How should I start IELTS preparation given my mock test score of around 4.5?

A mock score of 4.5 tells you that your core English still needs work before timed practice will help, and that is completely fixable with the right sequence. You are not behind, you simply need to build language skills first and test strategy second. Follow the three phase plan below and you should see quick, visible gains in your band score.

Your Three Phase IELTS Recovery Plan

What To Fix In Each Section

• Listening: read the questions before the audio starts so you know whether to expect a name, number or date, then practise with English subtitles before removing them.
• Reading: stop reading word for word. Practise skimming for the general idea and scanning for exact keywords so you do not run out of time.
• Writing: hit the minimum word counts, 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2, and stick to a clear four paragraph structure for your essay.
• Speaking: never give one word answers. Add a reason and an example to every response, and record yourself to catch recurring grammar mistakes.

My Advice

Do not book your next full mock test until you finish Phase 1, since testing too early at this level only measures the same weak grammar again. Instead, get an affordable tutor or a reliable AI grading tool to check your Writing and Speaking from week one, because self correcting basic errors at a 4.5 level is genuinely hard to do alone.