IELTS Preparation Courses in China : the Reading Comprehension Task

Abstract: More and more private language schools provide IELTS preparation courses for candidates who want to sit the test for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English-speaking countries. This essay investigates whether the IELTS preparation course in a language school in China offers an adequate preparation for candidates. The study focuses on one preparation course for the IELTS reading test (other modules are beyond the scope of the present study). A questionnaire and interview questions concerning both the IELTS reading test and the preparation course were given to 20 candidates and two teachers by e-mail.This study first analyzed the reading skills tested in the IELTS reading test and discussed possible test difficulties. It then investigated the IELTS reading preparation course by means of candidate feedback on course expectations, course structure, teaching materials and teaching methods. The feedback shows that the course fulfilled the candidates’ expectations, i.e. it taught them useful test-taking techniques and reading skills. The teachers’ responses indicate that the course achieved its objective to familiarize candidates with the IELTS reading test. The study results demonstrate that the preparation course is test-based, teaching candidates IELTS test-taking strategies, which effectively prepare candidates for the IELTS test. Candidates and teachers also offered suggestions for future course improvement.