Payment
Course fees
Newsletter
Sign up to our termly newsletter
Please check all details below
Thank you

Exams

Bede's offers a number of intensive exams courses to allow students to obtain a professional qualification to certify their English level in preparation for future academic study or for their future career. 

All exam courses include dedicated exam preparation instead of regular English lessons and students sit the exam during their Bede's course, usually in the last week.

Intensive exam courses include :

  • Cambridge B1 Preliminary (Lancing)
  • Cambridge B2 First (Lancing)
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (Lancing) 
  • IELTS  (Brighton - Pathways to Higher Education)

Please click on the tiles below to find out more about the exam preparation courses and their structure. 

Cambridge B1 Preliminary

Exam

Cambridge B2 First

Exam

Cambridge C1 Advanced

Exam

IELTS

Exam

X

Cambridge B1 Preliminary

The Cambridge B1 Preliminary is a qualification that shows a student can deal with everyday written and spoken English at an Intermediate level.

This qualification shows that a student can read simple textbooks and articles in English, write letters and emails on everyday subjects, take meeting notes and show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English.

The exam is split in to four parts: Reading - 45 minutes, Writing - 45 minutes, Listening - 30 minutes, Speaking - 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates or 15-17 minutes per a group of three.

The Speaking test is taken face-to-face, with two candidates and two examiners.

  • Students must have an Intermediate level (B1) before the course starts
  • Students' level will be checked before an exam place is confirmed
  • Available at Lancing
  • Dedicated Exam Preparation instead of English Skills and Enrichment lessons
  • Exam taken on Fri 25 July 2025 at a London Cambridge exam centre
  • Preparation & Exam Fee for 2 Weeks: £475
  • Fee includes exam enrolment fee, preparation and certificate
 
 
 

Course Summary

Bede's two-week Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools exam preparation course for students aged 13-17 will focus on building confidence and competence in the four key areas assessed by the exam: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The course should aim to familiarise students with the exam format, strengthen their language skills, and develop effective strategies for each section of the test.

Week 1: Foundation Skills and Test Familiarisation

1. Familiarisation with the Exam Format

  • Introduce students to the Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools exam structure: Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes), Listening (approximately 30 minutes), and Speaking (10-12 minutes).
  • Explain the scoring system and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), focusing on the B1 level.
  • Provide an overview of the question types and task formats in each of the four exam sections (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).

2. Developing Reading Skills

  • Focus on skimming and scanning techniques to improve reading speed and efficiency.
  • Practice reading comprehension tasks with different text types (e.g., articles, emails, advertisements, and stories) similar to those found in the exam.
  • Teach students how to identify main ideas, understand details, and interpret meaning in different contexts (e.g., identifying the writer’s purpose or tone).
  • Practise multiple-choice, matching, and gap-filling exercises.
  • Provide strategies for dealing with unfamiliar vocabulary through context and word-formation techniques.

3. Building Writing Skills

  • Focus on the two writing tasks in the exam: Task 1 (an email or letter) and Task 2 (a short essay or narrative).
  • Teach students how to organise writing tasks clearly with a focus on structure (introduction, body, and conclusion).
  • Emphasise the importance of clarity, accuracy, and coherence in writing.
  • Provide practice in writing informal emails or letters (Task 1) and short essays or stories (Task 2), while developing vocabulary and grammar appropriate for B1 level.
  • Provide feedback and corrections to improve grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

4. Listening Skills Development

  • Familiarise students with the types of listening tasks found in the exam (e.g., conversations, monologues, and announcements).
  • Develop strategies for listening for specific information, main ideas, and details in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Teach students how to deal with different accents and natural speech patterns in English.
  • Practice with short listening exercises and focus on listening for key words, dates, and numbers.
  • Introduce techniques for understanding distractors in the listening tasks.

Week 2: Advanced Practice & Exam Strategies

1. Advanced Reading Practice

  • Conduct full-length reading practice tests under timed conditions.
  • Focus on improving students’ ability to identify answers quickly while managing time effectively.
  • Provide strategies for tackling longer and more complex texts, such as identifying key words in questions, and understanding word families.
  • Review key strategies for true/false/not given, matching, and multiple-choice questions.
  • Work on refining reading techniques, such as using the process of elimination and predicting answers based on context.

