13.09.2023
IELTS: self-preparation vs. professional training
Are you preparing for the IELTS exam? The choice between independent study and enlisting the help of a professional trainer can have a significant influence on your success.
IELTS: self-preparation vs. professional training
Determining the best approach to take is critical, as your test score and the duration of your preparation are vital for every candidate. In our opinion, opting for the support of a professional trainer is the most prudent decision. Whenever we find ourselves needing to master a complex subject within a limited timeframe, seeking guidance from an experienced mentor is a logical step to ensure positive outcomes.
Drawing from our extensive experience, we have spent the last 29 years training numerous students for various academic assessments. A significant number of students we have prepared for the IELTS have achieved their desired scores and often surpassed their expectations. Of course, there are exceptions — occasionally, a student may not possess the necessary level of English proficiency or may leave insufficient time for preparation, which can lead to challenges that are difficult to overcome. However, the majority of our students, who engaged in diligent effort coupled with honest self-assessment, were rewarded with satisfactory or even outstanding test scores. Thus, we firmly believe that seeking assistance from a professional test trainer is the best choice.
One key advantage of working with an experienced instructor is their ability to accurately assess your current level of language proficiency and skills. This assessment is crucial for establishing a realistic timeline for your test preparation. It is commonly understood that achieving success in the IELTS Academic Module — where success is defined as attaining an overall band score of 6 or higher, which most higher education institutions require — necessitates demonstrating a B2/Upper-Intermediate level of English. Overestimating one's capabilities can lead to a loss of both valuable time and significant financial resources, given the test's considerable cost. Based on the results of a diagnostic test and an initial interview, a qualified tutor can provide a projection of your potential band score and the time needed to adequately prepare for the exam, taking into account your target score and available study hours.
Additionally, it's important to recognize that merely having a strong command of English does not automatically guarantee success on an academic test like the IELTS. The exam demands strategic preparation for its various sections and specific task types; even the most disciplined self-study may fall short in adequately preparing for certain test components. For example, the Listening and Reading sections present a variety of task types that require distinct strategic approaches, necessitating the methodological assistance of a tutor. In the case of the Writing and Speaking components, professional help is invaluable because it offers an objective and critical evaluation of your speaking and writing abilities, along with guidance on format and the ability to articulate ideas and construct logical arguments.
In summary, what can you expect when you choose to prepare for the IELTS with a trainer? Initially, they will provide a clear and thorough overview of the test structure, its topics, and the specific tasks required for each section. Following this, they will organize your preparation in an effective, results-oriented manner, monitoring your progress and delivering in-depth feedback on each of the four IELTS components according to established criteria. Be prepared to dedicate time for independent study as well, not only to complete practice tasks but also to enrich your active vocabulary, refresh your English grammar skills, and engage with authentic reading and listening materials. A trainer cannot do all the work for you or take full responsibility for your score; however, they can share that responsibility, help identify gaps in your preparation, and guide your efforts toward refining the tasks that challenge you while also enhancing your overall language skills.
As you progress through your training, you'll notice improvements in your performance in specific tasks and across various test sections. By the end of the preparation course, you'll feel more confident, and taking the IELTS will seem less like a gamble. Ultimately, the results you achieve will empower you to realize your ambitions.
Drawing from our extensive experience, we have spent the last 29 years training numerous students for various academic assessments. A significant number of students we have prepared for the IELTS have achieved their desired scores and often surpassed their expectations. Of course, there are exceptions — occasionally, a student may not possess the necessary level of English proficiency or may leave insufficient time for preparation, which can lead to challenges that are difficult to overcome. However, the majority of our students, who engaged in diligent effort coupled with honest self-assessment, were rewarded with satisfactory or even outstanding test scores. Thus, we firmly believe that seeking assistance from a professional test trainer is the best choice.
One key advantage of working with an experienced instructor is their ability to accurately assess your current level of language proficiency and skills. This assessment is crucial for establishing a realistic timeline for your test preparation. It is commonly understood that achieving success in the IELTS Academic Module — where success is defined as attaining an overall band score of 6 or higher, which most higher education institutions require — necessitates demonstrating a B2/Upper-Intermediate level of English. Overestimating one's capabilities can lead to a loss of both valuable time and significant financial resources, given the test's considerable cost. Based on the results of a diagnostic test and an initial interview, a qualified tutor can provide a projection of your potential band score and the time needed to adequately prepare for the exam, taking into account your target score and available study hours.
Additionally, it's important to recognize that merely having a strong command of English does not automatically guarantee success on an academic test like the IELTS. The exam demands strategic preparation for its various sections and specific task types; even the most disciplined self-study may fall short in adequately preparing for certain test components. For example, the Listening and Reading sections present a variety of task types that require distinct strategic approaches, necessitating the methodological assistance of a tutor. In the case of the Writing and Speaking components, professional help is invaluable because it offers an objective and critical evaluation of your speaking and writing abilities, along with guidance on format and the ability to articulate ideas and construct logical arguments.
In summary, what can you expect when you choose to prepare for the IELTS with a trainer? Initially, they will provide a clear and thorough overview of the test structure, its topics, and the specific tasks required for each section. Following this, they will organize your preparation in an effective, results-oriented manner, monitoring your progress and delivering in-depth feedback on each of the four IELTS components according to established criteria. Be prepared to dedicate time for independent study as well, not only to complete practice tasks but also to enrich your active vocabulary, refresh your English grammar skills, and engage with authentic reading and listening materials. A trainer cannot do all the work for you or take full responsibility for your score; however, they can share that responsibility, help identify gaps in your preparation, and guide your efforts toward refining the tasks that challenge you while also enhancing your overall language skills.
As you progress through your training, you'll notice improvements in your performance in specific tasks and across various test sections. By the end of the preparation course, you'll feel more confident, and taking the IELTS will seem less like a gamble. Ultimately, the results you achieve will empower you to realize your ambitions.