B2.1 and B2.2 English Course

Preparation Course for the IELTS Academic Test

In this course you will develop your writing, speaking, reading and listening skills to level B2 or perhaps even higher. The starting level for this course is B1.

During this course we work with Mindset for IELTS (level 1 and 2), the latest method from Cambridge – the organisation behind the official IELTS tests. The course consists of 8 thematic units. After every two units you will take a practice test, based on the real IELTS exams. You will develop all four language skills step by step: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Depending on your current level, you will work towards an IELTS score between Band 5 and 7. In addition, you will expand your grammar and (academic) vocabulary, precisely tailored to what you need for the IELTS. Finally, you will learn effective strategies to optimally prepare for the Academic IELTS Test. You will study and practise at home and engage in pair and group activities during class to reinforce your learning.

The course consists of three parts:

• Part 1: Lessons 1–16: Units 1–4 from the coursebook + supplementary material
• Part 2: Lessons 17–32: Units 4–8 from the coursebook + supplementary material
• Part 3: Lessons 33–36: Exam practice sessions

Parts 1 and 2 include 16 lessons, each lasting 3 hours. In class, we mainly focus on discussing grammar and vocabulary, and on practising exam tasks in pairs or groups. Outside the classroom, you are expected to apply your English skills as much as possible. For each class, you should allow for around 3 hours of independent study and practice. In addition to progress tests after each unit, you will take two IELTS mock tests, one at the end of Part 1 and one at the end of Part 2. Part 3 consists of four sessions (each 3 hours) focused on exam practice (and additional exercises if needed) to help you prepare for the actual IELTS exam day. We use Mindset for IELTS (student’s book and workbook). You will also receive a study guide. These resources can be used to prepare for class and to review at home.

Learning objectives:

• Improve your reading skills through reading articles, completing exercises, and practising exam-style questions;
• Enhance your listening skills by listening to audio clips, completing exercises, and developing strategies for the listening paper;
• Boost your speaking skills through practice tasks and speaking strategies;
• Develop your writing skills using structured writing techniques and exam writing tasks;
• Expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar to B1 level;
• Understand the IELTS test format and how to manage it successfully.