2. Refined Writing Skills

  • Provide extended practice on both writing tasks under timed conditions.
  • Teach students to write in a more natural, engaging style, using varied sentence structures and linking words to create coherence.
  • Focus on task achievement, making sure students fully respond to all parts of the prompt (for example, addressing all points in a letter or essay).
  • Provide individual feedback on students' writing, focusing on common B1-level grammar errors (e.g., subject-verb agreement, tenses) and encouraging students to expand their vocabulary.
  • Peer review activities to develop self-correction skills and collaboration.

3. Practising Listening Under Exam Conditions

  • Conduct listening practice tests with a focus on different accents and real-life scenarios.
  • Teach strategies to handle fast-paced speech and background noise.
  • Focus on short-answer, multiple-choice, and gap-fill exercises.
  • Encourage students to take effective notes while listening to recordings and practise matching spoken information with written questions.
  • Provide feedback on common listening challenges, such as missing answers or misinterpreting content.

4. Speaking Skills and Exam Preparation

  • Familiarise students with the format of the Speaking test: Part 1 (interview), Part 2 (extended turn), Part 3 (discussion), and Part 4 (general conversation). 
  • Develop strategies for speaking fluently on familiar topics such as hobbies, interests, and personal experiences.
  • Focus on confidence-building activities for Part 1, such as introducing oneself and answering personal questions clearly.
  • Practice describing pictures or situations in Part 2, encouraging students to elaborate with examples and opinions.
  • Prepare for Part 3, where students need to express opinions and engage in discussions on more abstract topics (e.g., technology, environment, education).
  • Prepare for Part 4, where students discuss likes, dislikes, experiences, opinions and habits. 
  • Conduct mock speaking tests to build confidence and simulate exam conditions.
  • Provide feedback on fluency, pronunciation, and grammar.

5. Full Practice Test & Test-Taking Strategies

  • Simulate a complete B1 Preliminary for Schools exam (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) under timed conditions.
  • Focus on exam strategies such as time management, question prediction, and answer-checking.
  • Review the results of the practice test, providing personalised feedback and highlighting areas for improvement.
  • Offer tips for remaining calm and focused during the exam, managing exam stress, and pacing oneself throughout the test.
  • Discuss common pitfalls and last-minute preparation strategies for the exam day.

6. Test-Taking Strategies & Stress Management

  • Teach strategies for staying calm and focused during the exam, such as deep breathing, positive visualisation, and staying organised.
  • Discuss the importance of time management in each section, especially Reading and Writing.
  • Provide tips on how to handle difficult questions and keep moving forward without getting stuck.
  • Offer advice on how to approach the exam day with confidence and be well-prepared for any surprises.

Overall Course Goals

  • Improvement of all four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) at the B1 level.
  • Familiarity with the exam format and question types.
  • Development of effective test-taking strategies, including time management and dealing with stress.
  • Enhanced confidence in performing under exam conditions.
  • Refinement of language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
  • Personalised feedback to help students improve their weak areas and maximise their potential.
  • Effective stress management and strategies for approaching the test day.

This two-week course will help students develop the academic and practical skills needed to perform confidently on the Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools exam while equipping them with key strategies to excel on test day.

 
X

Cambridge B2 First

 
The Cambridge B2 First is a qualification that shows a student is becoming skilled in English. It confirms that a student can use English at an Upper Intermediate level for study and in the world of work.
 
The exam is split into four parts: Reading and Use of English - 75 minutes, Writing - 80 minutes, Listening - 40 minutes, Speaking - 14 minutes per pair of candidates or 20 minutes per group of three.
 
The Speaking test is taken face-to-face, with two candidates and two examiners.
  • Students must have an Upper Intermediate level (B2) before the course starts
  • Students' level will be checked before an exam place is confirmed
  • Available at Lancing
  • Dedicated Exam Preparation instead of English Skills and Enrichment lessons
  • Exam taken on Thurs 24 July 2025 at a London Cambridge exam centre
  • 2 Week Preparation & Exam Fee: £525
  • Fee includes exam enrolment fee, preparation and certificate

Cambridge B2 First Exam Leaflet

Cambridge English Scales Explained

 

Course Summary

Bede's two-week Cambridge B2 First exam preparation course for students aged 13-17 focuses on improving language skills and building confidence in each of the four exam sections: Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The course will also introduce key strategies for managing the test format, handling time pressure, and achieving a higher score on the exam. 

