Academic English Case Study: IELTS Test Preparation

Mohammed Mugharbel Improves his IELTS Score with Bridge


Mohammed Mugharbel
Student, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Mugharbel is a high school graduate from Saudi Arabia. He wants to study for a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in the USA, so that he can pursue a career in medicine technology. In order to gain acceptance to a US university, Mohammed must score a 6 or higher on the IELTS English placement exam.
Industry:
Medical Technology

 

Summary


In need of an intensive English program that would quickly improve his level, Mohammed came to the USA and enrolled in Bridge’s Academic English Program. His goal was to prepare his English and pass the IELTS test so he could study for a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology in the USA. Before coming to the US, Mohammed had tried to take the IELTS test four times and always scored 4.5, 5 or 5.5, too low for university admission.

Why did he choose BridgeEnglish? Mohammed says he “…was going crazy before,” trying to get the score he needed. In his home country, he didn’t have access to the intensive English practice he needed in order to improve his test performance. After starting his Academic English program at Bridge, he felt his listening, grammar, pronunciation and reading were “so much better” and as a result, his IELTS score began to rise.

academic english student

Rigorous Academic English Instruction


Foreign students preparing to attend colleges and universities in the United States need extensive practice with reading for academic purposes, critical writing skills, and speaking and listening skills especially suited for participation in the American classroom.

Students in the Academic English program study from nine to three every day, with morning classes focusing on writing, grammar, and reading. Afternoon class sessions include speaking and listening, as well as specific exercises and strategies to prepare for the IELTS exam.
“I was really happy that my program helped me to improve my speaking, listening and especially reading in English,” confirms Mohammed.

Results


Over his first three months in Denver, Mohammed took the IELTS test twice. After the second test, he was so nervous that he refused to open the results envelope to see his score. Finally, a BridgeEnglish staff member opened the envelope for him and announced that Mohammed had the 6 he needed to be considered for admission to a university in the USA. Mohammed began to shout, and as he describes, “the whole school started screaming with me….that was really good.”

Mohammed now continues in his studies and is awaiting acceptance from the University of Colorado at Denver. He is ready at last to begin his university studies in the USA and his professional future thanks to his hard work and dedication.