1. Confirm your target and starting point
Write down the exact score requirement for your application, including any minimum for individual skills. Then complete a diagnostic across speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Use the results to choose what to practise instead of giving every task equal time.
2. Learn the response rules for each task
Check what each response requires: speaking or typing, approximate time, word limits, and whether you hear the recording once. Include Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation in speaking practice because they are part of the current Academic format.
3. Practise, review, and retry
After each set, record the reason for mistakes. Examples include missing a key idea, choosing an unsupported option, running out of time, losing sentence endings, or writing outside a required form. Choose one error pattern to address in your next practice session.
Speaking: record responses and review whether the content is accurate, organised, and easy to understand.
Writing: check that the answer meets the prompt, form, length, grammar, and spelling requirements.
Reading and listening: explain why the correct answer fits before you move on.
4. Add timed and full-test practice
Once you know the tasks, use timed sets to practise switching between them. Finish with official up-to-date practice that reflects the test you booked. A practice score can help you plan, but it cannot guarantee your live result.
Use official preparation resources
Pearson offers free preparation resources through Smart Prep and paid options such as scored practice tests and the Official Guide. Check each resource’s current contents and version so you practise the current format and scoring criteria.