Preparation for IELTS

[niamadpour]

Hello dear Webmates. I've been asked to teach some adult language learners who are going to sit the IELTS exam next year the four language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing). I was wondering if you could recommend some books for the beginner levels, since they're really beginners! So, I think I can't use the Cambridge practice tests. I've been recommended some books like The English result series, True to Life series, Face2face series, and Headway series. Do you have any experience regarding teaching or studying for IELTS? What do you suggest? I'd appreciate your advice. Thank you.

[5jj]

If your learners really are beginners, then I would suggest you forget all about IELTS at the moment. Just try to enable them to communicate in English.

When they have reached roughly A2/B1 Level in the Common European Framework, You can begin to think about working towards IELTS.

[niamadpour]

Thanks 5jj. That framework is really useful. Thanks for that. I was just wondering which book series you would use if you were me for their communicative skills. Thank you very much.

[Tdol]

A lot of people want to take IELTS way before they are ready. It's an advanced exam- it's designed to show that you are ready to study in an English language university. Beginner are a few years, and probably several, off that. For now, focus on teaching the basics. 99.9% of learners will simply not be able to go from beginner level to achieving a decent IELTS grade in a year. I had a student who had started at 11 and got a B at Cambridge Proficiency aged 16, and that really impressed me. I would say that the objectives of this course are unrealistic.

[niamadpour]

Oh, so it takes several years! OK. So, I want to have a more down to earth objective like, say, improving their general communicative skills, what book series would you recommend to start with? Since I learnt English as my university major, I'm not familiar with the series such as

English result series, True to Life series, Face2face series, and Headway series. They're adult learners. Any suggestions for selecting a book series? I'd appreciate that. Thank you.