But Valeriya didn’t stop there. She set her sights even higher, aiming for the International Bachelor's and Master's Scholarship, which awards NZD 5,000 to 10,000. This required a truly competitive edge - an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.

Valeriya’s choice of New Zealand was both strategic and personal. The country offers a compelling combination of:

- stunning natural landscapes and pristine environment

- a safe and welcoming society

- a world-class education system.

Imagine studying in a peaceful country, surrounded by mountains, fjords, and golden beaches.

Beyond its natural beauty, New Zealand provides:

- leading universities and advanced research programs

- high global recognition for its qualifications

- excellent post-study employment opportunities

- generous government scholarship support

It offers an ideal environment. Students graduate not only with a degree but with global experience and long-term career prospects. 

The country's prestigious universities include:

1. Victoria University of Wellington (https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/) – Valeriya aimed for this very university!

Located in the capital, this university is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, law, and humanities. It actively conducts research and offers a dynamic student life. Biomedical Science, Valeriya's chosen field, is one of its leading programs.

2. The University of Auckland (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.html)

This is the largest university in the country, located in Auckland, the business capital. It is renowned for its research programs in medicine, engineering, business, and arts. It is ideal for ambitious and academically focused students.

3. University of Otago (https://www.otago.ac.nz/)

New Zealand's oldest university, based in picturesque Dunedin. Highly respected for medicine, health sciences, natural sciences and law, with rich traditions and vibrant student culture.

4. University of Canterbury (https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/)

Located in Christchurch, the "Garden City." Known for engineering, natural sciences and business. The university is actively involved in the region's development and rebuilding.

Facing a tight three-month deadline, Valeriya was determined to succeed. Her perseverance and our focused preparation paid off phenomenally: she achieved an IELTS score of 7.5.
This high score allowed Valeriya to clear the rigorous scholarship selection process, reducing her educational expenses by NZD 10,000 and turning her academic dream into reality.

When Valeriya joined the school, she already had a solid grasp of English at a B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level. However, achieving an IELTS score of 7.0+ requires a C1 (Advanced) level, so our first task was to identify her strengths and target areas for improvement.

From the start, we noted Valeriya's strong points, which greatly facilitated her preparation:

- Well-developed listening skills:

Valeriya understood spoken English quite well, and this section rarely posed difficulties for her - an uncommon advantage, as many students struggle here.

- Love for reading:

As an avid book lover and medical student, Valeriya was accustomed to absorbing large volumes of text. Regularly working with numerous medical articles in English had honed her reading skills to an excellent level.

- Grammatically precise speech:

Valeriya spoke in a way that was both grammatically correct and logical. This strong foundation allowed her to express her thoughts without significant delays or hesitations.

Of course, there was always room for growth, and Valeriya was no exception. We immediately identified key areas where Valeriya could significantly strengthen her skills to achieve the desired 7.0+ score:

- Simplicity in Speaking:

While Valeriya spoke grammatically correctly and fluently, her language was too simple for her level. She lacked variety in complex grammatical structures and a wider range of idiomatic expressions which are highly valued in the exam. Moreover, when trying to express complex ideas, she would sometimes lose her rhythm and the logical connection between sentences.

- Lack of Academic Writing Experience:

Valeriya had no prior experience writing academic essays. She needed to learn how to structure an essay correctly, effectively describe graphs and tables, and master English punctuation - all fundamental IELTS requirements.

- Gap Between Passive and Active Knowledge:

Valeriya could perfectly understand complex, specialized words when reading or listening. However, when it came to actively using them in her own speech or writing, she often replaced them with simpler synonyms. For instance, instead of the strong, academic “fatigue,” she might say “very tired”, or use “start” instead of more expressive “take up”.

- Limited Use of Phrasal Verbs:

Valeriya was familiar with common phrasal verbs, but she tended to rely on simpler alternatives. This habit limited her ability to demonstrate the lexical range necessary for a high score, even though diverse vocabulary and complex structures are vital for achieving top marks in IELTS.

Thus, we faced a clear and ambitious task. It was not just about preparing Valeriya for the exam format; we needed to systematically address her weaknesses. Our goal was to transform her extensive passive knowledge into active, powerful skills that would secure her both the coveted admission to Victoria University of Wellington and the dream scholarship.

Many preparing for IELTS find their language skills "stuck" at an Intermediate level. Advanced vocabulary doesn't stick, and vivid phrasal verbs are often replaced by simpler equivalents. However, using this advanced vocabulary is exactly what earns top points for the Lexical Resource criterion.

For Valeriya, we began with two key preparatory steps:

1. "Vocabulary for IELTS" Course 

This course focuses on 20 crucial vocabulary topics for the exam. We don't just teach words; we train them using a unique five-step methodology. First, Valeriya learned the new vocabulary, then practiced the correct pronunciation by repeating after a speaker. Afterward, she actively applied the words in diverse, practical tasks and reinforced everything with practice tests.

Within just one week, Valeriya was astonished by the results! Her vocabulary expanded dramatically, she lost her fear of new words, and began to integrate them confidently into her daily speech.

