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Recently I was interviewed for the PIE Live Event, talking about the impact of COVID-19 on English language testing for admission to higher education.

Test takers around the world will have the option to take their secure test online when IELTS Online starts global rollout early in 2022.

Test takers of the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test, IELTS, will soon have access to a new feature to help them boost the score they need to achieve their global learning and career goals.

IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test, with more than four million IELTS tests taken last year. Whether to study, work or move abroad, taking IELTS is an essential step for many people as they work to achieve their ambitions and gain life experience. 

Learning English idioms can improve your fluency and help you express yourself in more interesting ways. Idioms are a part of natural language use, alongside phrasal verbs and collocations. If you’re taking IELTS, they’re essential to scoring a Band 7 or above in the Speaking test. 

Capital letters in English writing are important, but are you sure you know how to use them correctly?

A big factor for both clarity and formality in English is the use of active and passive voice. Every time you speak or write in English, the way you structure your sentences shapes how clear and confident you sound. The question is, are you clear on the differences in the active vs passive voice in English?

Mastering a wide range of advanced English words is essential if you’re aiming to become fluent in English and pass your IELTS test with a high score.

You may wonder how you’ll ever process the large amounts of text the IELTS Reading exam contains – but don’t fear! If you want to improve your reading skills for the IELTS Reading test, learning about skimming and scanning is an important step. 

You can write the date in English in lots of different ways, depending on the situation. This guide will show you the key differences between formal and informal styles, help you understand the British and American date formats, and explain what’s expected in IELTS Writing.

When you’re preparing for your IELTS Reading test, you might find words you don’t understand – and that’s perfectly normal. One of the most powerful skills you can learn is to use context clues. Learning how to recognise and use these effectively can dramatically improve your reading comprehension. 

No matter your level of English, there will always be some difficult terms to grasp. Even the most advanced speakers sometimes struggle with confusing English words.

The IELTS Speaking test takes place in a calm, controlled environment with a single examiner. Test conditions like these give everyone the chance to do their best. Rather than demonstrating your ability to perform under pressure, you can keep focusing on your communication skills.

One of the biggest challenges for English learners is overcoming the ‘language learning plateau’. 

Job interviews can make anyone anxious. As an English learner, a job interview in English can feel even more scary. Even with strong speaking skills, it's easy to lose confidence in an interview. You might also not be sure about the right type of job interview preparation to help emphasise your fluency and vocabulary in English.

When looking to take the IELTS test, you’ll come across both the British Council and IDP IELTS. While both are popular test providers and are recognised by many institutions, there are differences between the two. Considering the importance of the test for your future opportunities, these differences matter.

When you’re learning English, it’s important to be aware that there are two different registers or types to master: formal vs informal English. 

Get access to premium preparation materials when you book an IELTS test with the British Council

Build your test day confidence with IELTS preparation courses from the British Council. Offered both in our Teaching Centres and online, you can prepare your way, at a time to suit you.