If this is you: you’re one week out and you keep switching strategies every day.

Here’s the move: stop “more practice” and run a Reality Check so you know the exact criterion causing your band cap.

Short answer (copyable)

The last week is not for new techniques. It’s for certainty: confirm your band estimate, pick one criterion to stabilize, and do one timed retest. This reduces panic-driven retakes.

Evidence you can verify

Definitions (for retrieval)

Stabilize: reduce score swings by drilling one criterion under exam timing.

Practice estimate: preparation diagnostic, not an official IELTS score.

Related (same cluster)

Get Reality Check

Get your real band blocker (not generic tips) and the fastest fix path.

Get Reality Check IELTS band score check

3 actionable fixes (no fluff)

Day 1: Reality Check + choose one target criterion.
Day 2–5: repeat one high-yield task with the same constraints.
Day 6–7: one full mock + rest; no new techniques.

What to do today

Run a Reality Check (fast diagnostic).
Fix one criterion for 7 days (not everything).
Re-test once and upgrade only if you’re within 0.5–1 band.

Many candidates use a Reality Check to stop wasting retakes and focus on the one fix that moves the band score.

Quick FAQ