Professional Documents
Culture Documents
STUDY IELTS
with IELTS
. PREPARATION
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
STUDY NOTES
STUDY TIPS
For the Academic Module of IELTS Writing Task 1
and Task 2, it is important to use formal English. Be
careful that your writing is consistent. In other
words, different writing styles should not be mixed.
Always leave some time to check your writing.
+) Latin abbreviations The Institute offers programs for all phases of The Institute offers many
are written in full teaching and training of educational personnel. training programs, e.g.
For example, it provides advanced work in advanced work in counselling,
counselling, pastoral care and guidance. pastoral care and guidance.
VOCABULARY
--- use phrasal or prepositional verbs Examples
are inappropriate in formal writing
Formal choice Phrasal Verbs
ACTIVITY SHEET
Q: Identify whether these sentences are formal, informal or whether the two styles have been mixed
1: The government has indicated that the system would be beneficial to the pensioners.
A: formal
B: informal
C: mixed
2: Some candidates find speaking to be the most difficult thing they’ve got to do.
A: formal
B: informal
C: mixed
3: As a result of the findings, the scientists commenced research into sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS).
A: formal
B: informal
C: mixed
A: formal
B: informal
C: mixed
5: The survey from which the results were tabulated indicated the standard of living for these people has
declined significantly.
A: formal
B: informal
C: mixed
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ANSWERS: 1. A: formal
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
2. B: informal
3. A: formal
4. C: mixed
5. A: formal
+4) PREPOSITIONS OF TIMES – There are several prepositions (at, in, on, from, for, between,
to, till, until) which are useful when describing data.
-Between 2001 and 2004, DVD sales increased dramatically, from 2 to 3 million. This was a rise
of 50%, quite a significant growth.
The order of these parts is not necessarily fixed or rigid. So we can write:
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→ Sales of DVDs showed significant growth, rising from 2 to 3 million between 2001 and 2004
– an increase of 50%.
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
→ The number of candidates taking IELTS increased again in 2003 from 355,000 to well over
475,000 – a rise of 34%.
From 2001 till 2004, there was a gradual increase in DVD sales in Vietnam, from 2 to 3 million –
a rise of 50%.
From 2001 till 2004, DVD sales in Vietnam increased gradually from 2 to 3 million – a rise of
50%.
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
VERBS
Formal
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Increase Decrease
Rise Drop
Go up Go down
Informal
Nouns
Formal
Expansion Contraction
Increase Decrease
rise Drop
Informal
④PREPOSITIONS OF TIMES
There are several prepositions (at, in, on, by, from, for, between, to, till, until), which are useful
when describing data:
At: a particular point in time In: during a period of time On: a day
We say ‘at Christmas’ meaning the season of Christmas, but ‘on Christmas Day’ (25 th
December)
By: to measure the size For: to measure length From: to establish To, till, until: reach,
of a rise or a fall of time when the measure arrive at
starts from
Enrolments fell by 30% To continue for a few From the beginning of The trend
hours, for a whole day, 2021 Continued to/till/until
for three weeks, for November
months, for the whole
winter
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
The graphs show changes in the trends of the urban and rural population and by different age
groups from 1950 to 2040.
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Sample Answer:
The data gives demographic information about urban and rural areas as well as three particular
age groups in one country from 1950 to 2000 with predictions to 2040.
Overall, the total urban and rural population witnessed a significant increase between 1950 and
2000 while the proportion of people aged 16-65 years was largest and showed the most dramatic
growth compared to the figures for the other two age groups. These trends are expected to continue in
2040.
The total population stood at 10% in 1950, rising to around 26% in the next 50 years, and is
predicted to go up to 43% in 2040. In 1950, the urban and rural populations achieved 8% and 2.5%
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respectively and, in the second half of the 20th century , the figure for the countryside continued to lag
that for metroplolitan areas by a significant margin of 8%. By 2040, this population disparity will have
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
got wider with a third of the country’s population living in
cities, over 20% higher than the figure for rural areas.
