Our English Skills Training program is designed to improve your English
language and test-taking skills to better prepare you for an English language
examination. It aims to prepare students for the exam by improving their
English in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The course
will enable the students to practice exam skills and techniques to a level that
is required in any international English language examination.

To be successful in any English language examination involves understanding the test format, different question types and being able to manage your time effectively and efficiently. Regular test practice is very important but learning test strategies and skills are equally important.
Preparation for the examination will be by introduction to the types of texts and tasks which the examination tests. In addition, independent learning to support the program’s content is essential for every student to maintain throughout their progress.

You will develop the four skills in language learning:

  • Listening: note-taking, listening for specific information, summarising
  • Speaking: expressing ideas and opinions, seeking clarification, pronunciation
  • Reading: speed reading strategies, understanding graphs and charts, skimming and scanning
  • Writing: interpreting questions, organising content, grammatical accuracy, critical thinking and being objective.
At the end of the course, students will:

  • be familiar with the structure of the IELTS and PTE exams
  • be familiar with and able to successfully complete the main task types in each of the four test modules
  • give an accurate written description of information presented in table, or graph form, highlighting trends, comparing and contrasting where necessary; write a formal essay – including introduction, body and conclusion – expressing an opinion supported by personal experience, knowledge and relevant evidence
  • speak on familiar topics in short question and answer form; one topic in the form of a two-minute speech; and more abstractly develop the same topic in the form of a discussion
  • successfully identify and listen for keywords, specific information, main points (gist) in the context of semi-formal and academic listening tasks; in a conversation identify the key participants and their relationships; predict and interpret information from a given context
  • skim and scan texts for specific information; summarize texts identifying main and supporting ideas; separate essential from non-essential information based on what questions are asking; distinguish between argument and fact, opinion and evidence
  • read aloud and repeat sentences with correct pronunciation
  • retell a lecture
  • communicate reasonably fluently, clearly and interestingly in speaking and writing tasks using appropriate cohesive devices; accurate grammar and sentence structure; and appropriate vocabulary and register
  • answer short questions and summarise written text

Program Structure

  • 2 hours Speaking & Listening
  • 2 hours Reading & Writing
  • 1 hour Speaking
  • 1 hour Listening
  • 1 hour Reading
  • 1 hour Writing
3 x Single Use Practice Tests with Written Feedback
4 hours Fundamentals, Exam Techniques & Written Feedback