Online ExpertTrack in Language

Understanding IELTS

4.9 (2001 reviews)

The complete guide to IELTS preparation with advice, strategies and practice for all four parts of the test.

19,466 enrolments

Created by

British CouncilBritish Council

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Discover IELTS preparation strategies from the British Council

If you are planning to study abroad or move to another country to work or live, you may be asked to prove your English language ability with the IELTS test.

The four courses in this ExpertTrack from the British Council give you all the information and practice you need to approach all four parts of IELTS with confidence that you can achieve the band score you need.

In each of the four courses you’ll find:

  • a description of each part of the test and what you have to do to achieve a good band score
  • the assessment criteria that tell you what your examiner is looking for
  • exam techniques to help you tackle all types of test questions
  • tips and strategies for successful test preparation and for improving your English ability
  • practice tests to help you know what to expect on test day

As well as that, each course looks at common problems language learners have with that language skill:

Speaking

  • how to give full and fluent answers to the examiner’s questions
  • how to improve your confidence when speaking English
  • planning a short talk in English
  • finding enough to say
  • improving your pronunciation
  • the grammar you need for the test

Reading

  • techniques like skimming and scanning to improve your test reading speed
  • reading about unfamiliar topics in English
  • improving your vocabulary and dealing with unknown words
  • coping with time pressure

Writing

  • understanding and describing charts and data
  • writing about trends
  • planning an essay
  • the grammar and vocabulary you need

Listening

  • listening test techniques
  • widening your listening range
  • staying focused when you listen
  • listening to conversations in English

Key skills you will learn

  • IELTS
  • English speaking
  • English listening
  • English writing
  • English
  • English proficiency
  • IELTS test preparation
  • English language skills

Experience required

This IELTS preparation ExpertTrack is aimed at anyone who is preparing for the IELTS reading, writing, speaking, and listening tests. It might also be useful for IELTS teachers and those preparing for other English language proficiency tests.

IELTS is one of the world’s leading English tests. It is recognised by more than 10,000 organisations globally.

Getting started

This ExpertTrack will be helpful for anyone preparing for IELTS. The four courses are a complete preparation for the four parts of the IELTS test. While the focus is on IELTS Academic in preparation for study, the tips, advice and strategy will also be very helpful for those preparing for the General Training test.

ExpertTrack course overview

  • Course 1

    4.9 (468 reviews)

    Prepare for the IELTS Reading test and improve your English reading skills with this British Council IELTS preparation course.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

  • Course 2

    4.9 (489 reviews)

    Find out what you need to know about the IELTS Writing test and learn techniques and strategies to improve your test performance.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

  • Course 3

    4.8 (610 reviews)

    Find out what you need to know about the IELTS Listening test and learn techniques to improve your test performance.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

  • Course 4

    4.9 (434 reviews)

    Prepare for the IELTS Speaking test and improve your English speaking skills with this British Council IELTS preparation course.

    3 weeks

    3 hours per week

Prove you're job ready

Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.

  • Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
  • Complete each course and pass assessments.
  • Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
  • Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
  • Make your career dreams a reality.

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How ExpertTracks work

Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award which proves your expertise.

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Pay a monthly subscription fee of $39 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time.

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World-class learning with British Council

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.

We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million people overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.

Meet your instructor

I´m an MA (applied linguistics) qualified English language teacher who is originally from London, but now working with the British Council in Spain.

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FAQ

ExpertTracks are a series of online courses designed to help you master new skills in specialist areas. You pay a monthly subscription fee which includes access to all courses within the ExpertTrack, as well as assessments and the final digital certificate.

Each ExpertTrack comes with a 2-day free trial period. You may cancel your subscription at any time and your subscription will automatically cancel when you finish the courses and assessments in your chosen ExpertTrack.

Yes. All of our ExpertTracks come with a 2-day free trial. You may claim one free trial period per ExpertTrack.

You have two days before you will be charged your first monthly subscription fee. When you join an ExpertTrack you automatically receive a 2-day free trial period. You can cancel at any time during the trial period and no payment will be taken from your account.

Please see our full refund policy here.

No, all of our ExpertTracks consist of fully online courses. This means you can take an ExpertTrack from anywhere in the world.

No. ExpertTracks are designed for you to master new skills in a specialist area. You will earn a digital certificate that proves your learning, but it does not carry accreditation.

If you’re looking for certified or accredited courses, many of our microcredentials offer university credit or professional certification.

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