Course Overview: IELTS and CAE Preparation at OISE

Strategic, Technical, and Tailored Learning

Exam preparation at OISE is highly focused, combining rigorous training in exam-specific skills with the flexibility and creativity that underpin authentic language learning. Lessons are carefully curated to integrate three critical components:

1. Strategic Approach: Students are introduced to targeted methods for tackling exam tasks efficiently, such as mastering time management, recognizing question types, and applying frameworks for structured responses. From planning essays to prioritizing information in listening tasks, the goal is to develop strategies that maximize performance under exam conditions.
2. Technical Mastery: A deep dive into the specific demands of each exam paper ensures students are not only familiar with the format but adept at applying the required techniques. For example, the IELTS Listening module hones skills like note-taking and inference, while the C1 Speaking module focuses on managing extended discourse and articulating complex ideas with precision.
3. Tailored Language Development: Language proficiency is refined to meet the linguistic demands of the exam, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and functional language. Whether it’s mastering academic phrasing for essays or honing fluency for speaking tasks, the programme emphasizes using language effectively and appropriately in every context.

This structured approach is complemented by mock tests and ongoing feedback, which provide a clear roadmap for progress and ensure students remain on track to achieve their desired results.

IELTS and CAE Preparation Programme

This timetable outlines key strategies and activities for success in the IELTS and CAE exams, offering a solid foundation for preparation. However, it is not exhaustive; the bespoke nature of OISE’s courses allows tutors to adapt strategies and focus areas to meet the unique needs of each student. The small class sizes provide an ideal environment for this personalized approach, ensuring that every learner receives the tailored guidance necessary for their individual challenges and objectives.

Daily Timetable

9:00-10:30 – Writing Paper Preparation

• Weeks 1 & 2: Focus on Task 1 (Describing Visual Data)
  • Example Strategies:
    • Understand the prompt fully by identifying key trends, comparisons, and significant data points.
    • Use structured frameworks: an introduction, an overview of key trends, and detailed comparisons.
    • Practice use and application of advanced relevant language for describing data related changes over time.
    • Focus on avoidance of overinterpretation or adding personal opinions—stay objective.
  • Example Activities: Regular timed practices with diverse data types (graphs, pie charts, bar diagrams) and detailed personalised tutor feedback.
• Weeks 3 & 4: Focus on Task 2 (Essay Writing)
  • Example Strategies:
    • Disassemble the question into manageable parts: identifying the task type (opinion, discussion, problem-solution, etc.).
    • Planning of essays using a logical structure: introduction, body paragraphs with fine tuning of topic sentences, and conclusions.
    • Use relevant language linkers for coherence.
    • Develop arguments with examples, evidence, and logical reasoning.
  • Example Activities: Tutor and peer critique sessions and iterative writing for feedback and refinement.

10:45-11:00 – Morning Break

11:00-12:30 – Listening Paper Preparation

• Weeks 1 & 2: Sections 1 and 2 (Everyday Contexts)
  • Example Strategies:
    • Answer prediction and question scanning prior to listening.
    • Keyword identification and paraphrasing in questions.
    • Signal words and transition indicators.
• Example Activities: Listening to dialogues and conversations, summarizing information in notes.
• Weeks 3 & 4: Sections 3 and 4 (Academic Contexts)

• Example Strategies:
  • Practice understanding main ideas and supporting details in academic discussions.
  • Work on recognizing speaker attitudes and implied meanings.
  • Use note-taking shorthand to capture key points quickly.
• Example Activities: Exercises with TED Talks, podcasts, and academic lectures.

12:30-13:15 – Lunch

13:15-14:15 – Speaking Paper Preparation

• • Weeks 1 & 2: Parts 1 and 2 (Introduction and Short Talk)
    • Example Strategies:
      • Prepare and practice structured responses for common introductory topics (e.g., hobbies, family).
      • For Part 2, develop a framework to introduce the topic, elaborate with examples, and conclude.
      • Focus on extending answers naturally using fillers and connectors.
  • Week 3: Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion)
    • Example Strategies:
      • Practice elaborating and defending opinions with supporting arguments.
      • Use active listening skills to respond meaningfully to follow-up questions.
      • Manage fluency with pauses and rephrasing techniques for clarity.
  • Week 4: Full Integration of Speaking Parts
    • Strategies: Mock speaking tests with real-time feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.

14:15-14:30 – Afternoon Break

14:30-15:30 – Reading Paper Preparation

• Example Strategies:
  • Develop skimming techniques to quickly identify main ideas.
  • Use scanning to locate specific information.
  • Practice answering True/False/Not Given and Matching Headings questions by focusing on synonyms and paraphrasing.
  • Manage time efficiently by tackling easier sections first.

15:30-17:30 – Self-Study and Mock Tests

• Activities: Regular full-length tests under timed conditions to replicate exam pressure. Tutors provide targeted feedback to address specific weaknesses.

Learn more about IELTS preparation in Oxford

Learn more about IELTS preparation in Cambridge

Cambridge Advanced (C1) Preparation Programme

Daily Timetable

9:00-10:00 – Writing Paper Preparation

• Example Strategies:
  • Tailor tone and style to the task type: formal for reports, creative for articles, and persuasive for essays.
  • Structure responses logically with clear paragraphing and linking devices.
  • Expand vocabulary for academic, professional, and creative contexts.
  • Plan and write within strict time limits to enhance efficiency.

10:00-10:15 – Morning Break

10:15-11:15 – Listening Paper Preparation

• Example Strategies:
  • Predict content by analyzing the context and speaker’s purpose.
  • Improve ability to infer meaning from tone, stress, and pauses.
  • Familiarize with distractors in multiple-choice tasks to avoid common traps.
  • Practice summarizing the main ideas after each listening exercise.

11:15-11:30 – Morning Break

11:30-12:30 – Speaking Paper Preparation

• Example Strategies:
  • Practice discussing abstract topics and expressing opinions with sophistication.
  • Develop turn-taking skills and collaborative communication for paired tasks.
  • Use advanced linking expressions for fluency.

12:30-13:30 – Lunch

13:30-14:30 – Reading and Use of English Preparation

• Example Strategies:
  • Strengthen lexical range through gap-fill exercises and synonym recognition.
  • Use contextual clues to decipher meaning in complex sentences.
  • Focus on error correction exercises to improve grammatical accuracy.

14:30-15:00 – Afternoon Break

15:00-17:00 – Mock Tests and Targeted Assignments

• Activities: Full-length tests to replicate exam scenarios, with detailed feedback on reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections.

Learn more about the Cambridge C1 Preparation programme in Oxford.