IELTS
IELTS is an internationally
recognised assessment system jointly managed by Cambridge
University in the UK and the British Council. The purpose of IELTS
is to enable students to gain entry into universities across the
world. An IELTS score is seen as proof of a stu
dent's language ability needed
to study in English at a tertiary level.
Milner's IELTS preparation course is run as a 15 hour morning class. Students must pass a pre-entry test before gaining a place in the IELTS course. IELTS tuition fees are the same as for General English. IELTS is an ongoing course, which means there is no official start or finish date. Students can start on any Monday they choose.
Our IELTS preparation course is suitable for Intermediate to Advanced level students. The course covers all four language areas - reading, writing, speaking and listening but focuses particularly on academic writing and reading skills.
IELTS examinations are not held at Milner School, but a local University in London. IELTS tests are available monthly and the entry fee is £120. The IELTS exam tests proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking and is mostly taken by students who intend to go to university. These four skills are tested in four separate papers:
- Listening - 30 minutes
- Reading - 1 hour
- Writing - 1 hour
- Speaking interviews - 11 - 15 minutes
There is no "pass" or "fail" on the IELTS exam. Results are expressed in "Bands", from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user). Different university courses have varying IELTS requirements, depending on the level of English required to cope adequately with a specific course.