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IELTS is one of the four English language proficiency tests that are attracting increasing attention in Japan, and is known for its high international validity as an English proficiency test for study abroad and immigration. The high quality of the test has been highly evaluated by universities in Japan, and it is now being used for AO and recommendation entrance examinations. For this reason, there is a growing demand from English teachers of high school and university students to learn how to teach IELTS effectively.

IDP Education is one of the proud co-owners of IELTSexternal icon. Consequently, we have the tools that can help you teach your students. We hope you will find it useful in your field!

Understand the test format, scoring and how to prepare students for the test. IELTS for Teachers helps.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses the English language proficiency of people who want to study or workexternal icon in English-speaking environments. It provides a fair, accurate and relevant assessment of language skills, based on well-established standards, and covers the full range of proficiency levels, from nonuser to expert user. 

There are two main tests. Test takers can choose either Academic or General Training tests. Both tests consist of four separate sections, assessing the four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. 

IDP Educationexternal icon has developed a special IELTS Teacher Training Program, recognised by English Australiaexternal icon for 40 Continuing Professional Development points. This CPD Frameworkexternal icon is a professional development tool for ELICOS teachers. The program has also been awarded a NEAS Quality Endorsementexternal icon

Free IELTS Teacher Training Programexternal icon  

Tips for teachers 

Listening 

Make sure that your students: 

  • Think about the context before they listen and identify the type of information they will need to listen for 

  • Read the questions before they hear the text and use the time between each section to prepare for the following section 

Writing 

Make sure that your students: 

  • Analyse the question carefully and plan their answer before starting to write 

  • Keep in mind the reader and the purpose when writing 

  • Structure their writing logically and clearly 

  • Decide on a position and use examples and evidence to support points they make in task 2 

  • Are familiar with the assessment criteria  

Speaking 

Make sure that your students: 

  • Feel confident and remind them to relax and enjoy the conversation with the examiner 

  • Listen carefully to the questions 

  • Use fillers and hesitation devices if they need ‘thinking time’ before answering 

  • Realise it is their language level, not their opinions which are being evaluated 

  • Are familiar with the assessment criteria 

Reading 

Make sure that your students: 

  • Use reading skills such as skimming and scanning – they will need to use these skills to answer all the questions in 1 hour 

  • Know how best to approach each type of reading task 

  • Answer the questions and transfer their answers to the answer sheet within the time allowed 


IELTS Train the Trainer 

Teach IELTS with these tips 

It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced IELTS teacher, or a first-time IELTS: We have everything you need. Guide your students through their IELTS test with our teaching support, including practice activities, recommended training courses and helpful IELTS teaching tips. Be an inspirational IELTS teacher to your students with these classroom activities, teaching resources and assessment tips – all designed to help you and your students achieve success with IELTS. 

Free teacher workshops 

Register for free IDP IELTS teacher workshopsexternal icon. We’ll guide you through the public band descriptorsexternal icon. And, we’ll give you examples how IELTS is scored. You’ll learn valuable tips that you can use in the classroom. So, learn from IELTS experts to pass it onto your students. With IELTS, we train the trainer. 

Teaching Resources 

Anything from our comprehensive guide to teach IELTSexternal icon, to tailored lesson plans: we have the resources you need to teach IELTS. When you register with IELTS as a teacher, we’ll share new resources when they become available. Therefore, you’ll be the first to know when we have something new! 

Information about the IELTS test 

When you teach IELTS, you want information that is up-to-date. So, why not get it straight from the source? IDP Education is one of the proud co-owners of IELTSexternal icon. Consequently, we have the tools that can help you teach your students. Expertly. 

Why teach IELTS 

By teaching IELTS, you get to develop your English teaching career. And, at the same time, improve your employment prospects. Why? Because you can work all over the world. IELTS has test centres in more than 140 countries, which means teaching opportunities in over 140 destinations around the globe. We provide helpful IELTS teaching course tips and give you access to a global network of resources, workshop materials, and other IELTS teachers.