Would u recommend the IELTS workshop?

kersti · Apr 15, 2006

Your written english seems very good- so I'm gathering that your spoken englsih is also up to par?

I didn't take the workshop, instead I opted for the workbooks. I was fairly optimistic about my language skills- I just wanted to get a feel for how the test was set up and what is expected.

I did just fine and I don't think that the workshop would have improved my score any.

I don't know if this helps any?

jon_29 · Apr 15, 2006

Thanks. I'm always struggling ith my English. One quick follow up question: during speaking part, did the interviewer follow a script? Thanks again

suzanne4, RN · Apr 15, 2006

Much cheaper and much further ahead with the www.scottsenglish.com program. They are based out of Australia and I have only seen wonderful things from them.

kersti · Apr 15, 2006

If you are worried about the speaking part- don't be. That was the easiest part. And they did follow a script of sorts but it was all questions like "do you like to go shopping? what do you like shopping for? who would you invite to a dinner party? what is your favorite color and why" things like that. Nothing very detailed or too difficult.

I found the listening much more difficult. And the essays. But you can prepare for those!

Good luck and don't worry.

lawrence01 · Apr 16, 2006

The workshop in the Phils. conducted by the British Council and IDP Education Australia is actually just a 1 day familiarization workshop conducted by an offcial examiner. They will tell you what common mistakes Filipinos make during Speaking and Writing. They will also be checking your writng exercise and you would get a feel of what they like and do not like from your writing and speaking exercise. I think this is very impt. esp. since the one checking you is actually one of the examiner. She'll make comments on your writing and speaking and ways to improve. She won't just grade you by band score because she is an examiner. There are listening and reading exercises too but you can do this on your own.

I think this workshop is better than the local review centers because the comments I'm hearing is that they (local review centes) just let you do exercises which you can do on your own anyway and the one on the workshop is actually one of the examiners and one of those who would be checking the writing section and doing the interviews. The reading and listening tests are just checked by Filipino staff since it's just multiple choice.

If you feel you need a more comprehensive program then do so but if you feel you just need some reliable pointers and you can study on your own using the IELTS review books readily availble anywhere in Manila then this workshop would suffice. Really depends on how confident you are on your English skills already and how much you need to polish-up on them.

jon_29 · Apr 16, 2006

Thank you oh so much for your inputs. I wonder, Lawrence01, if there would be added points to your grade just by being recognized by the examiner as one of the participants in their W/S. Which center would you recommend by the way- the British Council or IDP?

lawrence01 · Apr 16, 2006

Thank you oh so much for your inputs. I wonder, Lawrence01, if there would be added points to your grade just by being recognized by the examiner as one of the participants in their W/S. Which center would you recommend by the way- the British Council or IDP?

Added points - no, of course not. The examiner will just help you be familiarize w/ the procedures, give some pointers, test-taking tips and techniques. That is all. The big benefit is you will know how you stand and will know how much more (or less) practice you need or if you really need a more comprehensive program to improve your English skills. If you choose to attend the 1 day workshop make sure you attend it way before your actual exam so that you have time to attend a more comprehensive program if you need it.

The centers are quite the same. No difference. Even the examiners are the same. I also saw the british examiner who conducted the workshop for

for IDP in the speaking phase for IDP. So, same pool of examiners. Of course, I wasn't under her during my speaking.

shanks24 · Apr 17, 2006

I took the IELTS workshop a week before my exam and I have to say that it was alright. At least I had an idea of what to expect I'm not sure though if the workshop would really have an effect on your score .I guess it served as my security blanket

lawrence01 · Apr 18, 2006

I took the IELTS workshop a week before my exam and I have to say that it was alright. At least I had an idea of what to expect I'm not sure though if the workshop would really have an effect on your score .I guess it served as my security blanket

Yes, it won't certainly improve your band score (just by itself) because it's just a familiarization workshop and a guide on how to study properly for the IELTS. The purpose of this is to gauge your current skills so that you'll know where you stand. You still need to give an appropriate amount of time to do some exercises and maybe even a comprehensive program if needed.

Doing it just 1 week before the exams is self-defeating. Their current study indicates that an examiner must at least study for at least 3 mos. to improve their band score by 1.

jon_29 · Apr 18, 2006

Their current study indicates that an examiner must at least study for at least 3 mos. to improve their band score by 1.

huh?!!! then i don't need to go. it's barely 3 weeks before the test...hehehe

shanks24 · Apr 18, 2006

Doing it just 1 week before the exams is self-defeating. Their current study indicates that an examiner must at least study for at least 3 mos. to improve their band score by 1.

I guess in my case i think i got lucky, my reading and writing improved by 1 and 2 pts. My friend did the same thing, having the workshop a week before the exam and her score improved as well.

Anyway goodluck to your IELTS exams