Free IELTS online course:
While there are a number of individuals and organizations offering coaching /facilitate training for IELTS (International English Language Testing System] aimed at students intending to study in overseas countries (including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.), I thought students and others interested in learning English, should be aware of the new initiative from the British Council.
Effective 11 May 2015, the British Council and Future Learn together with its University partners have joined to facilitate students’ access to British Council English language content and assessment and offer six weeks free Online English language learner’s course called – Understanding IELTS: Techniques for English Language Tests. Anyone can join, even up to the last day of the course, the next of which is scheduled on 21 June 2015.
Each week, the course focuses on one of the four skill components of the IELTS test (i.e. Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking) and uses videos, test samples and quizzes to give students a greater understanding of the test format and help them get their best IELTS score.
At every stage there will be advice from their video tutors and a team of experienced IELTS educators.
The course is aimed at anyone:
- Taking an IELTS test
- Learning English
- Looking to improve their IELTS score
- Applying to universities in English-speaking countries.
Students can sign up at www.futurelearn.com/ielts
FutureLearn, is the UK’s social learning platform, wholly owned by the Open University, UK with the benefit of over 40 years of their experience in distance learning and online education.
The MOOCs are free, and can be assessed by students anywhere provided they have an internet connection. Students can log in for their sessions on desktops, laptops and tablets.
On a related but different issue:
New UK Home Office’s requirements:
Applying for a UK Visa: Approved English language tests
If the visa you are applying for asks you to prove your English language ability you should use the list of approved secure English language tests and test centres that meet the Home Office requirements.
Anyone who has taken a previously approved test on or before 5 April 2015 may still use it in a UK Immigration application until 5 November 2015 providing the test is one of those detailed in the transitional approved tests list.
Following link
provides both the lists, i.e.
- List of approved tests and providers effective from 6 April 2015 and
- Transitional list of approved tests and providers.
As you will notice, tests like TOEFL/IBT, Pearson Test of English (PTE) are not included in the approved list effective from 6 April 2015.
ramsiva 