STUDY NOTES
LESSON 3:
TED TALKS
(AUTHENTIC LISTENING)
10 ways to have a better conversation – Celeste Headlee
Read about Celeste Headlee and get ready to watch her talk
On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfGQpe6FQcw
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On Ted: https://www.ted.com/talks/celeste_headlee_10_ways_to_have_a_better_conversation
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
ACTIVITY SHEET
Listening website:
https://eltngl.com/sites/perspectives/student-resources/british-english/intermediate/student-book-
audio-intermediate
1. Read the authentic listening box (the black box). Listen to the first sentence of her talk.
Write down the words you hear. Track 54
2. Listen again. What does Celeste want the audience to do? Track 54
A. Unfriend s’one on Facebook
B. Put their hands up
3. Listen to five more short sentences. Write what you hear. Track 55
4. Discuss:
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When you talk to people you don’t know very well, what are safe topics to talk about?
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Which topics should you definitely avoid? What do you talk about?
5. After watching the talk, according to Celeste, are the sentences True (T) or False (F)?
1. Even the weather and your health aren’t safe topics of conversation anymore.
2. Smartphones are helping kids improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Celeste agrees with the advice everyone has heard about how to show that you are
paying attention.
6. Complete Celeste’s ten tips for having a better conversation.
1. Don’t________.
2. Enter every conversation assuming that you have something to________.
3. Use________questions. Start questions with who, what, when, why, where and how.
4. Go with the________. Thoughts will come into your mind and you need to let them go
out of your mind.
5. If you________, say you don’t know.
6. Don’t equate your________ with theirs.
7. Try not to________yourself.
8. Leave out the________.
9. ________. It’s the number one most important skill that you can develop.
10. Be________.
ANSWERS:
1. All right, I want to see a show of hands: how many of you have unfriended someone on
Facebook because they said something offensive about politics or religion, childcare, food?
2. B
3. Now, I make my living talking to people. I talk to people that I like. I talk to people that I
don't like. I talk to some people that I disagree with deeply on a personal level. But I still have
a great conversation with them.
4. (No, don’t be that lazy!:>)
5. 1.T, 2. F, 3 F
STUDY NOTES
LESSON 4: VOCABULARY
(Relationship and Family)
Example: Even more appropriate is that after eight years of being in that dysfunctional relationship, her
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kids would be on welfare and they’d all have free Obama cell phones.
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Relevant collocation:
● Dysfunctional family / relationship / attitude / behavior
● Emotional / broken / abusive / incompetent dysfunctional
2. nuclear family (n) gia đình hạt nhân (gia đình gồm 2 thế hệ cha mẹ – con cái)
Example: The trend towards the nuclear family is expected to result in a large increase in the number of
single elders.
Example: A strong feature is that the book includes case studies of extended family systems as well as
nuclear family systems.
Example: High-technology products are hard to sell to households where the head of the household is
over 60 years of age.
Relevant collocation:
● Household chores / expenses / waste
● Single–person household
5. behavioral (adj) hành vi
Example: The new chairman of the committee of managing director promised “behavioral and cultural
change” at top levels of the company.
Relevant collocation:
● Behavioral problems / difficulties
Relevant collocation:
● reach / survive / enter / continue adulthood
Example: They have fostered over 60 children during the past ten years.
Relevant collocation:
● carefully / deliberately / energetically forster
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● help (to) / be designed to foster
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
8. bond (n) liên kết, quan hệ
Example: There has been a close bond between them ever since she saved him from drowning.
Relevant collocation:
● Close / strong / common / natural / emotional / spiritual bond
● Be linked by / feel / have bond
● Create / develop / forge / form / strengthen / break / destroy bond
Example: He urged governments worldwide to break diplomatic ties with the new regime.
Relevant collocation:
● Close / strong / weak / blood / family / emotional / personal / business / commercial / economic
/ cultural / political / social / traditional tie
● Have tie
● Loosen / weaken tie
Relevant collocation:
● Close / easy / good / great / tremendous / personal / instant rapport
● Build / develop / establish / enjoy / have / feel rapport
Relevant collocation:
● Rebellious teenager / spirit / youth / nature / behavior
● Potentially / seemingly / fiercely / notably rebellious
Relevant collocation:
● Obedient child / dog / son
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● Fully / perfectly / habitually / reluctantly / strictly obedient
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
13. permissive (adj) dễ dãi
Example: It’s a very permissive school where the children are allowed to do whatever they want.
Relevant collocation:
● Become / be permissive
● Extremely / highly / very permissive
Example: The soccer fans indulge their patriotism waving flags and singing songs.
Relevant collocation:
● Be able to / be free to indulge
Example: He’s been ordered to have the dog destroyed because it’s dangerous, but he refuses to comply.
Relevant collocation:
● Fully / strictly comply
● Fail to / refuse to comply
● Comply with
Example: Researchers concluded that low level exposure to the chemical was unlikely to cause harm.
