Academic IELTS Foundation Course: Targeting Band 4 - 4.5
This course is tailored for students at an A2 English proficiency level who are preparing for the Academic IELTS exam and aiming to achieve Band 4 to 4.5 or higher. Utilizing Sakura Academy’s studying materials, it adopts a linear teaching approach to simultaneously build general English skills and introduce IELTS assessment elements. The curriculum integrates all four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) within topic-based units, starting with everyday topics to build confidence and progressing to IELTS-relevant themes. This helps students develop foundational academic English for university-level programs taught in English, while familiarizing them with exam formats in a supportive, level-appropriate manner.
Course Objectives
- Familiarize students with the IELTS test format and question types through activities suited to A2-level learners, while enhancing overall general English proficiency.
- Strengthen the four core IELTS skills - Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking - along with grammar and vocabulary, using an integrated approach where skills reinforce one another.
- Build academic English competencies essential for higher education, such as data commentary, critical discussions, source summarization, and precise argumentation.
Course Requirements
- Prerequisite: English proficiency equivalent to CEFR A2 level.
- Placement Test: A mandatory IELTS-format placement test must be completed prior to enrollment to confirm suitability.
- No additional prerequisites beyond the specified proficiency level.
Skill Targets
Listening
- Students will develop listening strategies, become aware of IELTS activity types, and build confidence through ideas that support short- and long-term linguistic goals.
- Target: Approximately 11–15 correct answers out of 40 by course end.
Reading
- Students will cultivate ideas and language skills that integrate with other areas, while acclimating to IELTS question types in a level-appropriate way.
- Target: Approximately 10–14 correct answers out of 40 by course end.
Writing
- Students will enhance writing for everyday communication, familiarize themselves with IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 formats, and learn development techniques and assessment criteria for exam tasks.
- Target: Band 4 to 4.5 by course end.
Speaking
- Students will build skills and confidence on familiar topics to advance general English knowledge, while gaining familiarity with IELTS-style questions.
- Target: Band 4 to 4.5 by course end.
Computer-Based Readiness
- Master on-screen highlighting and note-taking techniques.
- Achieve a typing speed of 30–40 words per minute for Writing tasks.
- Practice strict timing protocols during full-test simulations.
Textbook and Materials
- Textbook: digital copy provided by Sakura Academy
- Supplementary Materials: Available via the Sakura Academy Portal, including practice tests, vocabulary builders, academic English resources, and IELTS-specific exercises.
Syllabus Flexibility
- Pacing and emphasis may be adjusted based on diagnostic assessments, ongoing performance, and mutual agreement between instructors and students. Sakura Academy aims to provide a flexible and supportive learning environment tailored to each learner’s needs.
- For further information, placement consultation, or course inquiries, please contact Sakura Academy directly.
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