IELTS Preparation

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Preparation

(CRICOS Course Code 066401D)

Levels:          Intermediate – Upper-Intermediate

Duration:         Full time – 20 hours per week / 12 Weeks

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is a test used to assess English language proficiency. An IELTS score is often required for students who wish to study further or higher education courses held in English at college or university. Additionally, people wishing to migrate to Australia and who need to show evidence of English proficiency may also need an IELTS score.

Completion of the IELTS Preparation course at ACE can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of increasing their score in the IELTS test.

Entry requirements for IELTS Preparation course

As this course prepares students for the IELTS exam, it requires students to have at least an Intermediate (CEFR B1) level of English.

Course objectives

The IELTS course aims to prepare students for the IELTS exam by improving their English in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.  The course will teach students the exam skills and techniques necessary to perform well in the IELTS examination.

IELTS Preparation course at Australian Centre of English in detail

Australian Centre of English IELTS Preparation course is designed to prepare students for both the Academic and the General Training Modules of the IELTS test.

The IELTS Preparation course is a 12 week course. Preparation for the IELTS examination is achieved by introducing you to the same kinds of texts and tasks which the real IELTS examination uses.   The course is designed to help you to practise examination techniques necessary to perform well in the IELTS examination, as well as continuing to build your English skills more generally.   You will be exposed to a wide variety of materials covering a number of different academic disciplines and will learn, through this exposure, how the task requirements of the IELTS examination reflect the English language requirements of tertiary study.

The IELTS test is an internationally recognised tertiary entry English language qualification. A score of 5 on the IELTS test (alongside a range of alternative qualifications) is a prerequisite for entry to many vocational courses. If you have been accepted into a vocational course but have not yet reached your required IELTS score, Australian Centre of English  IELTS Preparation course may be ideal for you.

Many VET and higher education providers allow students direct entry to their courses when they have successfully completed an IELTS Preparation course and without having to complete the formal IELTS examination. Australian Centre of English is working hard to develop relationships with a variety of different providers so that students can gain automatic entry to a range of further education courses.

What will you learn at the Australian Centre of English IELTS Preparation course?

At the end of the course, you will:

  • be familiar with the structure of the IELTS test
  • be familiar with and able to successfully complete the main task types in each of the four parts (Speaking, Reading, Writing, Listening) of the test
  • give an accurate written description (at least 150 words in 20 minutes) of information presented in a table, or graph form, highlighting trends, comparing and contrasting where necessary; write a formal essay (at least 250 words in 40 minutes) – including introduction, body and conclusion – expressing an opinion supported by personal experience, knowledge and relevant evidence
  • speak on familiar topics in short question and answer form; speak on one topic in the form of a two-minute speech; and more abstractly develop the same topic in the form of a discussion
  • successfully identify and listen for keywords, specific information, main points (gist) in the context of semi-formal and academic listening tasks; in a conversation identify the key participants and their relationships, the location and purpose of the interaction; predict and interpret information from a given context
  • skim and scan texts for specific information; summarise texts identifying main and supporting ideas; separate essential from non-essential information based on what questions are asking; distinguish between argument and fact
  • have a well-developed working knowledge of the IELTS key topics
  • be able to aim for at least a 5 band score on a full IELTS test which pre-supposes that you are able to:
    • communicate reasonably fluently, clearly and interestingly in speaking and writing tasks using appropriate cohesive devices; accurate grammar and sentence structure; and appropriate vocabulary and register
    • answer the question concisely without irrelevant divergences
    • be competent in communication tasks representative of those necessary to function in an English-speaking tertiary study environment

IELTS Key Skills and Sub-skills built upon in the IELTS Preparation program

Speaking:

  • Phonology (pronunciation, intonation, stress, rhythm, linking, tone)
  • Fluency (speed)
  • Speaking on familiar topics
  • Speaking at length (2 minutes)
  • Discussion on a theme

Listening:

  • Understanding context: identifying speakers, relationships, location, purpose
  • Keywords: identifying and locating
  • Filtering: focusing only on key information
  • Interpreting information: understanding the deeper meaning
  • Predicting from the context
  • Following signpost words
  • Understanding the difference between fact and opinion

Reading:

  • Text orientation: headings, subheadings
  • Step-by-step approach: read questions, read text, answer questions
  • Skimming for gist
  • Scanning for specific detail
  • Time management
  • Understanding opinion and attitude

Writing:

  • Time management
  • Describing and comparing data presented in graph and table form
  • Write an academic essay using an introduction, body and conclusion
  • Argue using supporting knowledge and experiences
  • Write cohesively using appropriate linking ideas
  • Write using a wide range of vocabulary specific to the task

In-class assessments

You will have assessments every week of the twelve weeks of each IELTS course. Assessments will include homework assignments, class work such as oral presentations, practice tests in any of the IELTS examination tasks (reading,  writing, speaking and listening) and a full trial IELTS test at the beginning, middle and end of your 12-week course.  Teachers will give feedback to you and identify areas where you may need to do additional work or practice.