General English, IELTS, Cambridge, PTE: Which English course should I study? A teacher’s opinion
I have been teaching International students for more than 20 years and almost every week, a student will ask me for advice on which English course to study next: IELTS, Cambridge, PTE or continue in General English? When students begin learning English, they often feel uncertain about which course is right for them and usually seek advice from friends or agents.
Seeking Advice
Providing advice on which English course to study and for how long are difficult questions to answer because everyone has different goals, motivation, time, and expertise in learning English. To help you have a better understanding of which course may be best for you I have written this article which also includes a suggested study plan at the end. The advice in this article is general in nature and is intended to provide additional information to help you create your own English learning plan. For more informative information about studying in Australia, check out my webpage www.besteducationagent.com
What great information will you find in this article?
I’ve included the following information to help you start your English learning journey:
- Brief summary of each course: General English (GE); International English Language Testing System (IELTS); Cambridge English; Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- My Advice on which course to study
- A study plan: what to study
Should I study a General English Course?
If you want to improve your English then study General English, that’s what the courses are designed for. Using high-quality materials like English File, Spek Out, Cutting Edge etc. you will follow a structured path to learn English. These course curricula include grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking activities. The curriculum starts at beginner and progresses through to Advanced.
Should I study IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), is designed to assess your language level in four different areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It is accepted by thousands of educational institutions, governments, and organizations across the globe as a measure of your English proficiency and is primarily used for university admissions, visa applications, and immigration requirements. If you need an IELTS score for any of those reasons then you should study this exam preparation course.
REMEMBER: the IELTS preparation course is NOT designed to teach you English, although you will probably learn some, it is designed to teach you the techniques on how to achieve the highest score possible in the test. You should already have the appropriate level of English before you enter an IELTS course. See below for more detail.
In many cases the IELTS score is only accepted by governments and universities if it was completed less than 2 years before the application date. Check with your university or government agency for specific information.
Should I study PTE?
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English language proficiency test designed to assess and validate a non-native English speaker’s ability to understand, communicate, and use the English language in academic and professional settings. The test is recognized and is widely accepted by Australian universities as proof of English proficiency. Check with the University to confirm whether they accept the PTE score.
Should I study a Cambridge course?
Cambridge English is a department of Cambridge University in England. Their courses are developed to offer a complete English language education from ranging from A2 Key (Beginner) through to C2 Proficiency (Advanced)), focusing on: reading and ese of English, writing, listening, and speaking.
Over 25,000 organizations in 130 countries around the world use the Cambridge exams and tests as evidence of English language proficiency. Every year, more than 5.5 million people take Cambridge English qualifications and tests.
Many language schools offer Cambridge courses and exams as an option but many only offer it from B2 level and up. The Cambridge courses are usually more expensive than general English courses so find out the costs before starting.
My advice on selecting which English course to study
1. Always begin your studies in General English
General English courses are designed to teach you English by providing a comprehensive and structured approach to language learning. These courses, designed for learners at various levels, offer a well-rounded curriculum that covers essential aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and speaking. The structured nature of the courses ensure that learners follow a logical progression, building a strong foundation and gradually gaining proficiency in English. It’s a practical and effective way to improve language skills, preparing students for effective communication in various real-life situations.
2. Do NOT study IELTS if you don’t need an IELTS score
As I mentioned earlier, IELTS and PTE are an exam preparation courses and are designed to prepare you to take their exams. These courses assume that you already have a proficient level of English before you enter the course. Study General English if you want to learn English.
3. DO NOT study IELTS until you have successfully completed General English
A big error that I see repeatedly is when pre-intermediate level students choose to study IELTS – it is a waste of time and money. DO NOT study IELTS until you have successfully completed the General English level course that you need for your IELTS score. For example:
Intermediate (B1)– approximate IELTS score of 5.0 -5.5
(5.5 is suitable level for some entry level TAFE and VET courses)
Upper Intermediate (B2) – approximate IELTS score of 6.0 – 6.5 (6.5 Suitable for some entry level University courses)
Advanced (C1-C2) – approximate IELTS score of 6.5 – 7.5
(7.0 is suitable for some higher level University courses)
4. Be patient – don’t be in a hurry!
People learn English at different speeds. It’s OK to learn slower than other people, it’s NOT a race. There are several factors that determine how fast someone learns a new language including, language aptitude, age, previous languages etc. It takes the average person up to 600 hours of teacher guided learning to complete Upper Intermediate (B2 level).
People learn English at different speeds. It’s OK to learn slower than other people, it’s NOT a race. There are several factors that determine how fast someone learns a new language including, language aptitude, age, previous languages etc. It takes the average person up to 600 hours of teacher guided learning to complete Upper Intermediate (B2 level).
A good study plan to achieve your English study goals
Each student has a different study goal and time frame to achieve it so there isn’t a perfect plan for everyone. The following plans are guides only, to help you form your own study plan and achieve your own personal learning goals.
Goal: I want to learn enough English to travel and work in Australia
Step 1 -Study a General English course until you have successfully completed Intermediate level. Your English skill (speaking and listening) will be sufficient to do most entry level jobs and travel
Goal: I want to study a TAFE or V.E.T. course
Step 1 – Study General English until you have successfully completed a minimum of Intermediate level and preferably Upper Intermediate. Your English skill (speaking and listening) will be sufficient for entry in TAFE courses; however, you will still need to improve your language level while in TAFE.
Step 2 -Then study IELTS. This will give to get an IELTS of approximately 5.0-5.5 which, depending on the TAFE or VET course, will be enough English to get you into the course. Your English skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing) will be sufficient for entry in some TAFE/VET courses; however, you will still need to improve your language level while studying.
Goal: I need English for my career back in my own country
Step 1 – Study General English until you have successfully completed Upper Intermediate level. You will need this level of English to effectively work in a professional work environment.
Step 2 – Then study and internationally recognised course that you can use to prove to your future employer that you have a high level of English. Study either IELTS or Cambridge depending which is more widely known and valued in your country.
Goal: I want to study at an Australian University
Step 1 – Study General English until you have successfully completed Advanced (C1-C2) level. You will need this level of English in order to complete many of the university assessments.
Step 2 – Then study IELTS or PTE. (Check with the University or your Education Agent to confirm what IELTS or PTE score you need for your University course). This will give to get an IELTS of between 6.5 – 7.5 which, depending on the university course, will be enough English to get you into university and be able to complete the course.
Goal: I want live in Australia permanently
Step 1: – Study General English until you have successfully completed Advanced (C1-C2) level. You will need this level of English in order to obtain higher level jobs and to obtain a high IELTS score.
Step 2 – Then study IELTS. This will give to get an IELTS of between 6.5 – 7.5 which is the required level to demonstrate language proficiency for permanent Australian Visas. Check with the Department of Immigration for exact requirements
For advice on how to learn English effectively – check out this great article:
