Make Your IELTS Study Attractive: Small Steps for Big Gains

Jenn Author

Summary: I've got 3 strategies for you to make your IELTS prep attractive and fun -which should lead to consistency and that will boost your score.

Transform Your IELTS Study into a Habit You’ll Enjoy

Preparing for the IELTS can sometimes feel like an uphill climb. Many learners find it hard to stay motivated, especially when study sessions seem boring and repetitive. If you’ve ever felt drained by practicing listening, reading, writing, or speaking for the IELTS, don’t worry—you’re not alone!

The good news? Studying for IELTS doesn’t have to be dull or stressful. With a few small changes, you can actually start looking forward to your study time and boost your score while you're at it.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear shares great strategies to help us stick to our habits. Take his second law “Make It Attractive” -this isn’t just about rewarding yourself, it’s about turning a regular task, like studying for the IELTS into something fun.

Imagine studying English in a way that feels as enjoyable as watching your favorite TV show or hanging out with friends. By adding some fun and comfort to your study routine, you’re more likely to keep at it consistently, which is the key to making real progress.

In this blog, we’ll look at three practical ways to Make IELTS Study Attractive—like pairing practice with rewards and creating a study space you love. If you’re ready to build an enjoyable IELTS study habit, keep reading! You might be surprised at how fun IELTS prep can be with just a few simple tweaks.

Why “Making It Attractive” Matters for IELTS

Studying for a major exam like the IELTS can feel overwhelming, especially when the material seems tough or repetitive. Many learners approach IELTS prep as a task to “get through,” but this mindset can make studying feel like a chore.

As Clear explains we’re far more likely to stick to habits when they’re enjoyable. This is the heart of his second rule of behavior change Make It Attractive. Simply put, we tend to repeat actions that feel good, and we avoid those that feel difficult or boring.

By finding ways to make IELTS practice enjoyable, we can build a more consistent and motivated study routine. That consistent study is what will help you improve your English level and boost your IELTS score!

Imagine exercise as an example. People who enjoy a specific sport or workout routine, like dancing or cycling, are more likely to exercise regularly. They stick with it not just for the health benefits but because it’s also fun for them! The same idea can apply to studying -if you add enjoyable elements to your IELTS practice, it won’t feel like a burden.

To apply this idea to IELTS, try changing how you approach your study sessions. Instead of dreading long practice tests or endless reading, look for ways to connect your studies with activities you really enjoy. Break up your study sessions into smaller, manageable pieces. By making the process more appealing, you’ll find it easier to focus and keep coming back for practice. Small changes in your study habits can transform IELTS prep into a rewarding part of your routine rather than just another task.

Practical Tips for IELTS Students to “Make It Attractive”

Here are three effective strategies to keep you engaged and make your IELTS study sessions something you look forward to:

1. Habit Stacking with Rewards

One way to make studying more fun is through habit stacking. I touched on habit stacking in this earlier blog. Habit Stacking means adding something enjoyable to an activity you want to turn into a habit, like studying. By pairing study sessions with small rewards, you reinforce the behavior and make it feel positive.

For example, make it a ritual to enjoy a favorite snack or drink while you practice IELTS Listening or Reading. If you like a specific tea or coffee, consider it your "study drink." Each time you sit down to study, you can look forward to that little treat. Over time, this small pleasure can turn your study sessions into comfortable routines instead of tasks.

2. Temptation Bundling

Temptation bundling is a similar approach. Here, you pair something you need to do (like IELTS prep) with something you want to do. In this case, the reward comes after the study session. This way, the enjoyable activity feels like a “prize” for completing your study goal, which can boost motivation.

For example, let’s say you love watching a certain TV show or scrolling through social media. Create a rule: after one hour of IELTS practice or writing a practice essay, reward yourself with an episode of your favorite series or some social media time. This technique gives you something exciting to look forward to, making it easier to start studying in the first place!

3. Use Topics and Materials You Enjoy

Another way to make IELTS preparation more attractive is to use materials that genuinely interest you. This is especially helpful for sections like Reading, Listening, and Speaking, where topics can vary widely. If you’re passionate about a certain topic -like travel, technology, or sports—try to incorporate it into your practice sessions.

For example, when practicing Reading, look for articles or IELTS practice materials that cover topics you enjoy. Many IELTS resources offer a variety of reading materials on topics like science, nature, culture, and current events. Choosing materials that interest you will make studying feel less like “work” and more engaging.

Similarly, in Speaking practice, focus on questions related to your hobbies or favorite subjects. Practice answering questions about topics you love, like cooking, movies, or sports. When you speak about something you care about, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic, which makes practice feel natural and dare I say even fun.

By making these small adjustments, you can create an IELTS study routine that is both productive and enjoyable. The key to long-term success is not just in working hard but in creating a system that you look forward to, session after session.

Build a Positive Study Environment

Your study environment can make a big difference in how motivated and focused you feel. If you make your space cozy and inviting, you can have enjoyable and productive study sessions. When you start to see your study area as a pleasant place, it becomes easier to stick to a regular study routine. Here are some tips to help you make your study environment work for you!

First, try to keep your space clean and organized. It’s tough to feel motivated when your desk or table is cluttered! A tidy area not only looks better but can also help reduce distractions, making it easier to concentrate on your IELTS practice. You don’t need a lot of space —just a small, well-organized corner that you can use for studying.

Next, add some personal touches to your study area. Adding something you love, like a small plant, a favorite photo, or an inspiring quote, can make the space feel more welcoming. Even placing a comfortable chair or soft blanket nearby can make your study time feel less like a task and more like a relaxing routine.

Finally, don’t forget about the lighting and background sounds. If possible, study in a spot with natural light, which can help you feel more energized. Some people find that listening to calm music or soft background sounds can help them concentrate better. Find what works best for you and use it to create a welcoming study environment.

By creating a positive and comfortable study area, you make it easier to study regularly and you’re also reinforcing the habit by making it an experience you actually enjoy.

Make the Process, Not Just the Goal, Attractive

Preparing for the IELTS doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By focusing on making your study time attractive (hello, fun!) you can turn study time into something fun, not just something you have to do. Remember, the goal is to build a study routine that feels rewarding, so you’re naturally motivated to keep going.

Every small change helps—like bringing your favorite drink to your study sessions or organizing a nice study space. These little improvements show your commitment. You’re not just working toward an IELTS score; you’re also building habits that will help you with other goals in the future. When studying is a positive part of your day, you’re more likely to do it with energy and focus, making every minute count!

Studying for the IELTS can be a fun journey if you set it up that way. Instead of only thinking about the destination (your score), learn to enjoy the process. Each time you study, you’re not just preparing for an exam —you’re also building your confidence, discipline, and sense of achievement.

Start small, keep it attractive, and enjoy the progress you make every day. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating those everyday English wins!

I'd love to help you with your studies so don’t forget to check out two of my free resources to help you prepare:
Top 25 Tips for IELTS Success and 12 Common IELTS Problems & How to Avoid Them!

If you’d like to prepare for the IELTS or boost your speaking confidence take a look at my courses here.

And if you are curious and want to explore Systems vs. Goals in more detail, check out James Clear’s New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits.

Categories: : IELTS, Study Habits