Week 1: Foundational Skills and Exam Familiarisation

1. Familiarisation with the Cambridge B2 First Exam Format

  • Introduce the structure of the B2 First exam: Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes), Writing (1 hour 20 minutes), Listening (approximately 40 minutes), and Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates).
  • Explain the scoring system and how the exam is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) at the B2 level.
  • Break down the four parts of the exam:
    • Reading and Use of English (multiple-choice, gap-fill, word formation, and error correction).
    • Writing (two tasks: an essay and an email/letter/other short text).
    • Listening (multiple-choice and gap-fill based on recordings).
    • Speaking (individual responses and interaction with a partner).
  • Discuss strategies for each section and provide a test-taking timeline.

2. Developing Reading Skills

  • Focus on improving reading comprehension skills through practice with different text types: articles, notices, brochures, and narratives.
  • Practise skimming and scanning techniques for quickly identifying key information and main ideas.
  • Work on understanding more complex vocabulary and phrases through context.
  • Practise a variety of question types: multiple-choice, matching headings, sentence completion, and true/false questions.
  • Provide tips for answering word formation questions and dealing with vocabulary gaps.

3. Strengthening Writing Skills

  • Introduce the structure of the two writing tasks in the exam:
    • Task 1: Writing an email, letter, or other short texts.
    • Task 2: Writing an essay, article, or report.
  • Focus on creating clear, structured responses with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Develop coherence and cohesion in writing by using appropriate linking words and organising ideas logically.
  • Teach students to address all parts of the prompt in Task 1 (for example, responding to specific questions in an email) and to develop arguments in Task 2 essays.
  • Practise grammar and vocabulary that is appropriate for the B2 level, including more complex structures and less common vocabulary.

4. Listening Skills Development

  • Familiarise students with the types of listening materials in the exam (e.g., interviews, conversations, announcements, etc.).
  • Focus on listening for specific information, main ideas, and details while practising with short listening extracts.
  • Introduce strategies for dealing with distractors in listening tasks (information in the recording that doesn’t match the questions).
  • Teach how to use context to predict answers and make educated guesses.
  • Practise with listening activities: multiple-choice questions, note-taking, and sentence completion.

Week 2: Intensive Practice and Exam Strategy

1. Advanced Reading Practice

  • Conduct full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam environment.
  • Focus on reading strategies for dealing with longer and more complex texts.
  • Practise multiple-choice and gap-fill questions, providing strategies for eliminating wrong answers.
  • Work on improving reading speed and efficiency without sacrificing comprehension.
  • Encourage students to note unfamiliar vocabulary and work on contextual guessing and word formation techniques.

2. Refined Writing Techniques

  • Provide detailed feedback on students' writing from Week 1 to identify areas for improvement.
  • Teach students to focus on task achievement and content relevance in both Task 1 and Task 2 writing.
  • Encourage students to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures (such as conditionals, passive voice, and reported speech).
  • Practise editing and proofreading skills: students review their own writing to improve accuracy in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Conduct writing workshops where students peer-review each other's work, focusing on improving clarity, argumentation, and coherence.

3. Intensive Listening Practice

  • Conduct full listening practice tests under timed conditions to improve performance under exam pressure.
  • Focus on distractors in listening tasks and teach students how to avoid common pitfalls.
  • Work on techniques for understanding multiple speakers and complex dialogue, which can often be tricky in the listening section.
  • Review strategies for answering gap-fill and multiple-choice questions after listening to recordings.
  • Provide feedback on common listening mistakes and strategies to overcome them.

