IELTS Preparation Course｜Raise Your Score Significantly by Studying in Cebu

Our school's IELTS preparation course is a flexible study program taught by a team of teachers with extensive experience in the exam. You can freely choose the course length, from one week to more than half a year. We design the best study plan according to each student's target score and schedule.

Plans by study duration

Short-term plan (1 to 4 weeks)

• Ideal for last-minute preparation and strengthening weak points
• Raise your score efficiently in limited time
• Intensive one-on-one classes plus mock exams

Mid-term plan (5 to 11 weeks)

• Consolidate the basics while building up real practice
• Strengthen all four skills in a balanced way
• Improve Writing and Speaking repeatedly to achieve a stable score

Long-term plan (12 weeks or more)

• Aim thoroughly for a high score (6.5 to 7.5 or more), needed to enter universities abroad or for residency procedures
• Strengthen vocabulary and grammar from the ground up to build an academic level of English
• Completely overcome your weak points with mock exams and individual feedback

Features common to all plans

• One-on-one classes as the foundation for improving weak points efficiently
• Regular mock exams to visualize your progress
• Individual feedback from teachers to strengthen Writing and Speaking
• A placement test at the start of the course lets us define the most suitable plan

1. Thorough coverage of all four skills

We strengthen Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking in a balanced way. In particular, Writing and Speaking, which are often the most difficult skills for many students, are worked on with detailed corrections and guidance in one-on-one classes.

2. Mock exams in the real format

We hold mock exams regularly so that you become familiar with time management and the trends in the questions. Teachers analyze the results in detail and give you feedback in the next class.

3. Curriculum adapted to individual goals

We create a study plan adapted to each student's target score, whether it is "I want to get above 6.0" or "I want to reach 7.0 or more." Whether in the short-, mid- or long-term plan, we aim to help you reach your goal by the most direct route.

4. Use of carefully selected materials

We combine the following materials for study that is directly focused on the exam.

• Cambridge IELTS series
• Collections of past exams
• Original supplementary materials from our school

5. Highly specialized teachers

Classes are taught by teachers with extensive experience in IELTS preparation. They teach techniques directly related to raising your score, such as essay structure in Writing or quick response ability in Speaking.

At our school we offer three IELTS plans that you can choose according to your goal and learning style.

1. IELTS 5MTM (fully one-on-one)

The group classes in the plans below are available for IELTS Academic only. IELTS General preparation is offered in the IELTS 5MTM plan (no group classes).

2. IELTS 4MTM + 2 Group

3. IELTS 2MTM + 2 ESL MTM + 2 IELTS Group

The fees by course length and room type are detailed below.

• YELLO hotel dorm: +$50 per week.
• Prestigio hotel dorm: +$50 per week.
• MIT external dorm: +$25 per week.

Inquiries and enrollment

*Phone support hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00-18:00.

What to pay before departure

What the fee includes

• Classes
• Accommodation
• Three meals a day
• Free internet
• Laundry
• Cleaning service

What the fee does not include

• Airfare
• Travel insurance
• Electricity and management fee
• Visa extension fee
• SSP fee
• Study materials
• Airport pick-up (flat fee of USD 30, weekdays and weekends alike)

*Fees may change without notice.

Items not included in the fee above, to be paid on site

① Visa extension fee

*From the second extension onward, in some cases two extensions can be combined into a single procedure.

• ② SSP (Special Study Permit): 12,040 pesos required regardless of length of stay (includes notary fees).
• ③ ACR I-Card: for stays of 60 days or more. 4,000 pesos.
• ④ Study materials: purchased as needed (for a 4-week course, approximately 1,400 pesos).
• ⑤ Electricity: according to consumption, calculated by meter.
• ⑥ Management fee: 500 pesos per week (settled in one payment after arrival).
• ⑦ Deposit (refunded when you leave the dorm if there is no damage): 1 to 3 weeks → 1,500-2,500 pesos / 4 to 19 weeks → 3,000 pesos / 20 weeks or more → 7,500 pesos.
• ⑧ Cost of additional classes: one-on-one → 2,500 pesos per week; group → 1,500 pesos per week.
• ⑨ Personal expenses: these vary according to each person's lifestyle.

In our school's IELTS preparation course, we offer the study plan best suited to each student's level and target score. Beginners usually set a first goal of getting past IELTS 5.0, starting by building the basics.

1. Reaching IELTS 5.0 (for beginners)

Goal: for those with no IELTS experience or in the 4.0 range to develop the ability to score 5.0 consistently.

