We’re getting really excited about the Understanding IELTS: Techniques for English Language Tests course, which is starting next week!

So far more than 76,000 people have signed up and more and more are joining every day, so we will be a big group doing the course together.

The course will consist of a variety of videos, language activities and explanations, discussions and quizzes. In the first week, we will look at exams in general and talk about how you feel about them. Then each week we’ll focus on a different aspect of the IELTS test, (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking), and you’ll have the chance to share your opinions about each topic and compare them with those of your fellow learners around the world.

All you need for the course is access to the internet and Basic/Intermediate English.

Getting ready for the course

If you want to prepare for the course over the next week, you can go the British Council’s Take IELTS website to find out more about the test.

Booking a test

If you’re already thinking of booking an IELTS test date, you can book online here.

Tell your friends!

Remember, you can invite friends and colleagues to join the course and take part with you. Learning with people you know can really enrich the experience of studying online. Your friends and colleagues can join the course by visiting this page:futurelearn.com/courses/understanding-ielts

There will be lots of opportunities to interact with other learners once the course starts. Before then, you can use the hashtag #FLEnglishIELTS to discuss the course on social networks.

The course begins on Monday 11 May 2015 and we will send a welcome note as soon as we have started. If you have any questions or feedback before the course starts, I won’t be able to answer you personally, but please look at FutureLearn’s help pages.

Best wishes,

Chris Cavey
Lead educator 
British Council