Relevant collocation:
● Brief / greater / limited exposure
● Give somebody / get / have / increase exposure
Relevant collocation:
● Be / look sheltered
● Snugly / well / fairly / quite / relatively sheltered
STUDY NOTES
IELTS Listening
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
IELTS Listening is divided into four sections, with 10 questions in each section. The test takes around
30 minutes to complete, with each section getting increasingly more difficult. You will have 10
minutes at the end of the listening test to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Instead of just listening to the BBC, you could try smaller regional radio stations or actively
watching TV shows from different English-speaking countries. A quick search on Google is all you
need to find these.
This lesson will help you prepare for the test by familiarising you with summary completion questions,
giving you some tips and a chance to practice.
This is a good article to start with and will allow you to understand exactly what the test is and how you
can use this site to improve your listening skills.
In the first section of the test, there is often a form filling question. Normally the answers will be one or
two words long and will be factual information, such as phone numbers, dates and times.
This post will show you how to effectively answer multiple-choice questions in the test. It will show you
the three different types of multiple-choice questions, look at common problems and give you tips and a
strategy to help you on test day.
This post will help you answer labelling map or plan IELTS questions more effectively by looking at
common problems, useful language and giving you a strategy to use on test day.
In order to score a Band 7+ in IELTS listening, you need to have a solid understanding of what is
expected from you. The information below will help you understand exactly what is required from you:
● The test is divided into 4 parts. The questions get progressively more difficult as the test goes
on.
● Timing is key. For each part, you will have time to look at the questions before the recording
begins and you will have time to check your answers at the end.
● You will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet provided at the end
of the test.
● Both General Training and Academic IELTS pupils take the same Listening exam.
● You can check out our complete guide to the IELTS exam here: IELTS Preparation Guide
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● Read and listen to the instructions very carefully. Many students throw away easy marks by
misreading or not following simple instructions.
● Write your answers on the test paper. Feel free to write on it. You’ve paid for it.
● If you have problems hearing the recording, complain at the end. You’ve paid for a service and
you deserve to be treated properly.
● For more help with test day advice, check out the IELTS website here: IELTS Test Day Advice
Many of our pupils need to get at least one Band 8 for visa application or scholarship purposes. This
article will detail the exact steps you must take if you need to get a Band 8 in listening.
Podcasts offer you an insight into what you can expect if you actually lived in an English speaking
country. There are also so many of them, that you can pick the ones that suit your interests.
Students often ask me ‘How do I improve my reading and listening skills?’ The short answer is ‘Read and
listen more.’ However, this is not a very good answer because you need to know HOW to practice and
WHERE to get good sources of reading and listening material.
This post will teach you about connected speech, the inadequacies of IELTS textbooks in preparing
students for the listening test and suggest some alternatives for preparing from home.
It’s vital that you practice your listening skills at home regularly and strategically. These lessons will
teach you how to practice wisely and improve your listening skills at home.
● IDP
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● IELTS Official
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Remember: DO NOT use practice tests from unofficial sites. These tests are created by people who do
not know what they are doing. They are either too easy or too difficult. The tests will give you a false
impression of your current level and will sabotage your progress.
4. Think about why you made those mistakes. What were the particular reasons why you
answered those questions incorrectly? Was it timing, strategy, vocabulary, grammar, listening
skills, spelling?
