3 Questions with Teacher Gus, our 'IELTS Guru'!

At IH Newcastle, we are lucky to have very friendly staff members and some of the most experienced TESOL teachers. Today you will meet Gus, the teacher behind IH Newcastle's successful exam rates - we asked him 3 questions about the exam and his answers will inspire your studies!

1) Why our lessons at IH Newcastle are so unique?

At IH Newcastle, the IELTS Preparation Course gives equal attention to all four components of the exam: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. No stone is left unturned, and students are equipped with the skills they need to approach the IELTS with confidence.

Lessons are dynamic, and by the end of the course, students are better able to produce a range of essays and reports based on graphs, maps, plans and diagrams, engage in discussions, improve their presentation skills, and develop their reading and listening comprehension of academic articles and topics.

In addition to 10 hours of in-class lessons per week, IH Newcastle students can also access further support and exam practice through our Personal Study Programme (PSP), available to everyone. PSP offers students the opportunity to focus on specific skills and language areas, with teachers on hand to provide guidance and answer questions.

2) We had a lot of students achieving their desired score recently - what do you reckon is the main element they take away from classes that explains such success?

At IH Newcastle, students of varying English levels and IELTS score requirements have successfully passed the exam. The expertise of our teachers, who have a deep understanding of the IELTS marking criteria, combined with constant written and spoken feedback and exam-focused activities, are key factors behind our high success rate. Our teachers have access to the most up-to-date information on the exam format, ensuring that lesson contents and materials are always aligned with what students need to achieve their target scores.

3) What would you recommend to anyone worried about the exam and

considering to start an IELTS course?

Unlike other proficiency exams, it is impossible to fail IELTS. Students receive a score that genuinely reflects their level of English, which in itself should encourage candidates to give the exam a try. IELTS is all about preparation and strategy. Our course is designed to equip students with effective strategies for every section of the exam and to build their confidence to perform at their best. Through engaging, needs-based lessons, regular feedback, and mock tests that familiarise students with exam conditions, IH Newcastle students quickly realise that achieving their IELTS score is not only possible, it can also be an enjoyable experience!

Work written by Gus Lazaro, English Teacher at IH Newcastle,; and Deivid Flores, Sales & Marketing at IH Newcastle.