Your Path to IELTS Success Starts Here!

Site Map and Frequently Asked Questions 

Where to begin?

If you need information about IELTS courses, click here.

If you need information about English Conversation Classes, click here.

If you need an IELTS Writing Correction service, click here.

If you need an IELTS Speaking Mock exam, click here.

If you want to see previous students’ results and score reports, click here.

What is the difference between IELTS General and Academic?

The IELTS General certificate is required for obtaining a visa through work migration, while the IELTS Academic certificate is required for obtaining a student visa and applying to foreign universities.

How long will it take me to achieve IELTS Band 7?

If you can dedicate a significant amount of study time (5 to 7 hours per day):

  • Advanced level: 30 to 40 one-hour sessions, usually held twice a week (about 5 months)

  • Intermediate level: 50 to 70 one-hour sessions, usually held twice a week (about 9 months)

  • Beginner level: 100 to 120 one-hour sessions, usually held twice a week (about 15 months)

The total number of sessions and the time needed to reach Band 7 can be reduced if you choose a more intensive schedule with more sessions per week.

On the other hand, if you have work commitments and can only dedicate around 2 hours per day for study and practice, it may take longer than the timelines above.

I’ve taken the IELTS test once and missed my target score in one section. Do you offer classes for just one skill?

Yes. If you only need to improve one skill, you can find all the information you need here.

What are the sections of the IELTS exam?

The IELTS test has four sections:

  1. Listening – 4 parts, 40 questions

  2. Reading – 3 sections (Academic) or 3 parts with shorter texts (General), 40 questions

  3. Writing – 2 tasks

  4. Speaking – 3 parts, conducted as a face-to-face interview

How long is the IELTS certificate valid?

The IELTS certificate is valid for two years from the date of the test.

IELTS Dave International House Sydney

ABOUT ME

 

I’ve been teaching English for more than 15 years, and during this time, I’ve had the joy of helping students from all over the world improve their skills, achieve their goals, and gain confidence using English in real life.

Over the years, I’ve taught everything from General English and Academic English to IELTS preparation, Business English, and Research Skills. My journey has taken me from the classroom to leadership roles, including serving as Head Teacher for ELICOS at International House Sydney.

These days, you’ll find me teaching Academic English at Macquarie University College and Academic and Communication Skills at UTS College. Along the way, I’ve earned a CELTA Pass A, Delta Module 1 Pass with Merit, and a Director of Studies Certificate from IH World OTTI — but what matters most to me is creating lessons that are practical, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs.

For me, teaching isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary — it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and making the learning process enjoyable.

How IELTS with Dave helps you!

Years of teaching IELTS preparation courses, working in IELTS test centres, and observing the common challenges candidates face have given us a deep understanding of every skill and strategy needed for success.

Drawing on this experience, we have created a targeted syllabus that addresses all your needs in every skill area. We have also prepared every file, booklet, and resource you need to reach your target band — so you no longer have to waste time searching through thousands of IELTS books and materials. Some of these resources are Dave’s Exclusive Tips, the result of years of hands-on experience, while others are carefully curated collections of the most effective strategies from the best IELTS books.

One of the biggest problems many candidates face is feeling overwhelmed by an endless list of books and materials. On top of that, they often do not know how to organise everything into a realistic daily or weekly study plan. That is why we assess your needs in detail and provide a clear, personalised weekly study plan — removing all the confusion and showing you exactly what to study each day.

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testimonials
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I was never a fan of private classes, but yours had such a warm, friendly atmosphere. Your tips were the most practical I’ve ever had — Part 4 of the Listening test went from impossible to what you called the “tea-drinking part”! Speaking was another struggle, yet on test day I spoke like a pro. Everything was organised, stress-free, and perfectly planned. You truly make it possible to achieve the best results in the shortest time.

"I was never a fan of private classes, but yours had such a warm, friendly atmosphere. Your tips were the most practical I’ve ever had — Part 4 of the Listening test went from impossible to what you called the “tea-drinking part”! Speaking was another struggle, yet on test day I spoke like a pro. Everything was organised, stress-free, and perfectly planned. You truly make it possible to achieve the best results in the shortest time."

Sara
Listening 7.5

Sara
Listening 7.5

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“With all the workload and the little time I had, it was really only Dave’s tips and techniques that helped me reach these scores. One of my main problems in Speaking was fluency and lack of ideas, and I think getting a band 8 in Speaking clearly shows how much I improved by test day.”

“With all the workload and the little time I had, it was really only Dave’s tips and techniques that helped me reach these scores. One of my main problems in Speaking was fluency and lack of ideas, and I think getting a band 8 in Speaking clearly shows how much I improved by test day.”

Siavash
Speaking 8.0

Siavash
Speaking 8.0

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Overall, there were several things about both your classes and yourself that helped me succeed in just five months. First was your strong command of English, and second was your deep knowledge of the IELTS exam and your commitment to keeping yourself up to date with it. Beyond that, your organisation and precise planning, along with the way you constantly adjusted the schedule to match whatever was happening in my life, made sure we always stayed on track for the best possible result. Because of this, I never had to worry about missing anything — I could simply focus on the homework you gave me. Your calmness and the confidence you inspired in me played a huge role in eliminating my anxiety, and I believe that is why I was able to perform at my very best in all four skills on test day.

