“English is a passport for education” – British Council.
English is not only essential for global communication but also for education and career prospects. Did you know that English is the language in academic research, sciences, and technology worldwide?
So, wouldn’t it be exciting to live, work, or study in an English-speaking country? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can make this possible. IELTS is an international language proficiency test that allows you to work, study, and move to English-speaking countries. After completing the IELTS exam, students can submit their results to apply for a study visa – just one of the many benefits of studying for IELTS.
As a university lecturer, I’ve seen a rise in the number of international students in higher education. In my class, around 80% of the 25 students are international. It’s impressive how well-prepared these students are after passing their IELTS exam! They practise their English skills regularly (both speaking and reading), and listen attentively in class. The result? High marks in their exams and coursework.
It may seem simple, but studying at university level can be challenging, especially if English isn’t your first language.
How Can IELTS Help You Be Ready for University?
I’ve noticed that some students book their IELTS exam before even starting to prepare. Don’t do this! It’s best to book your exam once you’ve taken a few classes and feel confident enough to take the test. Focus on your English
learning and only take the exam when you're ready. I recommend taking an IELTS preparation course to give you the tools to pass successfully.
The IELTS course helps you develop all four key skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These skills are crucial for your university studies, such as writing
essays, presenting in class, reading and summarising information, and working in groups or pairs.
How to Prepare for IELTS
As you study for IELTS, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Here are some activities to help you improve:
● Reading is one of the most important skills to practise. By reading, you’ll observe how sentences are correctly structured, which will improve your writing. Keep a notebook nearby and note useful phrases and words. Then, try using them in your own writing.
● Blogging is a fun way to work on your writing skills. Write about something that interests you, such as cooking, sports, music, or technology. This will keep you motivated and help you get started.
● Podcasts are a convenient and enjoyable way to practise listening. They also help you expand your vocabulary and improve communication skills, including understanding idioms. I recommend the “6 Minute English” podcast from BBC Learning English. It’s easy to follow, covers a range of topics, and only takes a few minutes a week – no excuses!
All these activities will boost your confidence in speaking. The more you speak, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. If you’re already abroad, practise speaking with friends, family, or colleagues. You might even consider finding a language exchange partner.
What to Expect from an IELTS Course
IELTS courses are designed to familiarise you with the real exam. You’ll work through sample test papers, reading comprehension exercises, and writing tasks 1 and 2. You’ll also do speaking activities, learning how to approach them, along with tips and advice. Teachers will explain the test formats and time limits for each task – crucial information for exam day!
Studying at university is vital for better career prospects, and I strongly encourage it. We live in a competitive world, so stand out, build connections, and open yourself to new opportunities.
Author: Uwais, a teacher at Speak Up London