FCE & IELTS Preparation Courses
Things you should know
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As surprising as it may sound, Cambridge Language testing is not only about your knowledge of English but also knowing how to approach each task and what's required of you. There are several tricks I can show you to help you pass IELTS with flying colours.
When planning to sit one of those tests, you should know that B2 First and IELTS certificates are valid only for 2 years and most institutions will ask you to submit your test certificate along with your application, and no later than that.
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B2 First and B2 First For Schools
It's a newly renamed language testing standard previously known as FCE. There are two versions of the exam: B2 First for adults and university students and B2 First For Schools for secondary school students. Both versions are composed of the following parts: Reading and Use of Language, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
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Who recognises B2 First
Several universities and companies around the world accept B2First but, as with all Cambridge Language Assessments, you need to check whether your university or a potential employer recognises it or not.
It is not recognised by the UK or US visa programme authorities.
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Highlights
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In one task you will have to re-phrase several sentences, which requires comprehensive knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar and proves extremely difficult to most examinees.
Also, you will need to write an essay sticking to a time limit and you'll have to interact with other examinees in the speaking part, which seems a bit tricky to most learners.
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IELTS
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It's the most popular Cambridge Language Assessment to date. IELTS has two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both consist of 4 modules testing reading, listening, writing and speaking.
IELTS introduces bands rather than marks where Band 1 stands for 'non user' and Band 9, for 'expert user'.
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Who recognises IELTS?
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Unlike other certificates, IELTS is recognised by most universities and companies and, most importantly, it is the only language certificate recognised by the UK or US visa programme authorities.
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Highlights
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Speaking part seems quite easy but it's where you can either make a good impression or get yourself in trouble, so it's worth spending extra time preparing for it.
The writing part featuring two tasks - an essay and email or an essay and chart description in Academic IELTS - prove to be particularly challenging as many students struggle to complete both within allocated 60 minutes.
Also, listening can really take many inexperienced English users by surprise as it may feature advanced level vocabulary.
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How are we goinng to study?
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It is a premium topic-based Cambridge First or ELTS preperation course tailored to your current level of English.
In the first part, we will be working on your overall command of English based on the previous assessment.
In the second part, we will focus on the Cambridge First or IELTS methodology, in which I will break it down to you step by step what is required of you in each task and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage while sitting the test.
We will work using Cambridge Grammar for IELTS with Answers by Cambridge University Press or Ready for First by Macmillan Education as well as exam papers from previous years.
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If you're interested in getting a band 7 or higher, don't wait and Book a Lesson now.
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If you have any doubts, don't be shy and just drop me a line using my contact form below, and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
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