Overall, there were several things about both your classes and yourself that helped me succeed in just five months. First was your strong command of English, and second was your deep knowledge of the IELTS exam and your commitment to keeping yourself up to date with it. Beyond that, your organisation and precise planning, along with the way you constantly adjusted the schedule to match whatever was happening in my life, made sure we always stayed on track for the best possible result. Because of this, I never had to worry about missing anything — I could simply focus on the homework you gave me. Your calmness and the confidence you inspired in me played a huge role in eliminating my anxiety, and I believe that is why I was able to perform at my very best in all four skills on test day.

Mahsa
Speaking 7.0

Mahsa
Speaking 7.0

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“I achieved an overall IELTS band 7, exactly as predicted in my last session. The classes were enjoyable, and I learned many useful strategies. The materials were visually engaging, comprehensive, and I hardly needed other sources. I’m delighted I scored higher than my university required, and it was only possible with the incredible support I received. I confidently recommend these classes to anyone who needs a good IELTS score.”

“I achieved an overall IELTS band 7, exactly as predicted in my last session. The classes were enjoyable, and I learned many useful strategies. The materials were visually engaging, comprehensive, and I hardly needed other sources. I’m delighted I scored higher than my university required, and it was only possible with the incredible support I received. I confidently recommend these classes to anyone who needs a good IELTS score.”

Mahsa
Listening 7.5

Mahsa
Listening 7.5

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“From the very beginning, the classes were run with precise planning and sharp attention to detail. I learned how to critique my own work and what an examiner looks for in Writing and Speaking. Even very minor mistakes, which I never thought were mistakes, were pointed out clearly. The constant encouragement motivated me to keep practicing. A truly excellent mentor and teacher, with rare kindness, who could calm my stress completely with their guidance.”

“From the very beginning, the classes were run with precise planning and sharp attention to detail. I learned how to critique my own work and what an examiner looks for in Writing and Speaking. Even very minor mistakes, which I never thought were mistakes, were pointed out clearly. The constant encouragement motivated me to keep practicing. A truly excellent mentor and teacher, with rare kindness, who could calm my stress completely with their guidance.”

Marjan
Reading 8.0

Marjan
Reading 8.0

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“Their knowledge is very high, which gives them full command over all parts of IELTS and reassures students that nothing will be missed. Their clear and structured thinking transfers directly to students and helps guide them. The notes and files they have prepared are extremely practical and truly complete. They dedicate time very responsibly to their students and even outside of class are always there when needed. I should also say that I’ve had many online classes before, but none were ever this professional.”

“Their knowledge is very high, which gives them full command over all parts of IELTS and reassures students that nothing will be missed. Their clear and structured thinking transfers directly to students and helps guide them. The notes and files they have prepared are extremely practical and truly complete. They dedicate time very responsibly to their students and even outside of class are always there when needed. I should also say that I’ve had many online classes before, but none were ever this professional.”

Zahra
Speaking 7.0

Zahra
Speaking 7.0

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“I was lucky to be one of Dave’s students. Dave truly improved my English skills not only in Speaking but also in Listening. Thanks to his great tips and advice, I was able to achieve a band 8.5 in Listening. If you want to join a professional English class with a realistic and supportive teacher, I definitely recommend Dave.”

“I was lucky to be one of Dave’s students. Dave truly improved my English skills not only in Speaking but also in Listening. Thanks to his great tips and advice, I was able to achieve a band 8.5 in Listening. If you want to join a professional English class with a realistic and supportive teacher, I definitely recommend Dave.”

Zara
Listening 8.5

Zara
Listening 8.5

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“If someone is confused about studying for IELTS and doesn’t know what to do, I strongly recommend taking classes with you. The difference with your classes compared to other teachers is that you pinpoint exactly where we struggle and help us work on it, covering our weaknesses. I remember when you gave me a mock test — at that time, I didn’t even believe in myself, but you told me I would get a band 7. I couldn’t believe it, but despite my intense stress and with an examiner known for being very strict, I still achieved the exact score you predicted.

I’m truly grateful for all your help on this journey. Both your Speaking and Writing classes were outstanding, especially Writing — the things you taught me were things I had never seen anywhere else. Thank you so much for all your efforts 🙏🙏.”

“If someone is confused about studying for IELTS and doesn’t know what to do, I strongly recommend taking classes with you. The difference with your classes compared to other teachers is that you pinpoint exactly where we struggle and help us work on it, covering our weaknesses. I remember when you gave me a mock test — at that time, I didn’t even believe in myself, but you told me I would get a band 7. I couldn’t believe it, but despite my intense stress and with an examiner known for being very strict, I still achieved the exact score you predicted.

I’m truly grateful for all your help on this journey. Both your Speaking and Writing classes were outstanding, especially Writing — the things you taught me were things I had never seen anywhere else. Thank you so much for all your efforts 🙏🙏.”

Mitra
Speaking 7.0

Mitra
Speaking 7.0

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