We went deep. Not just the obvious vocab (semi-detached, terraced, bungalow) — we got into the words that actually come up in IELTS Reading. The kind of words that make examiners nod. Then we tackled the grammar that trips most candidates up when describing where they live . And we finished with a reading strategy session that I genuinely wish someone had taught me when I was sitting exams — how to find the answer in the passage WITHOUT reading every line. The replay is up in the PREMIUM AREA now as well as the new SPORTS WORKOUT🤸- a common topic in IELTS. One more thing. Because today was the first lesson, I'm doing something for the next 10 people who upgrade to premium: You'll get FREE access to my Udemy course on English idioms (the one that sells for $19.99 and has over 100,000 students enrolled). I'll send you a private coupon link the moment you join. See you inside,😁 Ellen

OK I need to be honest with you. I have been so focused on building content and resources for this community that I realised something this week — I have 51 people in here and I do not actually know most of your stories. And that bothers me. A lot. Because here is the thing. This community is not a YouTube channel where you sit and watch. It is not a textbook you read alone at midnight. It is a place where I want to actually know YOU — where you are in your journey, what is holding you back, and what your exam means to you. So I am going to do something simple today. I am asking every single person in this community — all 51 of you — to take 60 seconds and answer these questions in the comments below. That is it. 60 seconds. 📌 My name: 🌍 My country: 🎯 My target band score: 📊 My current band score (or your best guess): 📅 My exam date (or "not booked yet"): 😩 The ONE thing I find hardest about IELTS right now: 🌟 The reason I NEED this band score (visa, university, job, dream — be honest): That last one is the most important. I want to know what this exam actually means to you. Not the score. The reason behind the score. I will personally reply to every single comment. Not a copy-paste reply — a real one. Because once I know your story I can actually help you properly. I will start. My name: Ellen My country: United States What I find hardest: Watching my students doubt themselves when they are far more capable than they realise. My reason: I built this community because I have spent 20 years watching brilliant people fail IELTS not because they lack intelligence — but because nobody taught them the right strategies. I am here to fix that. Now your turn. Drop your answers below. 👇 I am reading every single one.

Here's what's changing (and what's NOT): What's new — the Premium tier ($29/month): From this week onwards, our weekly live classes will live inside the Premium tier: 📘 Foundation Class — once a week (Cambridge Mindset for IELTS Foundation, for Band 4–5.5 learners) 📗 Mindset 2 Class — once a week (Cambridge Mindset for IELTS 2, for Band 6+ learners pushing to Band 7+) That's 2 live classes every week, plus all the recordings, lesson notes, and direct feedback from me on your Speaking and Writing. What's NOT changing: If you're a free member, everything you currently have stays exactly the same. The community, the weekly vocabulary and grammar posts ( except the weekly workout pdfs and marking criteria), the sample questions, the Q&A in the feed — all still free. I'm not taking anything away. I'm just adding more for people who want to go deeper and learn live with me every week. Why I'm doing this: Live teaching takes real time and energy, and I want to give it the attention it deserves. Charging a small monthly amount means I can show up consistently, prepare proper lessons (not just throw together a quick video), and actually mark your work. $29/month is less than one private tutoring session in most countries — and you get 8+ classes a month plus a whole community of learners doing it with you. Ready to join Premium? Click "Upgrade" at the top of the community to get instant access. First class drops this week. If you have any questions, drop them below. 👇

Your next 7-day Speaking sprint is live in the classroom. One prompt a day, one recording, one supportive comment — covering teachers, online learning, exams, and the future of education. Inside: 10 core vocab items, 5 idioms, 5 Part 3 phrases, a full Part 2 task card, and the Band 7+ Secret for shifting from describing to evaluating. Grab the PDF, post your Day 1 in Daily Tasks!

Look in the library bundles for resources on the topic of education , any questions , please ask !