IELTS IntroductionListening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

Band scores9 Expert userHas fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.8 Very good userHas fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate words. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.7 Good userHas operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate words and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.6 Competent userHas generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate words and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language particularly in familiar situations.5 Modest userHas partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.4 Limited userBasic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.3 Extremely limited userConveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.2 Intermittent userNo real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.1 Non user Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.0 Did not attempt the testNo assessable information provided. 

Band scores

Listening and ReadingListening

Band Score Raw score out of 40

8 35

7 30

6 23

5 16

Reading (Academic and General)

Band Score Raw score out of 40

8 35/ academic 34/ general

7 30

6 23

5 15

Writing and SpeakingWriting

Task achievement (Task 1)/ Task response (Task 2) 25%

Coherence and cohesion 25%

Lexical resource 25%

Grammatical range and accuracy 25%

Speaking

Fluency and coherence 25%

Lexical resource 25%

Grammatical range and accuracy 25%

Pronunciation 25%

IELTS General The general training module is for

candidates wishing to emigrate to and work in an English speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK)

for those wishing to train or study below a degree level

20% of test takers write the General exam

IELTS Academic The academic module is for candidates

wishing to study at undergraduate or post graduate levels

for those seeking professional registration

80% of test takers write the Academic exam

Quick FAQs Tests are written about twice a month

(or once a month for the General test) There is no limit on the number of times

a student can take the test It costs 17000 RMB each time a student

writes the test The test is about 2 hours and 45

minutes long however the Speaking section is done at a different time

Take home messages There are 9 band scores Listening and Reading sections are

marked objectively General and Academic tests have

different Reading and Writing sections

Westgroup IELTS Philosophy

2 Key Goals

- Helping each test taker achieve the highest possible band score (for most university programs, the minimum requirement is 6.0 overall)

- Adequately preparing each test taker for their life after the IELTS examination (the current competition is failing at this part)

How Do We Achieve This?Understanding our individual students’ needs, including:- Their strengths and weaknesses in English- How much time they have to study for the IELTS- Their current level, translated to an IELTS band score

And maybe most importantly:

- WHY THEY WANT TO TAKE THE IELTS EXAM(i.e. their short- or long-term life goals)

Step 1: Placement

- We put students in classrooms grouped not only by level, but by aspiration (university undergrad/grad, emigration, working in English, etc.)

- Our teachers are sufficiently versed in IELTS to accurately gauge a client’s level, what score they can get, and which of our 2 programs to recommend (more on this later)

- If we decide enough students are not ready to sit the exam any time soon, we might establish an IELTS Prep curriculum (a basic English Bookhouse course for Adults)

Step 2: In ClassWestgroup IELTS students get:- the skills they will need to excel in the four different

modules through interactive lessons- Essential grammar and vocabulary- Survival exam tips, tricks and secrets- Classes of 8-12 to ensure individual attention- Culture and accent coaching- Real-life role plays of scenarios tailored to our

student’s goals (traveling, business meetings, lectures etc.)

We teach English and IELTS

This is what our students get with us that they won’t find elsewhere:

The chance to learn English and how to do well in IELTS at the same time, with experienced, qualified, native speakers (from Canada…)

Takeaway messages

•2 key goals: highest score and life after IELTS prep

•We make sure to understand why you want to take IELTS and place you accordingly

•Small classes (8-12) = individual attention

• Exam techniques & tips, accent coaching, and real-life scenarios; REAL ENGLISH TRAINING (N.O. doesn’t do this)

Our ProgramsIELTS For Life Program and IELTS Boot Camp Program

Our 6 Month Program (IELTS for Life) We will have two, 2-hour classes a week Total of 96 hours IELTS technique training plus cultural

immersion People with low English levels should be

directed here

Our 6 Month Program Familiarize students with the format and

marking criteria of the exam The first classes will teach wide-ranging

techniques like paraphrasing and synonyms

As the course progresses, the tips and techniques become more specific to each section

Take home messages Immersion and cultural education Lots of conversation Broad to specific presentation of

techniques

IELTS Boot Camp

Intensive Crash Course

1 month as opposed to 6 monthsMore focused on Exam Techniques than the

other points mentioned in our philosophy

More appropriate for higher level students Geared towards students who have already

booked their exam or will soon do soOnly teaches students the Academic exam, as this

will most certainly be our client base for this program

Students who are not ready are referred to the 6 month program

Differences Between The 2

Same methods still apply:English instruction, not just IELTS

Culture and accent coaching (although less culture)

Small class sizes = individual attention

Similarities

4 weekends, Saturday and Sunday

6 hours a day, with 2 hours off for lunch

48 hours in total

6,000 RMB per student (prices competitive to New Oriental, subject to change)

Specs

1 month, intensive, last minute cram course for Academic exam

More focused on exam techniques than culture coaching, but same principles of immersion and small class sizes (8-12) as the 6 month course

4 weekends, 48 hours, around 6000 RMB per student

Honest consultation with students; advise them to wait and do our 6 month course if not ready

Takeaway Messages

Issues with IELTS for Chinese Students

IELTS for Chinese Students The main problems:

too many quick fixes memorization of blueprint examples Inability to be creative

Its very important that these issues get corrected before the test

Take home message Chinese education is very different from

Western teaching. Since students are writing an exam that is geared toward Western academics and education, it is very important that they learn the appropriate skills.

Sample LessonGiving Your Opinion

Have you heard about?China mulling cigarette tax increase as nation of 300 million smokers cracks downChina’s government is likely to raise cigarette taxes in order to boost prices and deter smoking, an official said Wednesday, amid a push by the nation of 300 million smokers to crack down on the habit.

Debate Smokers can cause themselves serious health problems. The choice to smoke is made freely and with knowledge of dangers. Therefore should smokers in Canada be expected to pay for smoking-related medical treatment?

Debate Rubric Organization and Clarity (is the opinion

clearly stated and orderly?) Use of Arguments (do they provide

sufficient, logical reasoning?) Use of Examples and Facts (do they

provide many relevant examples?) Use of Rebuttal (effective counter-

argument) Presentation Style (pronunciation,

gestures and body language)

Use Exam Format as Often as Possible The debate question is an IELTS sample

question for Writing Task 2 The rubric is largely based on the

criteria for the Speaking and Writing sections of the exam

1 minute is the amount of time given to students to think about their response during the Speaking Test

Giving Your Opinion Natural, informal language for the

Speaking Test Formal language for the Writing section Introduce different vocabulary for

stating your opinion or telling the examiner what you think.

Writing Task 2Surgeon General: Smoking Fine As Long As You Only Do It When You DrinkThe office of the Surgeon General holds a live press conference to explain that no one has ever gotten cancer from just bumming a couple cigarettes at a party. (Source: The Onion) To what extent do you agree with this statement. You should write at least 250 words You should spend about 40 minutes on this task

Take Home Messages IELTS Writing section uses formal

language IELTS Speaking section uses natural

language Stronger and more interesting

expressions will get you more marks in both sections

Show contrast with other people’s opinions

Show degree of your opinion

Take Home Messages Students must have logical and focused

arguments Incorporate IELTS questions, word limits,

instructions, etc.. as often as possible Include relevant and challenging

material in your lessons