4. Speaking Test Preparation

  • Familiarise students with the four parts of the speaking test:
    • Part 1: Interview – answering questions about personal topics like hobbies, daily life, and travel.
    • Part 2: Long turn – speaking for 1 minute on a given topic (e.g., describing a photo or discussing a situation).
    • Part 3: Collaborative task – discussing an abstract topic and exchanging ideas with a partner.
    • Part 4: Discussion – exchanging opinions and ideas with another candidate on abstract topics (e.g., technology, environmental issues).
  • Conduct mock speaking tests to build students' confidence and fluency.
  • Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and clarity of speech in all speaking tasks.
  • Practise interactive speaking in Part 3, where students must listen to and respond to a partner’s ideas.
  • Provide feedback on fluency, grammar accuracy, and vocabulary range.

5. Full Practice Test & Final Exam Strategies

  • Simulate a complete B2 First exam under realistic test conditions (all sections: Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
  • Provide individual feedback on the results of the practice test, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Discuss test strategies: time management, staying calm under pressure, and making quick decisions when answering questions.
  • Review common exam day tips (e.g., reading instructions carefully, focusing on answering all parts of a question, handling nerves).
  • Encourage students to take practice tests at home to continue their preparation.

6. Test-Taking Strategies & Stress Management

  • Teach strategies for staying calm and focused during the exam, such as deep breathing, positive visualisation, and staying organised.
  • Discuss the importance of time management in each section, especially Reading and Writing.
  • Provide tips on how to handle difficult questions and keep moving forward without getting stuck.
  • Offer advice on how to approach the exam day with confidence and be well-prepared for any surprises.

Overall Course Goals

  • Improvement of all five skills (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) at the B2 level.
  • Familiarity with the exam format and question types, as well as understanding how to tackle each section effectively.
  • Increased confidence in speaking, writing, listening, and reading under exam conditions.
  • Advanced test-taking strategies for time management, reducing stress, and maximising performance.
  • Refinement of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation for a more sophisticated use of language at the B2 level.
  • Personalised feedback to help students focus on their individual areas for improvement.
  • Effective stress management and strategies for approaching the test day.

By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to sit the Cambridge B2 First exam, with the confidence to perform successfully across all sections and the ability to demonstrate their proficiency at the B2 level.

X

Cambridge C1 Advanced

 
The Cambridge C1 Advanced is a qualification that is globally accepted as proof of high achievement. It provides high level English skills for academic and professional success and enables learners to make the most out of studying, living and working in English-speaking countries.
 
The exam is split in to four parts: Reading and Use of English - 90 minutes, Writing - 90 minutes, Listening - 40 minutes, Speaking - 15 minutes per pair of candidates or 23 minutes per group of three.
 
The Speaking test is taken face-to-face, with two candidates and two examiners.
  • Students must have an Advanced level (C1) before the course starts
  • Students' level will be checked before an exam place is confirmed
  • Available at Lancing
  • Dedicated Exam Preparation instead of English Skills and Enrichment lessons
  • Exam taken on Fri 25 July 2025 at a London Cambridge exam centre
  • 2 Weeks Preparation & Exam Fee £525
  • Fee includes exam enrolment fee, preparation and certificate

Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam Leaflet

Cambridge English Scale Explained 

 

Course Summary 

Bede's two-week Cambridge C1 Advanced exam preparation course for students aged 13-17 will focus on refining their language skills and exam strategies, while helping them gain confidence in using advanced English in both academic and real-life contexts. The course will be intensive, addressing all four exam sections—Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—along with specific strategies to maximise performance. 

Week 1: Advanced Skills Development & Test Familiarisation

1. Familiarisation with the Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam Format

  • Introduce students to the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam structure:
    • Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)
    • Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)
    • Listening (approximately 40 minutes)
    • Speaking (14 minutes per candidate in pairs or 23 minutes per a group of three)
  • Provide an overview of the scoring system and what is expected at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
  • Review the types of questions in each section (e.g., multiple-choice, gap-fill, essays, and collaborative speaking tasks).
  • Discuss strategies for each section to maximise efficiency and minimise time pressure during the exam.

2. Strengthening Reading and Use of English Skills

  • Develop skills for reading complex texts across different genres (e.g., articles, essays, fiction, and academic texts).
  • Focus on techniques for skimming and scanning for key information while ensuring deep comprehension.
  • Practise multiple-choice, word formation, and cloze (gap-fill) exercises using C1-level texts.
  • Teach how to understand nuances of meaning, such as distinguishing between synonyms, interpreting idiomatic language, and recognizing subtle details in texts.
  • Review grammar and vocabulary at the C1 level, including phrasal verbs, complex sentence structures, and advanced vocabulary.
  • Work on inference and critical thinking in reading, helping students develop the ability to understand implied meaning and tone.