6. Repeat the process until you are consistently getting the score you need.
You can calculate your Band score by counting up your marks out of 40 and comparing them with the
scores below:
______________________________________________________________________________
Source: IELTS advantage
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
STUDY NOTES
Of all mankind’s manifold creations, language must take pride of place. Other inventions – the wheel,
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
agriculture, sliced bread – may have transformed our material existence, but the advent of language
is what made us human. Compared to language, all other inventions pale in significance, since
everything we have ever achieved depends on language and originates from it. Without language, we
could never have embarked on our ascent to unparalleled power over all other animals, and even
But language is foremost not just because it came first. In its own right it is a tool of extraordinary
sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity: ‘this marvellous invention of composing
out of twenty-five or thirty sounds that infinite variety of expressions which, whilst having in
themselves no likeness to what is in our mind, allow us to disclose to others its whole secret, and to
make known to those who cannot penetrate it all that we imagine, and all the various stirrings of our
soul’. This was how, in 1660, the renowned French grammarians of the Port-Royal abbey near
Versailles distilled the essence of language, and no one since has celebrated more eloquently the
magnitude of its achievement. Even so, there is just one flaw in all these hymns of praise, for the
homage to language’s unique accomplishment conceals a simple yet critical incongruity. Language is
mankind’s greatest invention – except, of course, that it was never invented. This apparent paradox is
at the core of our fascination with language, and it holds many of its secrets.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion © Guy Deutscher, Random House Adult Trade Publishing Group. 2006
Questions 1 – 4
Complete the summary using the list of words, A-G, below. Write the correct letter, A-G, in
impact has been as 2 ............ as that of language. Language is very 3 ............ , yet composed
of just a small number of sounds. Language appears to be 4 ............ to use. However, its
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G fundamental
“Do-it-yourself”
The instructions accompanying do-it-yourself products are regularly cited as a source of unnecessary
expense or frustration. Few companies seem to test their instructions by having them followed by a
first-time user. Often, essential information is omitted, steps in the construction process are taken for
granted, and some degree of special knowledge is assumed. This is especially worrying in any fields
Objections to material in plain English have come mainly from the legal profession. Lawyers point to
the risk of ambiguity inherent in the use of everyday language for legal or official documents, and
draw attention to the need for confidence in legal formulations, which can come only from using
language that has been tested in courts over the course of centuries. The campaigners point out that
there has been no sudden increase in litigation as a consequence of the increase in plain English
materials.
Similarly, professionals in several different fields have defended their use of technical and complex
language as being the most precise means of expressing technical or complex ideas. This is
undoubtedly true: scientists, doctors, bankers and others need their jargon in order to communicate
with each other succinctly and unambiguously. But when it comes to addressing the non-specialist
________________________________________________________________________________
Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting words from the text) [Note: This is an extract from a Part 3 text about the ‘Plain
English movement’, which promotes the use of clear English) ‘The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language’, David Crystal, 3rd Edition, ©
Cambridge University Press, 2010.
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Questions 1 – 5
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Consumers often complain that they experience a feeling of 1 ............ when trying to put together
do-it-yourself products which have not been tested by companies on a 2 ............ . In situations
where not keeping to the correct procedures could affect safety issues, it is especially important that 3
............ information is not left out and no assumptions are made about a stage being self-evident or
Lawyers, however, have raised objections to the use of plain English. They feel that it would result in
ambiguity in documents and cause people to lose faith in 5 ............ , as it would mean departing
from language that has been used in the courts for a very long time.
1. _____________________________ 2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________ 4. _____________________________
5. _____________________________
KEY:
1-4:
1 E ■ material
2 G ■ fundamental
3 B ■ complex
4 F ■ easy
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1 -5:
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
1. frustration
2. first-time user
3. essential
4. special knowledge
5. legal formulations
STUDY NOTES
LESSON 7: VOCAB
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
______________________________________________________________________________
Source: Destination C1& C2
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
STUDY NOTES
1. Youtube channels:
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
They make videos which explaining things with optimistic nihilism. They are a small team who want to
make science look beautiful, because it is. I also add the Vietnamese subtitles to some of their videos
Facts are fun, but most are presented in boring and badly edited videos. The Infographics Show focuses
on making animated motion infographic videos, made in a fun and entertaining way.
- Koranos: https://www.youtube.com/c/Koranos/featured
- Aperture: https://www.youtube.com/c/ApertureScience
Venture City is a channel that produces videos and mini documentaries on business innovators,
investing in new industries, and future new businesses.
This Youtube channel changes the way the world learns English. Christian will help you find motivation
to start or continue learning English, techniques, tips and tricks for learning vocabulary and also some
classes cover random aspects of the English language: from theory, to grammar, to psychology, etc.
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- E2 IELTS: https://www.youtube.com/c/E2IELTS
IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
If you need help with IELTS writing, IELTS reading, IELTS listening or IELTS speaking, watch this channel!
With over 1 million IELTS YouTube subscribers, E2 Test Prep provides affordable, quality language
learning technology and test simulation. Check out www.e2language.com or email
hello@e2language.com for more information.
Learn how to speak English with the BBC! Every day they have a new video to help you learn the English
language. For more videos and content that will help you learn English, visit the website:
http://www.bbclearningenglish.com
IELTS daily is a good place for you to improve your IELTS skills quickly and effectively. Interesting classes
are created by IELTS experts with extensive experience of working with the exam. The lessons are
diverse and the channel tries to give you the tips you need to improve your IELTS score as quickly and
effectively as possible.