• Consolidate the basics of English grammar and vocabulary
• Practice understanding the general content in Listening
• Practice writing simple sentences correctly in Writing Task 1
• Training to focus on speaking in complete sentences in Speaking

Recommended course: IELTS 2MTM + 2 ESL MTM + 2 IELTS Group (basic English + exam preparation)

2. IELTS 5.0 → 6.0

Goal: reach the "6.0" needed to study or work abroad

• Practice answering in Reading with attention to time management
• Learn the structure of the Writing Task 2 essay so you can write logically
• Develop the ability to hold an everyday conversation and state opinions in Speaking

Recommended course: IELTS 5MTM (short-term intensive format) to strengthen weak points

3. IELTS 6.0 → 6.5

Goal: get past the "6.5" that is often required for university or permanent residency applications

• Increase the percentage of correct answers on detail questions in Listening
• Incorporate more complex grammar and vocabulary in Writing to raise quality
• Acquire quick response ability and natural expressions in Speaking

Recommended course: IELTS 4MTM + 2 Group (to increase the amount of exam practice)

4. IELTS 6.5 → 7.0+

Goal: the high score that is often required for postgraduate study, professional work visas or permanent residency applications

• Develop coherent arguments in Writing Task 2
• Develop fast reading and the ability to handle complex vocabulary in Reading
• Strengthen the ability to give opinions on abstract topics (education, social issues, etc.) in Speaking

Recommended course: IELTS 4MTM + 2 Group (long-term plan to thoroughly polish each skill)

The IELTS preparation course supports you comprehensively, from preparation before enrollment to exam day.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English exam highly valued around the world for studying abroad, entering a postgraduate program, applying for permanent residency or seeking international employment. In recent years, there are more and more cases where an IELTS score is required instead of TOEFL or TOEIC.

However, IELTS is an exam that evaluates the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking), and for many students the barrier of Writing and Speaking is said to be especially high. It is hard to raise your score efficiently through self-study, and it is common for many candidates to wonder, "I don't know where to start."

In this guide,

• A detailed explanation of the exam format (differences between Academic and General Training)
• Strategies for each section
• Effective study methods and recommended materials
• Study strategies by score (5.0 → 6.0 → 6.5 → 7.0+)
• Advantages of taking and preparing for IELTS in Cebu

we have organized everything systematically. Whether you are a beginner about to take IELTS for the first time, or already at an intermediate-advanced level and aiming for 6.0 or more, this guide will help you understand the most direct study method to raise your score.

Complete IELTS preparation and exam guide: full strategy and study method [2026 edition]

IELTS is an exam that evaluates the four skills comprehensively: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. There are two versions, Academic (for university admission) and General Training (for migration and work), and you choose according to your goal.

1. Exam format (by section)

Listening (40 minutes)

• Answer the questions while listening to the audio
• Made up of 4 sections (conversations, lectures, etc.)
• Number of questions: 40

Reading (60 minutes)

• Academic: reading 3 academic texts
• General: focused on everyday and practical texts
• Number of questions: 40

Writing (60 minutes)

• Task 1: summary of graphs or tables (Academic) / letter (General)
• Task 2: essay (250 words or more)
• Assessment criteria: content, structure, grammar and vocabulary

Speaking (11 to 14 minutes)

• One-on-one interview format with an examiner
• Part 1: self-introduction and everyday questions
• Part 2: 1 minute of preparation + 2 minutes of speaking
• Part 3: questions and answers on abstract topics

2. How the score is calculated

• Each section is assessed with a band score from 0.0 to 9.0
• The final score is the average of the four skills (rounded in increments of 0.5)
• Example: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.5, Writing 5.5, Speaking 6.0 → average 6.0 → overall score 6.0

3. Score reference and their uses

1. Listening strategy

• Read the questions first: check the questions before the audio starts and anticipate where the answer might appear
• Dictation practice: transcribe what you hear to strengthen your ability to catch details
• Caution: spelling mistakes are penalized directly, so you need to be careful

2. Reading strategy

• Use scanning (searching for information) and skimming (getting the general idea) as appropriate
• Time management: handle each of the 3 texts in about 20 minutes
• Attention to keywords: practice identifying synonyms between the questions and the text to locate the answers

3. Writing strategy

• Task 1 (Academic): practice comparing the features of graphs or tables, expressing increases, decreases and trends
• Task 1 (General): structure the letter with the "purpose," the "request" and the "conclusion" in mind
• Task 2 (essay): three-part structure: introduction (stating the topic) → body (opinion and reasons) → conclusion (summary)
• Logical coherence affects your grade more than using difficult words
• Give priority to correction: it is more efficient to have a teacher correct errors that are hard to spot yourself

4. Speaking strategy

• Part 1: self-introduction and everyday topics → keep in mind "one short sentence + one reason"
• Part 2: 1 minute of preparation → 2 minutes of speaking → prepare a template structure (introduction → details → example → conclusion)
• Part 3: abstract topics (education, social issues, etc.) → answer by combining opinion, reason and example
• Tip: master paraphrasing expressions to avoid silences

1. Essential materials (must-haves)

• Cambridge IELTS Official Practice Tests (series of past exams) → the official material that lets you experience the real exam format most accurately. Includes a Listening CD and answer sheets.
• Official IELTS Practice Materials (published by the British Council) → a practice booklet edited by an official body, which also includes the grading criteria and sample answers.

