Cheatsheet: 10 Micro Lessons with Quick Wins (Bangladesh)
Format: each lesson gives a rule, a 2 minute drill, and a measurable target. Use British spelling. Bring a timer.
1) Listening numbers and units
Rule: mark numbers, totals, negatives, and units before audio.
Drill: write the expected format for 5 items, for example 14.5 km, 9:30, twenty three.
Target: add 2 more correct answers in Section 1.
Example A: “twenty fifteen” on audio often means 2015, not 20 15.
2) Listening corrections and distractors
Rule: expect a first idea then a change.
Drill: note the correction word, sorry or actually, in 6 sample audios.
Target: recover 1 answer per test by waiting for the correction line.
3) Reading map then answer
Rule: map the passage in 60 to 90 seconds, title, first and last line of each paragraph.
Drill: write a 3 word map per paragraph.
Target: finish Matching Headings with one fewer scan loop.
Example B: If your map for paragraph C says “causes of decline”, look for a heading that names a cause, not a timeline.
4) Reading True False Not Given logic
Rule: Not Given means the text does not confirm or deny the exact claim.
Drill: rewrite each statement into a testable claim, then search only for that.
Target: cut TFNG errors by 30 percent over two passages.
5) Writing Task 2 claim engine
Rule: start body paragraphs with a claim that answers the question, then add one reason, one example, and one limit.
Drill: write two claim lines for the same topic with different lenses, cost and equity.
Target: 250 to 290 words, 4 to 5 paragraphs, one cause or contrast per sentence.
6) Writing Task 1 overview first
Rule: one sentence overview before details. Group data by pattern, not year.
Drill: label trends as rise, fall, remain, peak, or dip, then pick a high, a low, and an exception.
Target: mention at least two numbers in the detail paragraph.
7) Speaking Part 2 hook plus arc
Rule: open with a hook, then run SPARK, setup, past, analysis, result, key message.
Drill: 60 seconds plan, 120 seconds talk, record once.
Target: 9 to 11 sentences with one number and one contrast.
Mini case: Zarin from Chattogram froze at openings. She memorised three hooks, question, number, and scene. Within a week her recordings started smoothly and she stopped pausing in the first ten seconds.
8) Speaking Part 3 structure
Rule: use CIRCLE, claim, reason 1, reason 2, example, limit, end line.
Drill: for one prompt, write the claim and a counterpoint in two short lines.
Target: 60 to 90 seconds per answer, one hedge such as to some extent.
9) Vocabulary paraphrase net
Rule: collect three synonyms for each keyword before reading or listening.
Drill: for increase, note rise, grow, climb. For problem, note issue, challenge, constraint.
Target: add 12 new paraphrases to your notebook each week.
10) Accuracy sweep
Rule: articles, plurals, and past endings cause silent losses.
Drill: run an endings pass, check s or es and -ed sounds, t, d, or id.
Target: fix 5 slips per essay or speaking script.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trusting the map app time in Dhaka traffic without a buffer. Add 45 to 60 minutes for morning slots.
- Writing long intros in Task 2. Save words for body paragraphs.
- Repeating however in many lines. Use grammar links or whereas.
Edge cases
- Computer delivered test rescheduled by the centre, rare, can compress your speaking window. Keep your phone on and email accessible.
- If you need UKVI IELTS, rules match the main test, but ID checks take longer, arrive earlier.
- If your passport will expire within a month, renew first to avoid booking issues.
Mini glossary
- TFNG: True, False, Not Given, a Reading question type that checks exact claims.
- Lens: a viewpoint used to compare options, for example cost or equity.
- Hook: a short opening line that catches attention, for example a number or question.
- Hedge: a softener like in most cases or tends to, used to stay accurate.
Actionable closing
Pick two lessons for today, ideally one receptive skill and one productive skill. Set two 12 minute blocks, run the drills, and record one speaking answer. Log your targets, plus 2 correct in Listening or Reading, one added number or condition in Writing, and one clean end line in Speaking. Revisit the same two lessons twice this week to lock the gains.