Ahmed kindly sent in this comment to the blog; unfortunately I missed it! I'll give my reaction and would love to hear from present and past students:
Dear Mr. Tony,
This is my first post in the blog, hence I would like to thank you a lot for your honesty and effort in pushing us up to learn more English.
But I have some concerns regarding the class; as I know, this course is mainly created to prepare for the IELTS exam. As a suggestion, why we do not change the class style to focus more on the exam requirements?? I'm not saying that I do not want to learn more, but we have lack of time so we can stick to what is needed in IELTS.
We can do every two days (an IELTS exam) for example using old papers OR the examples in the book. I think by this way we can be comfortable and have the ability to get ready for the exam. This can be discussed in the class and wish to (get the best knowledge from the best teacher).
Best Regards,
Ahmed
In my defence, I would argue that we ARE doing a mock paper every day, which is based on past IELTS papers. I have started the full-scale IELTS interviews for the Speaking and will be marking 12 pieces of assessed writing by the end of the course! As Ahmed got band 8.0 for the Listening test on Monday, it is clear that he has some IELTS pedigree! Also it is possible to buy IELTS Practice Tests - Books 2, 4 and 5 (we are using Book 3 in class). Furthermore, my ex-colleague Robbie is selling five complete IELTS tests on his website http://www.ieltshelpnow.com/ for $29.95. It is the Speaking and Writing that you cannot assess yourselves. On a logistical note, it would be impossible for me to mark 16 IELTS practice exams every two days and to give you the results the next day! Please note that that we shall be doing full task 1 / task 2 Writing tests in class during the final week. Also lesson 11 on Tuesday 6 November consists of a full-scale IELTS Listening / Reading / Writing examination and you will get the marked tests back the next day, 7 November with IELTS bandings.
What I am saying is that you need to have the correct techniques and strategies and improved skills to apply in the IELTS test practice. With this knowledge, you can learn from your mistakes and do better than you did in your previous IELTS exams(s). So, dear Ahmed, give the course a little more time and do as much extra practice as you can in your free time (lucky man!) in the Thursday - Sunday period and during the mornings/afternoons with all the practice materials that are available.
By the way, everything that I teach on this 36 hour course is aimed at how to "prepare for the IELTS exam". I would love to take you for a guided tour of the wonders of the English language, but, alas, that will have to wait for another time.
IELTS veterans, Firas, Maha, Khawla, Ahmed and Vladimir, what advice do you have for Ahmed? You have the experience of completing the 36 hour course then tackling the actual IELTS exam. We would love to hear how you felt the preparation course helped you and how you did that extra preparation that enabled you to succeed in meeting your IELTS targets.
Thank you in anticipation
Standing by...
Tony
7 comments:
salam,
It's good thing to discuss about such of thing like that in WEBLOG but please Ahmed don't do it in the class.
As you said we don't have time so keep arguing in WEBLOG and keep class for studying not for arguing.
If you want my opinion about it i agree with Ahmed but also I believe " who is elder than you he gets experience more than you"
So Tony he knows what he is doing
Good old Ali!
Short, sharp and succinct!
Actually it is not 'arguing' rather than DISCUSSING or DEBATING the most efficient way to prepare for the dreaded IELTS. The more controversy we have, the better, in my humble opinion.
Nine people have not even registered on the blog.
Only three people have contributed.
Nobody was in the British Council Learning Zone this morning while I was doing my photocopying.
Are you 'champs' or 'chumps'?
Hmmm, time is running out.
Ah well, at least I tried to get you more involved...
Good night
Stand by for for a 'blast' from me if no one has responded by tomorrow afternoon.
Good night!
How was your weekend and the National Geographic magazines that you have been reading?
Tony
salaaaaam every one,
Ladies and Gentes i think Tony is going to blast so plz plz contribute as much as you can.
Otherwise, also am going to explode.
It's only few weeks and everyone will be a lone at home lol.
Tony make sure nobody is afraid from ILTES except you.
By the way on Sunday there is football match between UAE and Vietnam.It's important match and needs everybody goes to the Stadium to be behind the National team.
So, tomorrow is day off from me.
Tony regarding to your book to be honest with you i didn't read it, i was too busy with my family.
Enjoy the football game, Ali! I appreciate your honesty, but you will be missing a very important lesson.
As for the others:
You have been weighed, measured and found wanting.
Your hunger is not enough.
Your desire is not enough.
Your 'contribution' is not enough.
Sit there and worry in silence, soon the course will be over and you will be free of me and my insatiable (look it up!) demands.
See you in 3.5 hours' time.
Tony
Hala,
Great Suggestion Ahmed, I agree with you, but as our teacher Tony Said that not everyone in the class nows about IELTS, actually am one of them.
If it possible Tony, I would like to recommend to have a full IELTS Test at the last day of this course.
Wish you all the luck.
Thank you Mr. Tony, Ali and Roudah for your precious comments and taking my suggestion in consider, believe me all what I said is only for the benefit of the class folks.
Regards,
Ahmed
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