Included in the Learning subscription

All four parts of the exam from start to the final mock test. For level B1+ aiming for band 8–9. Included in the «Learning» subscription.

Lessons are taught in Russian; examples and tasks are in English.

Course outline

1. Module 1

   Getting Started: How IELTS Works

   1. 01
      Test Format: 4 Sections, Timing, Computer-Delivered and Paper-Based VersionsFree10 min

      After this lesson you will know exactly what IELTS Academic consists of, how long each section lasts, in what order they are taken and how the computer-delivered version differs from the paper-based version. This is the foundation: to achieve band 8–9 you cannot afford to lose a single minute to surprises about the format.

   2. Practice: Test Format: 4 Sections, Timing, Computer-Delivered and Paper-Based VersionsFree15 min
   3. 02
      How Scores Are Calculated: Bands 0–9, Raw Scores and Rounding the Overall Score Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will be able to convert the number of correct answers into a band, calculate the Overall band score from the four sections and understand how many points you are short of your target in each section.

   4. Practice: How Scores Are Calculated: Bands 0–9, Raw Scores and Rounding the Overall Score Subscription15 min
   5. 03
      What band score do you need: universities, visas, work; how to set your goal Subscription15 min

      After this lesson, you will be able to read programme requirements for IELTS, check whether a specific result meets them, and set a personal goal for each of the four components.

   6. Practice: What band score do you need: universities, visas, work; how to set your goal Subscription15 min
   7. 04
      A 4–8 Week Study Plan and How to Use the Course Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will have your own 4–8 week plan: how many hours to spend on each skill, what to do at each stage and in what order to take the modules of the course.

   8. Practice: A 4–8 Week Study Plan and How to Use the Course Subscription15 min

2. Module 2

   Reading

   1. 01
      How to read an academic text in 20 minutes: skimming and scanningFree15 min

      After this lesson, you will be able to map a text in 2–3 minutes (skimming) and locate the relevant place in seconds using keywords (scanning), then read slowly only the fragment that contains the answer.

   2. Practice: How to read an academic text in 20 minutes: skimming and scanningFree20 min
   3. 02
      True / False / Not Given: Logic and Typical Traps Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will tackle True / False / Not Given using a strict algorithm, distinguish FALSE from NOT GIVEN with confidence, and spot traps in figures, qualifiers and comparisons.

   4. Practice: True / False / Not Given: Logic and Typical Traps Subscription20 min
   5. 03
      Yes / No / Not Given: the writer's views versus facts Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will distinguish the writer's views from the facts they report, recognise signals of opinion and answer Yes / No / Not Given confidently even in texts with cautious, hedged wording.

   6. Practice: Yes / No / Not Given: the writer's views versus facts Subscription20 min
   7. 04
      Matching headings: the main idea of the paragraph Subscription15 min

      After this lesson, you will find the main idea of a paragraph in under a minute, eliminate trap headings that match only a detail, and solve matching headings without working through the entire list.

   8. Practice: Matching headings: the main idea of the paragraph Subscription20 min
   9. 05
      Matching information and features: finding details Subscription15 min

      After this lesson, you will quickly find which paragraph contains the detail you need, match statements to people or organisations in the text, and avoid confusing who said what.

   10. Practice: Matching information and features: finding details Subscription20 min
   11. 06
       Sentence, summary and table completion: exact words from the text Subscription15 min

       After this lesson, you will fill gaps in sentences, summaries, tables and diagrams so that the answer is the exact word from the text, fits within the word limit and is grammatically correct in the gap.

   12. Practice: Sentence, summary and table completion: exact words from the text Subscription20 min
   13. 07
       Multiple choice and timing: how to fit 40 questions into 60 minutes Subscription20 min

       After this lesson you will tackle multiple choice by eliminating incorrect options using four criteria and keep pace across the whole Reading section: 17, 20 and 23 minutes for the passages with timed checkpoints.

   14. Practice: Multiple choice and timing: how to fit 40 questions into 60 minutes Subscription20 min

3. Module 3

   Listening

   1. 01
      The 4-Part Format and How to Listen OnceFree10 min

      After this lesson you will know how the four parts of Listening are organised, how many mistakes you can afford for band 8–9 and how to handle a recording that is played only once.

   2. Practice: The 4-Part Format and How to Listen OnceFree20 min
   3. 02
      Part 1: forms, names, numbers, dates, spelling Subscription10 min

      After this lesson you will accurately write down names, numbers, dates and postcodes spelt out letter by letter and you will not lose a single answer in Part 1.

   4. Practice: Part 1: forms, names, numbers, dates, spelling Subscription20 min
   5. 03
      Part 2: Monologue, Maps and Plans Subscription20 min

      After this lesson you will confidently follow the speaker's route on the map, know the language of directions and avoid distractors in Part 2 multiple choice.