2. "Phrasal Verbs for IELTS" Course 

For many students, phrasal verbs are a significant challenge, and Valeriya was no exception. It's much easier to say "refuse" than "turn down," right? But these "small" details make speech natural and "native-like", earning precious points.

This focused approach helped Valeriya avoid overload and master truly effective tools. After deep study and active practice, phrasal verbs became her allies - powerful, expressive instruments she could weave easily and confidently into her speech. This, of course, significantly boosted her Lexical Resource score and overall fluency.

Now, her language foundation was not just strong - it was rich and flexible. Valeriya was fully prepared to tackle the specific sections of the IELTS exam.

Imagine: you are face-to-face with an examiner who will ask you questions for 11-14 minutes. It feels like everything is at stake, with every word is under scrutiny. Many experience this - the IELTS Speaking section is a true stress test that goes beyond just English knowledge.

The IELTS Speaking section causes nerves for good reason. Several serious factors make it challenging:

1. Limited Time:

You only have 11-14 minutes for three parts. With each topic getting literally 3-4 minutes, it’s like a blitz interview where you must deliver maximum information in minimum time.

2. No Time for Long Reflection:

You must answer almost instantly. The only 'gift' is one minute to prepare for Part 2 (Long Turn), after which you must speak for 1.5-2 minutes non-stop.

3. Surprise Questions:

Sometimes you get familiar topics, but other times the examiner presents something completely unexpected, which can be disorienting. For instance: "Tell me about your favorite houseplant." How can you not feel lost without preparation?

4. Pressure and Fear:

A live person sits before you, assessing your every word. The fear of making mistakes, forgetting a word, or stumbling creates pressure that prevents you from performing at your best.

To ensure Valeriya never felt lost, we developed and implemented 18 ready-to-use strategies for any question type in IELTS Speaking. They were not mere "templates", but effective algorithms that helped her instantly structure an answer, even for the most unexpected questions.

As a result, Valeriya thoroughly studied all 18 strategies with our experienced teacher, understanding the logic behind each one. She reinforced the material during 20-minute one-on-one lessons with a personal IELTS teacher, which allowed her to refine each strategy, receive instant feedback, and correct errors.

Next, Valeriya attended 40-minute Live Speaking Workshops. In these group sessions, the instructor gave lectures while students asked questions directly in the chat. This interactive format allowed her to get answers and analyze feedback on other students' queries, further solidifying her understanding.

Beyond language techniques, we also focused on psychological preparation. Even perfect language knowledge can fail if nerves take over. We gave Valeriya valuable advice, from proper breathing techniques to manage anxiety to concentration methods that helped her focus on the answer, not the fear of making a mistake.

The next stage of Valeriya's next preparation was IELTS Listening. Here, despite her confidence in understanding native speakers, she encountered new challenges that made her doubt her abilities.

This section is an intellectual marathon. In just 30 minutes, you listen to four different audio recordings and must answer questions based on them. The volume of information to process, concentrate on, and filter is immense! Tasks vary greatly:

1. Standard tests: Choose the correct option from several.

2. True or False: Determine if statements match the audio.

3. Gap-filling: Write down missing words or phrases.

The last task type - gap-filling - became Valeriya's main stumbling block. While she understood the overall content, she struggled to quickly extract the key information needed for the answer. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, even when the haystack itself was clear.

We realized Valeriya needed to learn to listen strategically, not just listen. Before starting practice tests, we focused on two key areas:

1. Deep Dive into Question Types:

Each Listening task type requires a unique approach. We thoroughly analyzed all possible formats so Valeriya knew exactly what to expect. She learned how to "scan" questions correctly before listening began, which saved her precious seconds during the actual exam.

2. Learning the "Recognizing Distractors" Strategy:

IELTS examiners deliberately include "distractors" - information that seems plausible but leads to an incorrect answer. For example, a speaker might say: "The lecture should start at 3 o'clock, but due to technical issues, we will actually begin at 2." If you only heard "3 o'clock," you would fall into the trap.

We taught Valeriya not just to hear, but to anticipate these traps. She learned to identify marker words, intonations, and phrases that signal an upcoming distractor, training herself to filter out misleading information effectively.

After mastering these techniques, Valeriya felt truly strong in the Listening section. Her confidence grew as she moved beyond simply understanding to actively analyzing the audio, allowing her to pinpoint the correct answers with precision.

Many students, upon encountering the first two IELTS sections – Listening and Reading – often think: "These must be the easiest!" The sense of deceptive simplicity is especially strong with Reading. It seems straightforward: read the text, answer the questions, and you’re done! But that's precisely the catch.

If you simply start reading these extensive texts (each up to two A4 pages long!) without a strategy, you will likely run out of time. As for answering correctly - without specific techniques, your chances diminish rapidly.

That’s why we teach our students speed-reading strategies:

- Scanning – quickly searching the text for specific details, like a radar.

- Skimming – grasping the general essence of the text in minutes, without delving into details.

