IELTS

Exams 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

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.).
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.
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).
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.
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

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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.