Time management
Time management for every IELTS section: pacing plans, when to move on, and how to practise under realistic timing.
In this lesson you will
- Follow a pacing plan for Reading and Writing
- Use preparation time in Listening and Speaking
- Practise with realistic timing
Learn
Reading (60 min): about 17 / 20 / 23 minutes for passages 1 / 2 / 3 (they usually get harder). If a question takes more than about 90 seconds, guess, mark it and move on. No blanks.
Writing (60 min): Task 1 about 20 minutes, Task 2 about 40 minutes — Task 2 is worth more. Within Task 2: plan 5, write 30, check 5.
Listening: use the pauses to read the next questions and predict answers — don’t spend them checking previous answers. On paper, use the transfer time carefully; on computer, answers are entered directly.
Speaking Part 2: use the full minute to make brief notes on each prompt (key words, not sentences).
| Section | Suggested pacing |
|---|---|
| Reading passage 1 | about 17 min |
| Reading passage 2 | about 20 min |
| Reading passage 3 | about 23 min |
| Writing Task 1 | about 20 min |
| Writing Task 2 | about 40 min (5 plan / 30 write / 5 check) |
| Speaking Part 2 preparation | 1 min notes |
Examples
- Reading: stuck on Q14 for two minutes → guess, mark it, continue.
- Writing: finished Task 1 at 22 minutes → start Task 2 immediately.
- Listening: during the pause, read ahead and underline key words.
Vocabulary
pacing
controlling your speed over time
move on
go to the next question
realistic
like the real situation
read ahead
read the next questions early
prompt
a point to talk about
Practice
How long for Writing Task 2?
Writing
Write your personal timing plan (70–100 words) for the Reading and Writing sections, based on your practice results.
Lesson quiz
Task 2 is worth…
Review
Key points
- Reading ≈ 17/20/23 minutes; move on; no blanks.
- Writing 20/40; plan–write–check.
- Listening: read ahead.
- Part 2: one minute of key-word notes.
What you learned
- ✓ I have a pacing plan.
- ✓ I know when to move on.
- ✓ I practise with realistic timing.