Achieve your target IELTS score with expert training in exam strategies, time management, and focused practice. This course builds confidence by improving your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in a structured environment.
As part of a university language centre, we help students reach the English level required for university admission. The course runs year-round, with exams available regularly at a local test centre. Teachers provide detailed feedback, helping you refine techniques and maximize your score. You can also combine IELTS Preparation with afternoon electives or private lessons for targeted support.
Lessons simulate real exam conditions, building familiarity with the test format and confidence under pressure. Through timed practice tests and coaching, you'll track progress and refine strategies to achieve success in university, immigration, or professional certification.
Timed practice tests build confidence for real exam conditions.
Covers all test sections with strategies and expert feedback.
Learn from IELTS experts with feedback to maximise your score.
Master time management and test-taking strategies for higher scores.
Course Options Quick Guide
Select the course type that best suits your schedule, budget, and language needs.
IELTS Standard
Study 20 lessons per week covering all IELTS exam components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Build accuracy and confidence through structured practice and expert guidance designed to help you succeed.
Enhance your English with targeted exam preparation tailored to your goals. Morning classes focus on core language skills, while afternoon electives provide additional training to support overall exam performance.
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It assesses your English in an academic context and is recognised by universities, colleges, and professional bodies in many English-speaking countries.
You should have at least a B1 (Intermediate) level of English to join the course. If you're not at this level yet, you’ll start in our General English programme until you're ready to move into exam preparation.
That depends on the score you’re aiming for. Most students need around 10–12 weeks to improve their band score by one level, but this varies based on your starting point and study habits.
The course runs year-round and is part of our 09:00 to 13:00 morning timetable. You can join on any Monday, giving you flexibility to start when it suits you best.
ELC offers a dedicated IELTS preparation course - not just an elective - with a strong track record of student success. Classes run in the morning and cover all aspects of the exam. We are also a proud partner of the British Council in South Africa.
The course prepares you for all four sections of the IELTS test: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You’ll practise using real test materials and learn strategies to improve your score.
About the IELTS Exam
Select an IELTS paper from the list below:
IELTS Writing
IELTS Speaking
IELTS Reading
IELTS Listening
IELTS Writing Task 1
In this task, you will describe visual information such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Your response should summarise the key trends, compare data where relevant, and highlight significant features. The focus is on clarity, organisation, and accurate use of language.
IELTS Writing Task 2
This task requires you to write an essay in response to a question or argument. You will need to present and support your opinion, discuss both sides of an issue, or suggest solutions to a problem. The essay should be well-structured, with clear arguments and relevant examples.
Writing Band Descriptors
Band 5
Partially developed with some key points missing, weak organisation, and a limited range of vocabulary and grammar, leading to frequent mistakes.
Band 6
Generally clear and covers most key points, though some inaccuracies, occasional lack of coherence, and minor language issues remain.
Band 7
Well-organised and effectively presents all key details, using a good range of vocabulary and grammar with only minor errors.
Band 8
Fully developed and logically structured, demonstrating high coherence, a wide vocabulary, and strong grammatical control with very few mistakes.
2 Tasks
1 Hour
400 Words
IELTS Speaking Part 1
You will answer questions about familiar topics such as your home, studies, work, and interests. This section assesses your ability to communicate clearly and naturally in everyday situations.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
You will receive a task card with a topic and have one minute to prepare. Then, you must speak for up to two minutes on the topic. This section evaluates your ability to organise and express ideas fluently.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
The examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2. This section assesses your ability to discuss abstract ideas, provide opinions, and support arguments with reasoning and examples.
Speaking Band Descriptors
Band 5
Limited speech with hesitations and errors. Pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar cause misunderstandings.
Band 6
Clearer speech with some pauses and mistakes. Vocabulary and grammar are basic but effective.
Band 7
Fluent and structured responses. Minor grammar and vocabulary errors, but meaning remains clear.
Band 8
Fluent, natural speech with rare errors. Strong vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Oral Exam
3 Parts
15 Minutes
One-on-One Interview
IELTS Academic Reading
Includes three long texts from books, journals, and newspapers. Assesses your ability to understand complex ideas, recognise arguments, and identify key information in an academic context.
IELTS General Training Reading
Features shorter, everyday texts from notices, advertisements, and workplace documents. Evaluates your ability to grasp general meaning, locate key details, and follow instructions in real-world contexts.
Reading Band Descriptors
Band 5
15-22
Understands basic ideas but struggles with details and complex vocabulary.
Band 6
23-29
Can grasp main ideas and some details but has difficulty with inference and unfamiliar terms.
Band 7
30-34
Understands most texts, including detailed information and opinions, with minor difficulties.
Band 8
35-39
Reads fluently, comprehends complex ideas, and identifies key details with ease.
3 Sections
1 Hour
40 Questions
IELTS Listening 1
A conversation between two people in an everyday social setting, such as booking a hotel or inquiring about services. Test-takers must identify key factual details, such as names, dates, times, and prices.
IELTS Listening 2
A monologue providing factual information, such as a speech about local facilities or a guided tour. The focus is on understanding key points, specific instructions, and descriptions of places or processes.
IELTS Listening 3
A conversation between up to four people in an educational or training setting, such as a student and a tutor discussing coursework. Candidates must follow the exchange of ideas, opinions, and explanations, recognising agreement and disagreement.
IELTS Listening 4
A university-style lecture or academic talk on a specific subject, requiring attention to complex ideas and details. Test-takers need to identify main arguments, supporting examples, and conclusions.
Reading Band Descriptors
Band 5
16-22
Understands basic information but struggles with details and fast speech.
Band 6
23-29
Can follow main ideas and simple details but has difficulty with complex information.
Band 7
30-34
Understands most conversations and lectures, with minor difficulties in fast speech.
Band 8
35-39
Comprehends spoken English with ease, including complex ideas and different accents.
4 Sections
30 Minutes
40 Questions
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