IELTS TODAY - by David John

CHOOSING AN IELTS COURSE

December 17th 2007 20:40

Choosing an IELTS Preparation Course
If you decide to take an IELTS preparation course before sitting the real IELTS test, you are making the best decision for your IELTS success.

However, it is important to choose an IELTS course very carefully since your studies can be costly both in terms of time and money.

Here are some guidelines for choosing a course:

1. Do some initial research on the school that you intend on studying in. Most good schools now have websites outlining the courses and facilities. If they do not, drop in and visit and find out what you can.

2. Check that study timetables match up with your intended test date - if possible, try to finish your course just before your IELTS test day.

3. Try to find out if the school's teachers are experienced at teaching IELTS. This is very important because IELTS is a test preparation course, not a general english course.

4. Check if any literature (booklets, pamplets, brochures, leaflets etc.) for the school looks professional and seems to meet the requirements of the IELTS exam.

5. Try to avoid short "crash" courses of less than 4 weeks of study since these courses often make promises and claims which are unlikely to be achieved in that short period of time.

Remember: your choice of IELTS preparation course is very important for your eventual IELTS success.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: David John - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

HOW TO BEAT THE IELTS

December 17th 2007 20:25

IELTS Requirements

Being successful in the IELTS requires effectively 4 things:

1. familiarity with the IELTS test format and requirements

2. continued study of your overall english skills

3. development of ideas on a wide range of topics

4. sufficient practice in both IELTS exercises and tests

Know Yourself

Of course your current level of english when you start your studies will influence your initial progress and it is important to be realistic about this in relation to your required band score.

Obviously a student of an elementary ability will not be able to achieve band 6 or higher - at least not with some intensive study!

Before beginning any IELTS studies it would be useful to undergo some kind of english placement test. This may not always be possible but remember that IELTS can be expensive (courses, books, test fees etc.) if you do not plan carefully.

Getting Started

If you feel you are ready to begin the IELTS challenge there are several options available to you:

1. join an IELTS class

2. buy some IELTS materials and do self-study

3. attempt the real IELTS test

From these 3 options, clearly the best choice is option 1 because studying in an IELTS class has a number of benefits. These include guidance and feedback from your teacher, meaningful practice with other IELTS students and having contact with other people who understand what you are experiencing!

Option 2 is a possible but only for very disciplined students who already have at least an intermediate level of english. This option is however recommended in addition to option 1.

Option 3 is not a good idea because even if you have a high level of english, you may not be familiar with IELTS test format, requirements and lack necessary practice.

Next you need to choose a course.

IELTS TODAY - by David John

CHOOSING AN IELTS COURSE

HOW TO BEAT THE IELTS

IELTS TODAY

David John's Blogs