3. Developing Writing Skills for C1

  • Focus on writing clear, structured essays with well-developed arguments and sophisticated language.
  • Practise writing formal letters, reports, and essays (the two main writing tasks in the exam), ensuring correct format, style, and coherence.
  • Teach strategies for organising ideas logically, developing arguments with clear topic sentences, and supporting them with relevant details.
  • Focus on lexical range and accuracy, encouraging students to use a wide variety of advanced vocabulary and formal academic expressions.
  • Work on complex grammatical structures (e.g., conditionals, passive voice, relative clauses) to enhance the sophistication of written responses.
  • Provide feedback on students’ writing, emphasizing clarity, coherence, and error correction.

4. Listening Skills Development

  • Familiarise students with various listening contexts: academic lectures, interviews, discussions, and broadcasts.
  • Focus on listening for specific information, main ideas, and detailed comprehension in a variety of accents (British, American, Australian, etc.).
  • Practise with multiple-choice, gap-fill, and short-answer questions from authentic C1-level listening materials.
  • Teach strategies for dealing with distractors in listening tasks, where the answer may be misdirected or misleading.
  • Encourage active listening, such as noting key ideas and recognising the tone, register, and opinion in the speech.
  • Provide feedback on common listening challenges and strategies for overcoming them, like predicting content and focusing on keywords.

Week 2: Exam Practice and Advanced Strategies

1. Advanced Reading and Use of English Practice

  • Provide full-length practice tests for Reading and Use of English to simulate the exam experience.
  • Focus on time management strategies for completing the section efficiently.
  • Review techniques for answering difficult questions, such as word formation, error correction, and reading comprehension questions with tricky answers.
  • Provide feedback on vocabulary range, helping students to expand their understanding of advanced language use, including formal and informal expressions.
  • Practise speed-reading techniques to improve time management without losing comprehension.
  • Review paraphrasing techniques to enhance understanding of different word forms and phrases in texts.

2. Advanced Writing Practice

  • Conduct timed practice of essay writing and report writing with an emphasis on argument structure, logical flow, and detail development.
  • Provide individualised feedback on students' writing, focusing on sophistication of language, coherence, and grammar accuracy.
  • Practise writing essays on abstract topics and problem-solution tasks, encouraging students to present clear opinions and support arguments with evidence.
  • Review common mistakes in word choice, collocations, and sentence structure.
  • Focus on cohesion and coherence through linking words, signposting phrases, and logical paragraphing.
  • Work on improving writing fluency, including editing and proofreading strategies for exam situations.

3. Intensive Listening Practice

  • Practise listening to longer, more complex recordings with multiple speakers (e.g., debates, panel discussions).
  • Encourage active listening by focusing on key themes, specific facts, and the speaker’s attitude.
  • Provide full listening tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience.
  • Focus on advanced strategies like listening for gist, specific details, and understanding tone or intent in spoken texts.
  • Review answers together, offering strategies for identifying and correcting common mistakes in listening.

4. Speaking Test Preparation

  • Review the four parts of the speaking test:
    • Part 1: Interview – talking about personal interests, experiences, and opinions.
    • Part 2: Long Turn – speaking for 1 minute on a given topic, with a prompt to expand upon.
    • Part 3: Collaborative task – discussing an abstract topic and exchanging ideas with a partner.
    • Part 4: Discussion - further discussion with the other candidate based on the topics or issues raised in the task in Part 3. 
  • Encourage students to speak fluently and confidently by practising complex sentence structures, advanced vocabulary, and appropriate intonation.
  • Focus on interactive speaking in Part 3, where students need to discuss ideas, agree/disagree, and express personal opinions.
  • Conduct mock speaking tests to help students feel more comfortable in exam conditions.
  • Provide feedback on fluency, pronunciation, grammatical range, and lexical resource.

