The IELTS exam preparation programme
Tutorial™
Key points
Students acquire the skills necessary to achieve their desired score in the IELTS exam- teachers push students to achieve to the maximum of their potential, and set milestones and goals for each student, with constant evaluation. This sets the pace for each learner to surpass their academic expectations and achieve more than they thought possible.
Students sit rehearsal tests under exam conditions. These are repeated as required to build confidence and familiarity with the exam.
Individual attention from the tutors allows for a large amount of individual coaching, which provides students with the security of the knowledge that they are as prepared as possible for their exam, and with confidence and familiarity in the exam format.
All students who successfully complete this course are eligible for a Course Certificate. Completion consists of submitting the final course assignment.
Homework tasks are set daily to allow learners to reflect on and consolidate what they have learned in the day, as well as prepare for the next day.
A course of minimum 4 weeks' duration is recommended. Students can extend their course as they study, so it is possible to enrol on a 4 week course and then extend, as required, to a longer course.
Course objective
Achieve a high score in the IELTS exam.
The programme for IELTS exam preparation (Academic Module)
The tutor coaches the learner in the content of the exam and guides them with strategies for understanding and navigating the test questions. Assignments are set for homework and during lesson time there is repeated work on essay writing, vocabulary, comprehension and speaking practice.
The course is designed for students who aim to achieve a high score in the IELTS test. This is a dedicated exam preparation course in which all of the course content is to revise and practise the content of the IELTS test. Tutors coach the students to understand what is expected of them in the exam. There is time available in the day for students to rehearse exam papers under timed conditions in order to become confident in their ability to approach the test.
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Preparation for the Writing paper
Focus on Writing task 1 - which is to describe some visual information such as a graph, table, chart or diagram.
Focus on task 2 - which is to discuss a point of view, argument or problem.
Preparation for the Listening paper
Focus on Listening parts 1 and 2 which deal with everyday situations.
Focus on Listening part 3 and 4 which deal with educational and training situations.
Preparation for the Speaking paper
Focus on Speaking part 1 and 2 which is the Introduction, interview and short talk.
Focus on Speaking part 3 which is the two-way discussion.
Overview and practice of all the Speaking parts.
Preparation for the Reading paper
The course covers these key reading skills: reading for the general sense of a passage, reading for the main ideas, reading for detail, understanding inferences and implied meaning, recognising a writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose, following the development of an argument.
Self study and exam practice
Students use their time outside of the taught lessons to practise exam papers under timed conditions, revise the exam content and practise their reading skills.
Course Content
Note Taking Skills
- Practice in taking notes and using notes to summarise listenings.
Skimming and scanning skills
- Search for a main topic, topic sentences, supporting details and concluding thoughts.
- Scanning for pertinent data such as names, dates, numbers etc.
Summarising and paraphrasing
- Students write summaries of a short passage in 3 or 4 sentences.
- Students must paraphrase a set of sentences in their own words.
- Students practise identifying information and data from charts and graphs.
Mind mapping- The use of the mind map to plan a piece of writing.
- Use of mind maps to plan the introduction to an essay.
- Developing the body of the essay.
- Understanding the importance of the controlling idea.
Polishing skills for the writing task and the speaking tasks
- Essay writing skills - checklist.
- Speaking test - final practice.
Course outcomes
By the end of this course, the student is expected to be able to:
- Take notes on a piece of listening.
- Summarise and paraphrase an unfamiliar passage of text.
- Plan, structure and write an essay of 500 words.
- Report verbally and in writing the data/information shown in diagrams and graphs.
- Speak in an interview situation for 5 minutes.
Accommodation
Staying in a homestay gives participants the chance to be fully immersed into the local culture of the destination, whilst also being able to practise the language in a relaxed and natural setting. Many homestays have been welcoming our students into their homes for many years, offering their hospitality and expanding our students cultural horizons. Homestay arrivals are on the Sunday before the course begins, and departures are on the Saturday after the course ends.
The experience of living in Oxford
For almost a millennium Oxford has been a hub of learning and academia.
A small university city, Oxford is easily navigable and students are quickly able to settle in and feel comfortable. The city has a bustling centre, with numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as opportunities to explore the rich history and culture through museums, galleries and theatres. The centre of the city is also close to several parks and open spaces, allowing students to spend time outdoors and enjoying nature.
Sample day
The course sessions take place from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs from Monday to Friday.
Lessons are one to one lessons with a personal tutor. In addition, the day includes preparation sessions in which the student can prepare content for the upcoming lesson. Each morning and afternoon includes a tea/coffee break in which students and tutors can relax and help themselves to refreshments.
The school offers plenty of quiet spaces in which students can do personal work and reading.
0900 hrs to 1100 hrs
Lessons preparation and lesson
Morning break
1130 hrs to 1300 hrs
Lesson preparation and lesson
Lunch break
1400 hrs to 1500 hrs
Lesson preparation and lesson
Afternoon break
1530 hrs to 1700 hrs
Lesson preparation and lesson
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Price Includes
The price includes tuition and half-board accommodation in a homestay.
(Note: course fees do not include examination fees which will vary depending on the chosen exam and examination centre.)