Pros and Cons of Online IELTS Review

The International English Language Testing System test is popular among Filipinos. Ask every single Filipino who applied or is still applying for work or student visas in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom; they will surely know something about the IELTS examination. I myself was introduced to the examination when I was applying for a student visa in Australia. I have always dreamt to enroll in a culinary arts school overseas. I studied here in the Philippines, but it seemed that I was still looking for more knowledge in the field I was interested in. I checked online for schools, got an invitation, and took the IELTS. I will not be sharing any success stories here. As a matter of fact, I was not able to hit my target score in the IELTS the first time I took it. For the record, I took the test three times. Anyway, the point here is that one factor that contributes a lot with one’s success in the IELTS test is the amount of review.

The first time I challenged the examination, I only did self-review. It was pretty difficult understanding materials from a review manual. I guess that is one big reason why I failed during the first take. When I took it the second time, I actually got my required score, yet I needed to take it again since I wanted to score better and I might need a higher score when I started applying for jobs. However this time, I tried two different kinds of review, the classroom setup and the online IELTS review.

Both IELTS review were very helpful to me. There was easier understanding and more practices given to me which helped me get familiar with the exam. I was surprised with the online IELTS review classes on how the class was done. I should say I was petty amazed. Since most people are asking about the online IELTS review course, let me list the pros and cons of an online IELTS review.

Pros

• It is very convenient since you do not have to go out.
• You basically need a good computer and an Internet connection for the class to work.
• There are one hour or two hour classes. It is no draining since you can choose whether to have the class straight or attend on the next hour for you to have a break.
• In a reading class, I was given one to two reading passages in class. The rationalization followed every after reading activity.
• We had different listening exercises which includes dictation as well. It used a variety of English accents for better practice.
• Speaking classes are not much of an embarrassment compared to when you are in a big group. I could give any crazy idea I had since it was only me and my teacher online.
• Writing essays was so easy. My teacher was there to guide me through the writing process paying extra attention to my grammar and sentence construction.
• I was able to practice well with speaking since my teacher spoke English in the class all the time.
• Feedback and comments were ready every after class.
• All of the teacher’s attention and focus was on me.

However, there are also some disadvantages to having online IELTS review.

Cons

• Limited group interaction since you only have yourself and the teacher.
• Ideas are solely yours and your teacher in class. There is no other input from other people of which might help solving questions on the speaking test.
• Power interruptions were a huge problem.
• Sometimes, there were glitches with the Internet connection. It was either my connection or the review center’s which disrupted some of my classes.
• Having a timed reading was difficult since I was not able to see the timer running. I should have downloaded an online stopwatch for that matter.
• Some files for the listening were too big that it took quite a time to be sent, consuming much of the class time.
• I was not able to practice writing by hand since I had to send it to my teacher’s email. I was able to write some practices by hand but I had to have it scanned of which a scanner was not available at home.
• It was quite awkward to have practice speaking facing the Internet. It was better to have mock exams facing the real interviewer.
• When my teacher was absent, another had to cover which I found difficult to adjust since I already got accustomed to my instructor.
• Classes can get boring especially when we were doing practices.

Though there are some drawbacks, an online IELTS review course is still very helpful in reviewing. The important is the undivided attention you are getting from the instructor. This review is highly recommended.

For more IELTS Tips you can refer this link www.ieltsexamstips.com.