   6. Practice: Part 2: Monologue, Maps and Plans Subscription15 min
   7. 04
      Part 3: academic discussion – who said what Subscription20 min

      After this lesson you will be able to track who thinks what, distinguish agreement, partial agreement and rejection of an idea, and avoid losing marks in matching 'who said what' tasks.

   8. Practice: Part 3: academic discussion – who said what Subscription15 min
   9. 05
      Part 4: lecture, note completion Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will listen to an academic lecture without pauses, using its structure to guide you, and complete notes with the exact words from the recording.

   10. Practice: Part 4: lecture, note completion Subscription20 min
   11. 06
       Traps: speaker corrections, synonyms and word limits Subscription20 min

       After this lesson, you will recognise the main Listening traps by their signal words and avoid losing marks because of word limits and answer format.

   12. Practice: Traps: speaker corrections, synonyms and word limits Subscription15 min

4. Module 4

   Writing Task 1

   1. 01
      What is assessed in Task 1 and how to structure a 150+ word answerFree20 min

      After this lesson, you will know how Writing Task 1 Academic is scored and how to write a four-paragraph answer with a strong overview.

   2. Practice: What is assessed in Task 1 and how to structure a 150+ word answerFree15 min
   3. 02
      Line Graphs and Bar Charts: Trends and Comparisons Subscription20 min

      After this lesson, you will accurately describe trends on a line graph and comparisons on a bar chart, choosing the right verb, adverb and preposition for the specific figures.

   4. Practice: Line Graphs and Bar Charts: Trends and Comparisons Subscription15 min
   5. 03
      Tables and Pie Charts: Selecting the Key Features Subscription20 min

      After this lesson, you will select the 6–8 most important figures from a table of 20, describe shares on pie charts with precise language and avoid getting lost in the data.

   6. Practice: Tables and Pie Charts: Selecting the Key Features Subscription15 min
   7. 04
      Processes and Maps: Sequence and Change Subscription25 min

      After this lesson, you will describe processes using the passive and sequencing linkers, and changes on maps using transformation verbs and language of location.

   8. Practice: Processes and Maps: Sequence and Change Subscription15 min
   9. 05
      Vocabulary for Descriptions and Analysis of Responses at 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 Subscription25 min

      After this lesson you will see how responses at 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 to the same task differ on each criterion, and you will correct typical lexical and grammatical mistakes in descriptions.

   10. Practice: Vocabulary for Descriptions and Analysis of Responses at 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 Subscription15 min

5. Module 5

   Writing Task 2

   1. 01
      Essay types: opinion, discussion, problem-solution, two-part questionFree15 min

      After this lesson, you will identify the Task 2 question type in 30 seconds, see all its parts and build a plan that answers the question fully, not just 'on the topic in general'.

   2. Practice: Essay types: opinion, discussion, problem-solution, two-part questionFree15 min
   3. 02
      Structure for 250+ Words: Introduction, Body Paragraphs and Conclusion Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will build a 270–320-word essay using a clear framework: an introduction with a position, fully developed body paragraphs and a conclusion with no new ideas.

   4. Practice: Structure for 250+ Words: Introduction, Body Paragraphs and Conclusion Subscription20 min
   5. 03
      Arguments and Examples: How to Develop an Idea Subscription15 min

      After this lesson, you will be able to take a single idea through to its conclusion — from claim through mechanism and consequence to a concrete example — and distinguish a strong example from a vague or invented one.

   6. Practice: Arguments and Examples: How to Develop an Idea Subscription20 min
   7. 04
      Cohesion: Linking Devices, Referencing and Paragraph Logic Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will link sentences as strong writers do: through logic, pronouns and repetition of key concepts, while using linking devices accurately and sparingly.

   8. Practice: Cohesion: Linking Devices, Referencing and Paragraph Logic Subscription15 min
   9. 05
      Assessment Criteria: How a Band 9 Answer Differs from a Band 7 Answer Subscription20 min

      After this lesson you will read your own essay through the examiner's eyes: you will see which criterion is costing you marks and understand exactly what separates a 7 from an 8 and a 9.

   10. Practice: Assessment Criteria: How a Band 9 Answer Differs from a Band 7 Answer Subscription15 min
   11. 06
       Analysis of 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 essays and rewriting your essay to band 9 Subscription20 min

       After this lesson, you will see the specific differences between 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 essays on the same task and be able to rewrite your own text step by step, raising it to the next level.

   12. Practice: Analysis of 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 essays and rewriting your essay to band 9 Subscription20 min

6. Module 6

   Speaking

   1. 01
      Format and criteria: fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciationFree15 min

      After this lesson you will understand how the 11–14 minutes of Speaking are organised, what the examiner listens for in each of the four criteria, and how an answer at band 8–9 sounds different from an answer at 7.0.