5. Full Practice Test & Exam Strategy

  • Simulate a full Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, including all sections (Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking), under realistic exam conditions.
  • Provide individual feedback on the practice test, reviewing areas of strength and weakness.
  • Teach students how to stay focused and manage time effectively across all sections.
  • Discuss test-taking strategies, such as dealing with difficult questions, staying calm under pressure, and ensuring the accuracy of answers.
  • Review final exam tips for approaching the test day with confidence, such as preparing mentally, getting enough rest, and ensuring familiarity with the exam logistics.

6. Test-Taking Strategies & Stress Management

  • Teach strategies for staying calm and focused during the exam, such as deep breathing, positive visualisation, and staying organised.
  • Discuss the importance of time management in each section, especially Reading and Writing.
  • Provide tips on how to handle difficult questions and keep moving forward without getting stuck.
  • Offer advice on how to approach the exam day with confidence and be well-prepared for any surprises.

Overall Course Goals

  • Enhance all five skills (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) at the C1 level, focusing on academic and real-life language use.
  • Build confidence and fluency in advanced English through targeted practice and feedback.
  • Familiarity with the exam format and effective test-taking strategies to perform well under timed conditions.
  • Refinement of writing and speaking skills, with an emphasis on coherence, complexity, and range of language.
  • Increase reading speed and listening comprehension to handle more complex texts and recordings.
  • Personalised feedback on each student’s performance to identify areas for improvement and maximise their score potential.
  • Effective stress management and strategies for approaching the test day.

By the end of this two-week course, students will be well-prepared for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, with refined language skills, enhanced exam techniques, and the confidence needed to achieve a high score.

X

IELTS

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) qualification is widely accepted by professional registration bodies, educational institutes and government immigration agencies as proof of English language skills. 

The exam consists of a Listening Paper (approx. 30 minutes), a Reading Paper (60 minutes), a Writing Paper (60 minutes) and a Speaking Exam (11-14 minutes). 

The Speaking exam is taken face-to-face, with one candidate and one examiner at a time. 

  • Students must have an Intermediate level (B1) before the course starts - pre-test is required
  • Students must be at least 16 when starting the course
  • Available at Brighton - Pathways to Higher Education 
  • IELTS preparation is a 2-week course
  • only one IELTS course can be taken during the summer
  • IELTS students should stay 1 extra night (no extra charge) and depart on Sunday
  • Exam is taken at an external testing venue in Brighton
  • Exam dates: Saturday 19 July 2025 and Saturday 2 August 2025
  • The result of the exam and the test report is valid for 2 years
  • 2 weeks £545
  • Fee includes exam enrolment fee, preparation and certificate

IELTS Exam Leaflet

IELTS Score explained on Cambridge English Scale 

 

Course Summary

Bede's two-week IELTS Academic exam preparation course for students aged 16-20 will focus on enhancing language proficiency while building familiarity with the test format and strategies specific to the Academic version of the IELTS exam. This course will aim to improve skills in the four test sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), with an emphasis on academic content and academic English conventions.

 

Week 1: Skill Development & Test Familiarization

  1. Familiarise Students with IELTS Academic Test Format

    • Introduce the IELTS Academic test structure: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
    • Explain scoring criteria for each section and the importance of band scores (1-9).
    • Discuss the academic context of the IELTS Academic test (focus on university-level tasks and content).
    • Review the types of questions in each section (e.g., multiple choice, matching, short-answer, essay writing, etc.).

  2. Develop Listening Skills

    • Practise listening for specific information: Identifying key facts, dates, figures, and opinions in academic and general conversations.
    • Train for listening to academic discussions (lectures, interviews, debates).
    • Focus on understanding different English accents (British, Australian, American, etc.).
    • Develop note-taking strategies for summarising spoken content quickly.
    • Practise with real IELTS listening practice tests and learn how to focus on key points while managing time.

  3. Enhance Reading Comprehension

    • Teach skimming and scanning techniques for efficiently identifying main ideas, details, and keywords.
    • Focus on understanding academic texts: Extracting meaning from scientific papers, journal articles, and university-level reading material.
    • Discuss the three IELTS Academic reading sections (long texts, diagrams, and written arguments) and how to approach each.
    • Introduce various types of reading questions: True/False/Not Given, Multiple Choice, Matching Headings, and Summary Completion.
    • Vocabulary-building for academic contexts (scientific and technical vocabulary).

