scores. You should see improvement after 4 weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Only Taking Practice Tests

Practice tests show your level. But they do not teach you. You also need to study words and strategies.

Mistake 2: Studying Too Hard in One Day

Studying for 5 hours in one day does not help. Your brain needs rest. Study 45-60 minutes per day, 5 days per week.

Mistake 3: Skipping Easy Content

Easy passages build your confidence. Do not skip to hard content too fast. Master easy content first.

You Can Do This

Band 4 is not a failure. It is your starting point. Many students have moved from Band 4 to Band 5 in 12 weeks.

Start with the free diagnostic. Then follow the plan. Practice every day. Your score will improve.