About Me

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I am a freelance teacher and translator with a 15-year experience, passionate about inventing new approaches and developing original lesson plans and study programs. I have a BA in Psychology and English (literature and language) and an MA in Special Education, which allows me to work with an especially wide range of students, including those with LDs. I use versatile interdisciplinary materials to expand my students' vocabulary and adjust the study program to the interests and professional needs of students. Motivation is the key to success, and I consider that one of my strongest sides: I know how to encourage active participation. This blog is a space for sharing materials, ideas and tips for English teachers and learners.

Tuesday 14 June 2022

5 mistakes most students make in IELTS preparation

 

IELTS preparation is a long-term process that can last for months and that requires your full commitment. Therefore, it is super-important to know what are its “hidden icebergs” before you dive in.

Here are some typical mistakes you may stumble upon when you prepare for the IELTS test:




  1. Not knowing your starting point. Without a full mock test in the beginning you can’t know what your current score is, how long it may take you to achieve your goal score, and what you should do to achieve it. Just take one of the available mock tests and get a full report of your strengths and weaknesses and some tips and ideas for the future learning. DON’T skip this step! 

HERE is my affiliate link to a very affordable mock test service that provides full reports for just 29.99 pounds (you’ll get a 10% discount with our promo code: linguacom)


  1. Trying to “squeeze in” IELTS preparation into an already busy schedule. Depending on your goal, studying for IELTS may require 2-5 hours of your daily work. That's just how long it takes, no “secret” shortcuts, no magic. 


  1. Not getting professional feedback for the writing and speaking parts. While the reading and the listening sections can be checked automatically, writing and speaking require a professional human tester who is able to fully evaluate your “task response” and “task achievement”, the logical flow of your answer, as well as your vocabulary and grammar use. 

There are many platforms and individual teachers providing such services. In our studio, we offer a “writing marathon” and a “speaking marathon”, in which your answers are checked by a former IELTS examiner. To learn more about this format, click HERE.


  1. Leaving your test registration to the last moment. Making arrangements for the test and booking it in advance will help you organise your studies, and ensure that you do not miss any application deadlines. Click HERE to book your test.


  1. Not having a study plan. Studying without a plan may cause you to spend too much time on certain topics and neglect others. Building a study plan that is tailor-made just for you is something that only a professional teacher can do. However, you may use the existing plans and materials in theThe Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS book and on some platforms, such as BestMyTest, for example. A list of recommended IELTS Youtube channels that also provide some preparation guidelines can be found in another article on THIS page.

If you would like to purchase and individualised study plan, please drop us an email, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.


Good luck with your test and talk to us if you have any further questions!


Tuesday 22 February 2022

Top 6 IELTS Youtube Channels

 

  1. IELTS with Keith (my personal favourite): English Speaking Success has got an impressive number of short, specific tutorials presented in a most friendly manner. The range of topics includes speaking skills, test strategies and improving your IELTS score. A rich collection of tips, resources, free lessons, and sample answers. Run by Keith O'Hare, an English teacher and owner of the Keith Speaking Academy.
  2. BestMyTest: a vast collection of IELTS preparation lessons organised in an outstandingly clear way. Presented by different teachers, the tutorials have one thing in common: they are easy to understand and cover all the important parts of the IELTS tasks.
    A must-watch channel for IELTS preparation.
  3. Understanding IELTS by the British Council: a playlist of live videos dedicated to IELTS questions. Created by educators from the British Council's award-winning Understanding IELTS online courses, it provides valuable tips and answers to all your IELTS questions.
  4. FasTrack: Packed with useful tips and information, this channel provides a comprehensive of video tutorials on all parts of the IELTS exam. Run by Asiya, a teacher who has established Fastrack Education, a company that helps others achieve their academic dreams.
  5. E2: E2 Test Prep provides affordable, quality language learning technology and test simulation. Run by Mark, an EX-IELTS examiner and Jay, an expert IELTS teacher.
  6. IELTS with Liz: this IELTS preparation channel is probably one of the most famous ones. The videos feel like a real lesson: there is a teacher who stands in front of a whiteboard with a marker, and simply explains the material . Run by a qualified IELTS trainer, Liz, it provides IELTS tips, techniques and practice for your IELTS test. In the form of clear and well-structured lessons, the channel helps you learn about IELTS writing, IELTS Speaking, Listening and Reading.

Hope it helps!
Good luck with your IELTS preparation.



Friday 24 December 2021

Language Inspiration Broadcast


 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/LinguaCom/family-history-language-broadcast