  4. Writing Task 1 (Academic)

    • Focus on describing visual data (graphs, tables, charts, diagrams) clearly and accurately.
    • Emphasise the importance of identifying key trends, comparisons, and data relationships.
    • Teach how to structure Task 1 responses: Introduction, overview, and detailed description of trends.
    • Practise writing clear, concise, and formal academic language.
    • Provide feedback and corrections on writing.

  5. Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing)

    • Introduce the structure of an IELTS argumentative essay: Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion.
    • Focus on developing critical thinking and argumentation skills.
    • Practise brainstorming ideas for Task 2 topics (social issues, technology, education, etc.).
    • Teach how to use complex sentence structures, and academic vocabulary.
    • Discuss the importance of coherence and cohesion in academic writing.
    • Practise time management for writing under exam conditions.

Week 2: Test Practice & Advanced Exam Strategies

  1. Refine Listening Techniques

    • Practise full-length IELTS listening tests under timed conditions.
    • Focus on identifying key details and understanding the context of conversations or academic discussions.
    • Teach strategies for handling difficult sections, such as when there’s background noise or multiple speakers.
    • Learn to use paraphrasing skills to match answers to the listening content.

  2. Advanced Reading Practice

    • Practise with longer and more complex academic texts, simulating the reading difficulty of the actual exam.
    • Enhance speed-reading skills while retaining comprehension.
    • Focus on understanding academic vocabulary and context-based clues for unfamiliar words.
    • Analyse the structure of academic texts to improve the ability to locate information quickly.
    • Conduct reading practice tests under exam conditions to simulate the pressure of the real test.

  3. Improve Writing Task 1 and Task 2 (Advanced Focus)

    • Provide individual feedback on Task 1 and Task 2 practice essays from Week 1.
    • Work on advanced writing skills, such as using more sophisticated vocabulary, and varied sentence structures.
    • Teach students how to create a clear argument in their essay and support it with relevant examples.
    • Focus on common writing mistakes: sentence fragments, unclear argumentation, lack of support for ideas.
    • Practise time management for completing both writing tasks within the given time limits (20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2).

  4. Speaking Test Preparation

    • Familiarise students with the three parts of the Speaking test (Introduction & Interview, Long Turn, and Discussion).
    • Part 1: Practise common questions about personal information, interests, and background.
    • Part 2: Practise delivering a 2-minute monologue on a given topic with relevant examples.
    • Part 3: Develop skills for participating in discussion-type questions, such as analyzing issues, comparing opinions, and justifying answers.
    • Work on pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
    • Conduct mock speaking tests to simulate the test environment and provide feedback on language use, pronunciation, and organisation of ideas.

  5. Mock IELTS Tests

    • Simulate a full IELTS Academic test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) under exam conditions.
    • Review the results with the students and identify areas for improvement in each section.
    • Provide personalised feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
    • Discuss strategies for improving specific skills, such as time management, task focus, and exam nerves.

  6. Test-Taking Strategies & Stress Management

    • Teach strategies for staying calm and focused during the exam, such as deep breathing, positive visualisation, and staying organised.
    • Discuss the importance of time management in each section, especially Reading and Writing.
    • Provide tips on how to handle difficult questions and keep moving forward without getting stuck.
    • Offer advice on how to approach the exam day with confidence and be well-prepared for any surprises.

Overall Course Goals

  • Improvement of all four IELTS Academic skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) with a focus on academic English.
  • Familiarisation with the IELTS Academic test format and question types.
  • Increased test-taking confidence through practice, feedback, and mock exams.
  • Advanced writing and speaking techniques for high band scores (6.5-8.0).
  • Practical skills for handling academic texts, lectures, and discussions.
  • Personalised feedback and guidance on improving weak areas.
  • Development of strategies to manage time and answer questions more effectively.
  • Refinement of language skills in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation for higher band scores.
  • Effective stress management and strategies for approaching the test day.

This course structure aims to balance foundational skills with intensive practice and test-taking strategies, ensuring students are well-prepared for the IELTS Academic exam.

X
video title here