Is accent important in the IELTS speaking test? Pronunciation is a key part of getting a high score in the speaking test. Therefore, it is natural
Should I use a pen or pencil in the IELTS exam?
Should I use a pen or a pencil in the IELTS exam? This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from IELTS students
IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success
Do you need to improve your Writing Task 2 score but don't know where to start? This unique lesson will give you a free document that will guide you
How long will it take me to get Band ‘X’?
Do you need to prepare for the IELTS exam but have no idea how long it will take you? Perhaps you fear that you’re running out of time before your
How to get the IELTS score you need
This article is only intended for those that wish to improve their IELTS scores by investing the time and energy required. Are you tired of
How to Find IELTS Material on Social Media
It’s no secret that IELTS preparation tools and practice papers are in high demand, with more than 3 million people taking the exam every year. This
Pros and Cons of Choosing the Computer-Based IELTS Exam
Around three years ago, IELTS introduced the option for IELTS students to take the test on a computer instead of on paper. Since then, we receive
IELTS Beginners: Do I Need Help From a Teacher?
This blog post is the fifth and final instalment of our IELTS Beginners series. Designed to answer one of the most frequently asked questions we
IELTS Beginners: Which Methods Should I Follow for Reading and Listening?
As the fourth instalment of our IELTS beginners series, this blog post will direct you towards all of the proven strategies you will need to improve
IELTS Beginners: Which Methods Should I Follow for Writing and Speaking?
This blog post is the third part of our IELTS beginners series, tailored to help you effectively prepare for the IELTS exam. This article will direct
IELTS Beginners: How do I Start my IELTS Preparation?
Welcome to the second of our five-part blog series for IELTS beginners. In this article, I will answer some of the most commonly asked questions I get
IELTS Beginners: What is IELTS?
This post is the first of a five-part series for IELTS beginners, designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions we get about the IELTS
How to Spot an IELTS Scam
Millions of people take the IELTS exam every year, many of whom choose an online course or teacher to help with their preparation.This means that
IELTS Tips and Tricks
If you are reading this article, it is because you are looking for some easy tips and tricks to prepare you for the IELTS exam. However, before we get
How to Get Band 7+ in 5 Steps
Do you need to score a high band in the IELTS exam but don’t know how to achieve it?This post will highlight a simple five-step strategy you must
IELTS vs. OET: Which is better for medical professionals?
The NMC and GMC now accept both IELTS and OET as proof that you can use the English language to the required level.With this news, I've had a huge
From Failure to IELTS Band 8.5 In 1 Month
Congratulations to this student who got an 8.5 overall today.She failed to get the score she needed first time and worked hard for one month to
IELTS Practice: Your Ultimate Free Guide
You have probably heard the phrase 'Practice makes perfect.' That's the one everybody knows, but for IELTS practice, I prefer: Practice does not make
12 Things I Learned From Being an IELTS ‘Concierge’
Last week in my VIP Group, I offered students a new service- a VVIP Concierge Service. Don't worry, I'm not going to try and sell you anything. In
IELTS Exam Preparation – Ultimate Resource Guide
Preparing for the IELTS exam is tough enough, but the huge selection of resources makes it even tougher. To make your life easier, I've collected all
Why do the best doctors fail to get the IELTS score they need?
Doctors need a good score in IELTS to relocate to Australia, the UK, or Canada. It can be a real life changer and so a good score is crucial.
5 Things Band 7+ IELTS Students Do
I'm a bit obsessed with the difference between a student who gets the scores that they need and those that don't. Every time I get an email from
25 Most Frequently Asked Questions
I get around 1000 questions per day from students through email and during my Facebook Live sessions. Nearly all of them are one of the 25 below, so I
Top 10 IELTS Articles of 2016
Here are the most popular IELTS posts, on my site, over the past year. Enjoy!Top 10 Most Common Task 2 Topics Writing Task 2 Structures
Should I Get My IELTS Test Remarked?
One of the biggest concerns students have is whether or not to get their tests remarked if they don't get the scores they were expecting.There is
IELTS Scores
IELTS is graded on a scale of 0-9. You will receive a score for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. These scores are then averaged and this will
British Council or IDP?
One of the strangest things I have heard from students goes something like this:''I'm going to book my test with IDP, the examiners give higher
My IELTS test is next week, what should I do?
Do you think that one week is enough time to prepare for the IELTS test? How about one month? How about 3 months?You would not believe the amount
IELTS Simon Interview
It's great to get different perspectives on online IELTS teaching and Simon from IELTS Simon has been kind enough to answer a few of my questions.
Best Podcasts for English Learners
The best English students are always looking for new ways to develop their skills, and increasingly, podcasts have become an unparalleled source of
Can I Use American English?
Introduction I have had lots of emails this month asking if it is OK to use American English in the IELTS test. Whenever this topic comes up in class
IELTS Preparation Books
There are hundreds of IELTS preparation books on the market and choosing the right one can make the difference between studying effectively and
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is easier?
A question I regularly get from students is 'Should I take the IELTS or TOEFL test,' and also 'IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is the easiest?'This post
IELTS Writing Tips
These are IELTS writing tips for people doing the academic paper, but you will also find them useful for the general paper. Most of these tips are for
Secret to Getting a 9 on the IELTS Reading Test
Let me tell you a secret. The IELTS reading test is not really a reading test. Sure you need to use reading skills like skimming and scanning but,
25 Free Online Language Learning Tools
These days there are lots of online resources to help you learn English at home for free. Although the best resource is always a good teacher, you
24 Hour English Warm Up
What do singers, athletes and actors all do before they perform? They warm up. Why? To improve their performance. This is exactly the same in the
IELTS Reading Tips
These are the 10 IELTS reading tips I share with all of my IELTS classes. First, let's look at an overview so we can understand what the reading paper
Helping IELTS Students Practice Phonetics at Home for Free
IELTS PronunciationIf you look at the IELTS speaking marking criteria, you will notice that pronunciation makes up 25% of the total marks. In
Top 10 IELTS Misconceptions That Stop People Getting a High Score
If you spend enough time as an IELTS teacher you will hear some pretty crazy ‘facts’ about the IELTS test. Every term I hear the same myths and below
10 Great Ways to Learn English at Home for Free
I'm about to reveal to you THE biggest difference between students who get the band score they want and the those who fail to meet
The Secret Method All IELTS 8+ Students Have In Common
First ImpressionsEvery 8 weeks I start teaching a new group of students. I walk in to the room, welcome them all and then take a few minutes to