How to train for IELTS

IELTS-the International English Language Testing System is still one of the most common exams taken by non native speakers.It provides a benchmark as to someone's level and ability in English.It is particularly useful for those who wish to move or study abroad but also for those who wish to stay in their native countries but work for international companies.
The exam itself is not that difficult to pass if you train well in advance for it.The structure of the exam and what the examiners want is very important for the student to know about-without this knowledge the student is already behind.
How to prepare?
I think a student who is around intermediate level should give themselves a good 4-6 months to prepare.Each student is different but daily practice is required in order to improve ability and skills.

1-Decide if you need General or Academic IELTS
2-Study the test format and become familiar with its structure and very importantly the time limits for each section.
3-Check the content of each of the 4 tested skill areas so you are completely familiar with the types of activities you may have to complete.
4-find a good experienced teacher.This can be in person ,in a classroom setting or on line.
5-The internet is stuffed full of resources for the purposes of practice -use it well.Look at the following regularly
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/how-prepare-ielts-test
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/
6-Make yourself have daily practice-watch an English film without subtitles,listen to English radio channels,read English language books in an genre-basically immerse yourself in the language.

where does the time go....?

Busy ,busy ,busy....its been a manic month or so and therefore its been difficult to stick to my resolution to write this blog much more regularly.
I've been rushed off my feet,pushing my limits,been pulled in all directions ....
Things are beginning to settle.
At this time of year changes happen with my students.Some drop away as they prepare for state exams and summer holidays.Others become more intensely focused on their learning because they are preparing for English language exams which often take place in early summer.Some students change their course for summer and study slang or language for travel.And the remainder continue on their chosen course.
At the moment the students I teach hail from a variety of locations .I have a couple of French students,about 12 Russian students,one from Spain,a Portuguese lady ,two from Brazil and a few from China.I like this mix.The ability is also mixed so lessons at the moment are very interesting for me.