   2. Practice: Format and criteria: fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciationFree15 min
   3. 02
      Part 1: short answers about yourself — how to avoid one-word replies Subscription10 min

      After this lesson, you will answer Part 1 questions in 2–4 sentences: directly, with a reason and a vivid detail, in natural conversational English and in the correct tense.

   4. Practice: Part 1: short answers about yourself — how to avoid one-word replies Subscription20 min
   5. 03
      Part 2: cue card, one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will prepare effective notes in one minute, speak for a full two minutes on the cue card without hesitation and use the final point on the card to demonstrate band 8–9.

   6. Practice: Part 2: cue card, one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak Subscription20 min
   7. 04
      Part 3: Discussion, Arguments and Generalisations Subscription15 min

      After this lesson, you will answer abstract Part 3 questions in a developed and logical way: you will take a position, explain it, give an example and add a qualification — using language at band 8–9 level.

   8. Practice: Part 3: Discussion, Arguments and Generalisations Subscription20 min
   9. 05
      Fluency and Pauses: How to Speak Without Memorising Subscription10 min

      After this lesson, you will know which pauses lower your score and which do not, be able to pause to think using natural phrases, work around a forgotten word and build fluency without memorised answers.

   10. Practice: Fluency and Pauses: How to Speak Without Memorising Subscription20 min
   11. 06
       Pronunciation: Sounds and Intonation, Common Mistakes of Non-Native Speakers Subscription15 min

       After this lesson you will know what features of pronunciation the examiner assesses, be able to spot common mistakes made by non-native speakers and control stress and intonation so that your speech sounds like band 8–9.

   12. Practice: Pronunciation: Sounds and Intonation, Common Mistakes of Non-Native Speakers Subscription20 min

7. Module 7

   Vocabulary and grammar for bands 8–9

   1. 01
      C2-level vocabulary: Academic Word List and uncommon words that achieve band 9 for Lexical ResourceFree15 min

      After this lesson you will understand what really earns band 8–9 for Lexical Resource, know how to use the Academic Word List, and be able to replace vague words with precise ones without sounding pretentious.

   2. Practice: C2-level vocabulary: Academic Word List and uncommon words that achieve band 9 for Lexical ResourceFree20 min
   3. 02
      Collocations and Paraphrasing: The Foundation for Reading and Writing Subscription20 min

      After this lesson you will know the main types of academic collocations, be able to paraphrase a sentence in five ways, and recognise paraphrase in Reading and Listening questions.

   4. Practice: Collocations and Paraphrasing: The Foundation for Reading and Writing Subscription15 min
   5. 03
      Complex Sentences: Conditionals, Passive and Relative Clauses Subscription20 min

      After this lesson, you will confidently use mixed conditionals and inversion, the impersonal passive and complex relative clauses — precisely the structures that demonstrate Grammatical Range and Accuracy at band 8–9 to the examiner.

   6. Practice: Complex Sentences: Conditionals, Passive and Relative Clauses Subscription20 min
   7. 04
      Typical mistakes of non-native speakers: articles, tenses and prepositions Subscription20 min

      After this lesson, you will recognise the systematic errors that non-native candidates often make in Writing and Speaking and be able to spot them in your own work. These are precisely the errors that most often separate 7.0 from 8.0 for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

   8. Practice: Typical mistakes of non-native speakers: articles, tenses and prepositions Subscription20 min
   9. 05
      Exam Topics: Education, Technology, Environment, City and Health Subscription20 min

      After this lesson, you will have a working set of collocations for the five most common IELTS topics and be able to use them in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3 without memorised templates.

   10. Practice: Exam Topics: Education, Technology, Environment, City and Health Subscription20 min

8. Module 8

   Finish

   1. 01
      Exam strategy: timing, rough notes and the order of stepsFree15 min

      After this lesson you will have a minute-by-minute plan for each part of the exam, you will know how to work with rough notes on paper and on computer, and what to do if something goes wrong.

   2. Practice: Exam strategy: timing, rough notes and the order of stepsFree15 min
   3. 02
      The Final Week: What to Revise and How to Rest Subscription15 min

      After this lesson you will have a plan for the last 7 days before the exam: what to revise, what to leave alone, and how to balance workload and rest to arrive at the exam in peak form.

   4. Practice: The Final Week: What to Revise and How to Rest Subscription15 min
   5. 03
      Final mock test and a plan for what to improve based on your results Subscription10 min

      After this lesson, you will have completed a compact mock test covering all four parts of IELTS Academic, you will know where you are losing marks, and the table at the end will show you which lessons of the course to revise first.

   6. Practice: Final mock test and a plan for what to improve based on your results Subscription30 min