Welcome to IELTS
Welcome to Unit 1. This opening lesson orients you to the IELTS exam at a glance, introduces the language of the test, and gets you writing your very first paragraph by the end of the hour.
- See the whole IELTS exam in one diagram
- Use 10 exam-related collocations naturally
- Use present simple + frequency adverbs accurately
- Apply a 3-step matching headings strategy
- Speak Band 6 vs Band 7 about your IELTS goal
- Write a paragraph using the Topic → Support → Example → Conclusion shape
The IELTS exam at a glance
Photo ID, registration, locker.
2 h 40 min, no breaks.
Speaking is the same or next day.
11–14 minutes with an examiner.
Get Ready · Why IELTS?
- Why do you need IELTS — study, work, migration?
- Which band score do you need, and by when?
- What worries you most about the exam right now?
Every IELTS paper follows the same structure every time. Your job over the next 50 hours is to make the predictable feel routine.
Vocabulary · The language of the exam
Grammar · Present simple + frequency adverbs
✓ I usually study English in the evening. ✗ I study usually English in the evening.
Reading · Matching headings (intro)
A. IELTS is recognised by more than 12,000 organisations across over 140 countries. B. The test has two versions: Academic and General Training. C. Listening and Speaking are identical in both. Reading and Writing differ. D. Results are reported on a 9-band scale; Band 6 = competent, Band 7 = good user.
Speaking · Why IELTS?
- Simple, clear answer (2–3 sentences)
- Limited vocabulary range
- Some hesitation, basic linkers (and, but, so)
- Example: 'I am taking IELTS because I want to study in Australia. The university requires 6.5.'
- Extended, natural answer (4–5 sentences)
- Topic-specific vocabulary + collocations
- Smooth flow, varied linkers (mainly, beyond that, what really pushed me)
- Example: 'Mainly because I've been offered a conditional place in Melbourne and I need an overall 6.5 with nothing below 6.'
Writing · Your first paragraph
Write your own version (60–90 words) following the four moves above. Save it — you'll rewrite it in Lesson 1.5.
Pathway focus · Academic IELTS
University study (UG/PG), professional registration in regulated fields (medicine, nursing, accountancy, engineering).
- Listening + Speaking — identical to General Training.
- Reading texts are denser and more abstract.
- Writing Task 1 is data description — never a letter.
Exam Strategy
- Exam Tip
Read every IELTS question twice before answering.
- Exam Tip
Build vocabulary in collocations, never isolated words.
- Time Strategy
Time yourself from Lesson 1 — even short tasks against the clock.
- Accuracy Tip
Keep one error log for the whole course.
Independent Practice
Flashcard the 10 exam collocations and review daily.
Write 100 words on 'My weekly English study routine' using 5 frequency adverbs.
Write your target band, test date and weekly study hours. Sign and date it.
Key Takeaways
- IELTS = Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking · Academic or General Training.
- Band 6 = competent, Band 7 = good user.
- Every IELTS paragraph = Topic → Support → Example → Conclusion.