- CareerVidz: https://www.youtube.com/c/CareerVidz
CareerVidz specialises in teaching job-seekers everything there is to know about careers, tests and
interview questions and answers. Richard McMunn has put together two decades of his own expertise
in careers and education whilst working in the emergency services and the armed forces. He has
compiled all of this information into easy to view, step-by-step video tutorials that will help you pass
your job interview or test. If you are looking for interview questions and answers, and in particular how
to answer behavioral, situational and competency-based interview questions, this channel is the only
resource you need!
2. Websites:
1. IELTS Liz:
https://ieltsliz.com/
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
IELTS Liz is probably the best free website for IELTS preparation. IELTS Liz is a creation of an experienced
teacher from the UK. There is also a youtube channel that has numerous explanatory videos. IELTS Liz
has many benefits as listed below:
The website IELTS Simon was created by an ex-IELTS examiner, Simon, that still runs exam preparation
courses in Manchester, UK. The website gives you some free content to study IELTS, with recent archives
to practice, and video lessons are available on his Youtube channel. If you like to study with a book as
well, he explains some of the audio scripts from Cambridge IELTS 12, which is another good resource to
prepare for IELTS.
IELTS Listening & Reading test is based on actual IELTS questions and standard format of Cambridge
IELTS book. It is created by a community of IELTS teachers, former IELTS examiners and former test
takers. The analysis tool based on your target score band, analyzes your progress and suggests you the
best ways to increase your band score. Not only do you know your score after each test, they also
explain how to choose the right answer so you can understand how to write the question.
4. Apps
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If you have followed me for a while, you’ll know how much I believe in the To Fluency Sentence Method.
This is where you take sentences and phrases and repeat them in a smart way. This is the best way to
learn new words and internalize grammar. You can do this focusing on your speaking, writing, and
reading. Anki allows you to add your own digital flashcards (with audio) or upload cards that others have
made. Here are some tips for using Anki:
Don’t add too many new cards as you will repeat them
If you prefer structured lessons, this app is for you. Learn new vocabulary, take grammar lessons, and
improve your pronunciation by taking lessons based on the news. They keep updating their app and
have added subtitles to their videos.
While Hello Talk focuses on making friends with English-speakers, italki allows you to take private and
group lessons online. Classes are one hour and you can take lessons with the teacher of your choice. I
recommend browsing teachers, taking a few trial lessons, and then getting into a weekly or bi-weekly
schedule. Everything is done online so can connect with teachers from anywhere in the world.
5. Hello Talk (Get Speaking and Writing Practice with English Speakers)
If you haven’t used this yet, you’re going to love it! This app allows you to talk in real time with people
from all over the world. It gives you the speaking practice that so many need. The app includes video
and audio calls, texting, translation tools, group chats, and a great search feature so that you can find
friends.
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
STUDY NOTES
”I’m going to book my test with IDP, the examiners give higher marks.”
”I’m doing my test with the BC because the examiners there help you more and are very friendly.”
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IELTS PREPARATION- STUDY ENGLISH
Have you heard this before? It seems that most students have an opinion. One student will say that one
is better than the other and then in the next class you will hear someone say the exact opposite. It is
always someone’s friend’s cousin’s auntie did it there and she said blah blah blah……… However, no one
has any real evidence that one is ‘better’ than the other.
I have worked at one of these schools and I have friends who are examiners at the other and I can tell
you that your test experience will be exactly the same at both. Why? The examiners are all trained in the
exact same way and use the exact same criteria to grade your performance. They are also checked by
more senior examiners using the exact same criteria.
You could go to the BC in the morning and do your speaking test there and then do a second speaking
test at IDP in the afternoon and your scores should be the same. If they are different, it is because you
performed better in one of them, not because the examiners were better or worse.
So why do these rumours persist? It is simple. When people fail at something they like to look for
someone to blame. It is very easy to say that it was the examiner’s fault, your teacher’s fault or the
school’s fault, but it is very difficult to admit that maybe you just are not ready to get the score you need
or maybe you didn’t work hard enough.
Blaming the British Council or IDP for not getting the score you need is like blaming the electricity
company for your lights not working when you didn’t pay the bill. Your friend’s lights might be on- the
electricity company provides the exact same service to both of you- but they paid their bill.
Good students don’t make excuses or blame other people, they work hard and get the scores they
deserve.
STUDY NOTES