The IELTS course provided by Macquarie University is a very useful resource for people who are independently preparing for the IELTS test. It can give you the chance to mix with others around the world who are also preparing for the test through the guidance of trainers who have specialised knowledge in IELTS.
Depending on your needs, you can select an IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training package, with the choice of 1, 2 or 4 skills. The maximum study period available is for one year, plus as long as you have an internet connection, you can access the learning material whenever it suits your schedule.
Improve your Speaking score
There are 32 lessons in total in this particular course. You will look at answering Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 questions. In each case, you not only receive specific information about these three phases of the test, but also have the chance to try some of the sample questions. You can watch videos of other candidates answering the same questions and look at the analysis of their performance.
You are given the opportunity to develop particular strategies for the test, such as anticipating the possible topics and questions, along with being able to identify the functions of the questions. All of this can help you develop effective answers. Some useful tips are also provided, such as how to develop your ideas, dealing with interruptions and asking for clarification.
Improve your Writing score
The trainers in the course have a lot of experience, and this comes through in their videos, which are good learning aids. There are model responses created for you to analyse, so this will certainly help you with understanding the type of language required for both Task 1 and Task 2. There is a chance for you to interact in the course as you have a chance to join discussion forums with other students in various parts of the world. The interactive activities and quizzes are a great way for you to stay engaged in the programme. Eventually, you will become better at self-assessment and have useful editing skills to give you every opportunity to achieve a higher band score. Try the tips the experts provide to give yourself every chance in your next IELTS test.
The lessons which are focused on Task 1 of the IELTS Writing test look at how to analyse the visuals and show you the difference between answering graphs compared to maps and processes. More specifically, you will look at ways to describe quantity, speed and change, along with appropriate sentence structure for these type of questions. The sample answers provided are great learning tools too, as you will see how the rating criteria is applied against them.
In the lessons focusing on Task 2, you will importantly look at the different question types and look at a useful structure for each of these task types. This is important as you can avoid applying the wrong structure to your question type. All four aspects of the rating criteria are covered, which are the Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range & Accuracy aspects of writing. You can get a good understanding of the band descriptors by looking at comparisons that are provided for you (e.g. Band 6 versus Band 7 analysis). The lessons which focus on paragraph structures are particular helpful, as you will know how to better write your introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion to your essay.
Improve your Listening score
It is important to look at the format of the IELTS Listening test and the skills and strategies for each section. In this course, each section of the test is dealt with separately, so you can finely focus on each part of the test. For example in the Section 4 lessons, you learn how to identify the topic of the lecture and signpost words to help with organisation of the recording. As with the other courses, you are given a chance to apply the skills you have gained in interactive tasks and quizzes.
Another advantage of this course is that you look at specific question types, such as multiple choice and completion questions. You will not only look at the format of this type of task, but also skills and strategies that are specifically related to this, helping you to know how to answer these questions more easily. There is also an opportunity for you to take some mock listening tests to check your level and to give you a chance to apply the new skills you have learned in the course.
Improve your Reading Score
At the end of this course, you will have the opportunity to practice your reading skills by doing some mock tests. Before that though, you will look at different reading skills and strategies for reading. Combining this with understanding the strategies for the various question types you can be asked to complete, this can help put you on a good path to improve your overall reading ability and score.
Are you familiar with all the question types in the IELTS Reading test? If not, this coruse has separate lessons on each of the 14 question types. Looking at these different types of questions such as matching headings is helpful, but this course has other sub-skills which have great value in developing reading skills. For example, it looks at how to use a context to understand less familiar vocabulary. Learn how to use prefixes and contrasting words to identify particular items in a passage to more accurately answer your questions.
About the offer
Book your IELTS test with IDP and learn the university way, for free. Access hundreds of new and improved IELTS study materials developed by Macquarie University experts, sample test questions with model answers, and over 60 guided video tutorials delivered by award-winning IELTS trainers.
Free access for up to 30 days*
Book your IELTS test with IDP and get access to IELTS Macquarie Preparation courses for free!*
Choose to focus your study on one IELTS skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking) and get access to all related study materials for 30 days. Or, if you want to cover all bases, you can choose to enjoy free unlimited access to all four IELTS skills for 4 days.
You can access our app-exclusive IELTS Preparation Course on the IELTS by IDP app!
Study the university way
Choose your personalised online study program and learn at your own pace with a range of comprehensive courses covering all sections of the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.
Developed by English language experts from the Macquarie University IELTS test centre, and trusted by over 600,000 students across 140 countries, the IELTS Macquarie Preparation courses have everything you need for IELTS success, all in one place.
Book your IELTS test for instant access*. Depending on the free study package selected, you may choose from up to:
60+ expert guided tutorial videos
100+ practice questions and quizzes
150+ grammar and vocabulary lessons
14 sample writing assessments with model responses
7 speaking assessments
8 mock tests with feedback
*Free access is available for 4 days or 30 days, depending on the offer selected. Valid with bookings at participating test centres only.