IELTS Classroom Tips (Cambridge Mindset)

Why does a communicative approach in an IELTS classroom not work?

• Students don't have enough English fluency to understand.

• Students will wonder what you're doing and why you're doing it.

• Time is limited.

• It can be a waste of time to go into too much detail about language specifically.

Answer explanation

The communicative approach is based on the idea that learning language successfully comes through having to communicate real meaning. When learners are involved in real communication, their natural strategies for language acquisition will be used, and this will allow them to learn to use the language.

Include communicative activities as long as they

• have an important grammar point.

• are relevant to the lesson context.

• clearly link back to the test.

• entertaining for the students.

Practicing different task types will allow students to V D L E E P O the skills they will need more efficiently than taking practice exams repeatedly. (unscramble the word)

What helps a student succeed at any test, not just the IELTS exam?

• Develop techniques.

• Memorising answers.

• Taking practice tests frequently.

• Knowing what the examiner is looking for.

What is the best way to deal with mixed level classes?

What information do you need about your students to best tailor your IELTS classes?

What is the worst thing that can happen inside the mind of an IELTS student?

• I can't do this.

• I don't want to do this.

• Why am I doing this?

• I don't like doing this.

The way to mitigate students asking "WHY??" is to ...

• give the question back to the students. Ask them how this activity is relevant to the test.

• tell them "because I told you so."

• encourage them to not ask questions and simply follow the their teacher and book.

• have a discussion about how this information can help them.