2. Materials for Writing

• High-Scoring IELTS Writing Model Answers → a collection of model answers for Task 1 and Task 2, ideal for learning logical development and forms of expression.
• Collins Writing for IELTS → suited to those who want to learn essay structure from scratch.

3. Materials for Reading and Listening

• Collins Reading for IELTS / Listening for IELTS → lets you practice specific strategies for each question type.
• IELTS Listening Recent Actual Tests → includes a large number of past Listening exams.

4. Materials for Speaking

• IELTS Speaking Actual Tests with Suggested Answers → includes frequent questions and model answers. Ideal for practicing how to answer in complete sentences.
• YouTube channels (IELTS Liz, IELTS Speaking Success, among others) → let you learn model answers and pronunciation tips for free.

5. Free online resources

• IELTS.org (official site) → up-to-date exam information, mock test samples and a guide to test centers
• British Council – Road to IELTS → free sample exams and study videos
• IELTS Simon Blog → strategy articles and sample essays written by a former IELTS examiner

1. What to bring on exam day

• Passport (required) → the only valid ID is the passport. Expired passports and copies are not accepted.
• Registration confirmation → check the date, place and time of the exam.
• Stationery → normally not needed because it is provided on site, although some people bring a pencil and eraser just in case.

2. How the exam runs

3. Points to keep in mind

• No entry if you arrive late: once the reporting time has passed, you cannot enter. Always arrive at least 30 minutes early.
• Restrictions on items: carrying mobile phones, wristwatches, dictionaries, etc. is strictly prohibited. Belongings are kept in the lockers at the venue.
• Taking care of your physical condition: from Listening to Writing is 2 hours and 40 minutes without a break. It is important to sleep well and eat something light the day before.
• Preparing for Speaking: the examiner asks questions to gauge your real level, not to take points away. It is effective not to get too tense and to adopt the attitude of "enjoying the conversation."

4. Advantages of taking the exam in Cebu

• It is usually easier to get a seat than in your home country, and in many cases you can register even at the last minute
• In some cases the exam fee is cheaper than in your home country
• During your stay you can combine the course and the exam in one place

In IELTS it is essential to "develop the four skills in a balanced way." By giving your daily study a rhythm, you can achieve great results even in a short time. Below are representative examples of short-, mid- and long-term study routines.

1. Short-term intensive routine (1 to 4 weeks)

Goal: strengthen weak points and get familiar with the real exam

• Morning: one-on-one classes (focused on Writing and Speaking)
• Afternoon: mock test practice (Listening and Reading)
• Evening: review based on the teacher's feedback
• Add 2 to 3 hours of self-study every day

A plan that aims for quick results in limited time

2. Mid-term routine (5 to 11 weeks)

Goal: combine a solid foundation with practical ability

• Monday to Friday: classes (IELTS + ESL combination)
• Every day: 30 minutes of Listening shadowing and 30 minutes of vocabulary study
• Once a week: a real-format mock test plus feedback from the teacher
• Weekend: correct mistakes from the mock test and do additional practice with one Writing essay

A balanced model that consolidates the basics while you get familiar with the real format

3. Long-term routine (12 weeks or more)

Goal: obtain a high score (6.5 to 7.0+)

• Weekdays: rotation by subject (for example, Monday = Listening reinforcement, Tuesday = Writing reinforcement)
• Every day: build a vocabulary reinforcement notebook (centered on academic words)
• Twice a month: check your overall level with a real-format mock test
• In the long-term plan you repeatedly improve weak areas while raising your level of polish

You develop "the ability to raise your English level itself and obtain high scores consistently"

Key points of the study routine

• Practice the four skills every day (especially Listening and Speaking)
• Keep up the cycle of mock test → feedback → improvement
• Change the emphasis according to your target score (from 5.0 to 6.0, the basics; from 6.5, logical structure and vocabulary)

Summary

IELTS is an indispensable English exam for studying abroad, emigrating or seeking international employment. However, because it is an exam that measures the four skills, it is not easy to raise your score efficiently through self-study alone.

As introduced in this guide,

• Understanding the exam format
• Strategies by section
• Suitable materials and a study routine
• Repeated mock tests and feedback

by combining these elements strategically, you can achieve a solid increase in your score.

In particular, beginners should first set the goal of getting past IELTS 5.0 and, from there, move gradually toward 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0+; this is the most realistic path to success.

If you take advantage of the study environment in Cebu,

• Overcoming weak points with one-on-one classes
• Practical mock tests and feedback
• Comprehensive support until exam day

you will be able to count on this kind of ideal preparation.

With the right "strategy" and "environment," anyone can raise their IELTS score. Prepare properly according to your goal and reach your desired score by the most direct route.

About the exam in general

Study methods and strategies

Complete IELTS guide