Futurelearn – Understanding IELTS: Reading

Whether you are a student or a teacher preparing students for the IELTS exam, this programme (Understanding IELTS) is a great aid, an easy way to find out all the basics of the test in a relatively short time.

The course is divided into three themes, each a week long:

1. The skills you need for IELTS reading

2. A wider vocabulary

3. Getting ready for test day.

The course is offered by the British Council, and the main educators are David Lewis and Neil McLaren, who are absloutely marvellous, by the way, which you’ll be able to see during the Facebook sessions. These are recorded, so you can watch them any time you want.

The course dwells upon all the different tasks one comes across in IELTS Reading, and it also gives practice exercises. In fact, closer to the end of the course, each student is encouraged to take the whole test (the link is provided), and apply all the ‘tricks’ they’ve learnt so far in the process.

As for the structure, there are videos almost at every step, including those where actual candidates share their experience, as well as articles introducing the main points. Obviously, as in any MOOC, you’re expected to participate in the online discussion, answer the questions the educators propose, share your difficulties, etc. Despite not being obligatory, this is always extremely useful, especially if you have enough time for the course.

All in all, highly recommended!