Valeriya, as a book lover who frequently reads scientific articles, seemed like an ideal candidate! But there was one significant challenge: she was accustomed to thoughtful, unhurried reading and had never worked under such strict time pressure.

Her main task was to develop the speed required for IELTS. But once Valeriya mastered our Scanning and Skimming strategies and understood all the tricky task types, she transformed. She didn't just improve her skills - she began confidently tackling practice exams and consistently achieving high scores.

It's no secret that Writing, along with Speaking, is often the most challenging part of the IELTS. And for good reason! You have just 60 minutes to complete two rather complex tasks.

- Part 1: Graphs, Data, or Formal Letters – 20 Minutes

For Academic IELTS, you must describe a graph, table, or diagram. This isn’t just about listing figures; it requires using "economic English" to analyze trends, compare data, and stay concise - all within a 150/180-word limit. Describing stock market fluctuations or demographic changes is incredibly difficult without the right terms and structures.

For General IELTS, you must write a letter in 20 minutes. The challenge here lies in mastering the appropriate style (informal, semi-formal, or formal), using the correct vocabulary, knowing how to address the recipient, and employing the right phrases for the letter's purpose.

- Part 2: The Extended Essay – 40 Minutes

The second part requires writing a complete essay of at least 250 words. While it might seem simpler than interpreting a graph, that’s an illusion. The difficulty lies in constructing a logical, convincing argument supported by examples, all while maintaining a formal academic style - a daunting task for an unprepared person.

When we started the Writing section with Valeriya, it was clear she needed a structured approach.

1. We started with graphs.

We thoroughly analyzed all types – from line to pie charts - and learned essential vocabulary to describe data changes accurately. We paid special attention to style and punctuation – a known challenge for Valeriya - and taught her to construct ideal introductions, detailed body paragraphs, and strong conclusions.

2. We moved on to essays.

Next, we moved on to essays. We studied different types, from argumentative to problem-solution, and mastered how to build a well-structured introduction with a clear position, develop arguments in the main body, and craft a powerful conclusion.

As a result, Valeriya’s Writing score improved significantly, and her confidence for the exam grew alongside it.

Valeriya came to us with a solid B2 level, full of determination but also with understandable apprehensions. Her task was not just to pass the IELTS; she needed a score that would open doors to her dream university and help secure a NZD 10,000 scholarship.

While Valeriya initially aimed for a 6.5 - a good score, but not always competitive for her specialization - her hard work, combined with our comprehensive preparation, led to a fantastic IELTS score of 7.5!

This result did more than surpass her goal; it unlocked partial tuition coverage and guaranteed her admission to a prestigious university, setting the stage for a successful international career!

In the world of academic English, an IELTS 7.5 is a trump card. It announces: "I don't just know English; I command it at the highest level!" In competitive environments like New Zealand’s universities, such a score is a decisive advantage.

- Opens Doors to Funding:

The score provides a real chance to secure significant scholarships. Universities actively seek talented students who can contribute to their academic community, and an outstanding IELTS result is your most compelling argument.

- Makes You Stand Out:

You don't just meet minimum requirements - you exceed them. Your application gets special attention, dramatically increasing your chances of admission.

- Boosts Self-Confidence:

Achieving a 7.5 confirms your readiness for full academic immersion in English. You will feel confident in lectures, seminars, and when writing papers - a key to success in a foreign country.

We view IELTS not as a final goal, but as a springboard. We don't just "drill" for tests; we build fundamental skills for university and beyond. Many struggle not because of a low IELTS score, but because they lack the academic English needed for real study.

That’s why we believe in a comprehensive approach where theory is reinforced with diverse practice, ensuring knowledge is actively applied in any situation.

Choosing an IELTS school is an investment in your future. At YouSkill, we have created a system that doesn't just train for the test - it develops the skills that ensure you are ready for any challenge.

Do you think it's impossible to prepare from scratch or reach your target score in just a month and a half? We prove otherwise. Our program delivers comprehensive preparation for all sections simultaneously, even on the tightest deadlines. We value your time and help you achieve your goal quickly, without compromising on quality.

We offer a unique daily study plan. You know exactly what to do today, what to do tomorrow. You also know what results to expect at the end. It's like a GPS navigator in the world of IELTS. You always see your path and your final destination.

1. Reading Mastery:

We teach you not just to read, but to understand. You will master fast text comprehension techniques (scanning, skimming). You'll learn to focus on details. You'll also learn to extract key information from any data volume. These skills are invaluable for university studies!

2. The Art of Conversation:

Speaking eloquently and structurally is a science. We provide 18 proven strategies for all three Speaking parts. These will help you build your speech logically. You'll use rich vocabulary. You'll express your thoughts confidently.

3. Academic Writing:

You will learn to write not just IELTS essays and graph descriptions. You'll also master the style of academic writing. This is the foundation for writing essays, reports, and term papers at university.

4. Powerful Lexical Repertoire:

Our special pre-preparation module focuses on "winning" vocabulary and phrasal verbs. You don't just memorize words. You learn to apply them. This will boost your "Lexical Resource" score. It will also make you sound like a native speaker.