The end of module test consists of four parts (elements are equally weighted at 25% of the total marks for the module):

1) an hour-long writing test
2) a 5 – 10 minute speaking test
3) a 60 minute reading exam
4) a 45 minute listening exam

This end-of-course examination is designed to assess whether you have reached the equivalent of IELTS 5.5. Also, examinations are still an important part of assessment at university, so this exam gives you practice in exam technique skills.

Students will receive feedback on their performance in the following ways:
• face-to-face support in small group and individual tutorials throughout the course to ensure a complete understanding of the tasks set.
• face-to- face and written feedback will be given on formative work throughout both semesters
• detail in the Module tutor's comments on formative work, including comments and suggestions on areas for improvement.
• strategies to improve performance will be given.
• marked work will be returned in a timely manner.

Learner independence will be fostered and developed, for example by the use of learning logs and critical thinking will be encouraged in learning activities.

• Writing essays and reports in an academic style
• Using sources to write essays and reports
• Organising ideas in a logical way
• Writing appropriate introductions and conclusions
• Revising and proof-reading written work
• Presenting and supporting arguments, ideas and opinions
• Reading effectively
• Improving reading speed
• Paraphrasing and summarising
• Quoting directly and referring to sources
• Writing a list of references
• Listening to lectures& taking effective notes
• Leading discussions and seminars
• Participating in discussions and seminars
• Giving oral presentations

This module has 140 hours of whole class contact – typically twenty hours per week over the teaching period. Your class should normally contain a maximum of twenty students. In the class contact hours, you’ll be working with the Module tutor and your fellow students. Examples of the sort of activities you’ll be doing in the course are:

• Writing about various general and academic themes
• Speaking in pairs, small groups and whole group discussions
• Listening to a variety of people talking in general and academic situations
• Reading a range of general and academic texts on varied topics of interest

• The library
• A PC with MS Office
• Internet
• Individual and group study space
• A good advanced learner’s English dictionary
• Multimedia equipment (DVD player, listening station)

Black. M and Sharp. W (2006) Objective IELTS (Cambridge University Press)

Students entering the programme with an IELTS average between 5.0 and 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading)