IELTS British Council Philippines

22/08/2026

Cat got your tongue? 😸

We use this idiom (or common saying in English) when someone is being unusually quiet. 🤫

But you won't be quiet after you’ve learned these five cat idioms.

Try to use these "cat" idioms in your IELTS Speaking test and impress your examiner!

What other English saying related to animals do you want to learn? Comment below and we will make our next post according to your wishes!

21/08/2026

✨ Can studying in the UK change your life? Isabella from Colombia says it has been a great opportunity. Watch this video to find out why she believes "anything is possible when you study in the UK".

✨ If you're dreaming of studying in the UK, IELTS by the British Council can help you take the first step towards achieving your university goals.

💬 If you could study anywhere in the UK, where would you choose -- and why? Tell us in the comments, and share this post with someone who's planning their own study abroad journey!

20/08/2026

Need to describe something in your IELTS test? 🤷

Try using verbs of the senses.

It + verb + adjective

e.g. It tastes sour.

It + verb + like + noun

e.g. It looks like a little yellow rugby ball.

It + verb + as though + clause

e.g. It feels as though it’s covered in lots of bumps.

(Yes, we’re describing a lemon. 🍋)

Can you describe the object in the picture using these structures? ✍️

20/08/2026

Making English work for every Filipino means looking beyond the test score.

At the British Council's Next Chapter: Making English Work for Every Filipino media event on 30 July, education experts, industry leaders, and key stakeholders came together to discuss how English proficiency supports access to quality education, meaningful employment, and international opportunities.

The conversations reinforced a simple but powerful message: when English works for people, it builds confidence, creates connections, and opens doors to the future.

🎥 Watch the recap video and relive the highlights from an insightful afternoon of discussion and shared perspectives.

A sincere thank you to our distinguished speakers for contributing to this important conversation:

🔹 Ms Lotus Postrado, Country Director, British Council Philippines
🔹 Mike Cabigon, Head of Market, English and Exams, British Council Philippines
🔹 Dr. Ferdinand Somido, PACUCOA Commissioner
🔹 Frederick Sampang, Director of International Healthcare for the Philippines and Asia, Visa Solutions Healthcare

Thank you to everyone who joined us in shaping the conversation on what it truly means to be English-ready in today's global landscape.

Watch the highlights from the Exams' media event, Next Chapter: Mak...

19/08/2026

Don't waste another minute on ineffective IELTS prep! Here are the best free IELTS preparation resources that you won’t find anywhere else.

And what's better? You don't even have to book an IELTS test to get these!

Just sign up here and you will get free access to online mock tests, test tips, and tutorials from our IELTS experts: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/ielts-ready-premium

18/08/2026

It’s natural to have some regrets in life … 😞

Add the phrase ‘in the first place’ to the end of a sentence to emphasise what could’ve been done differently. For example, 'In the first place... I should have put my passport in my bag before I left for the airport.'

Can you make a sentence with ‘in the first place’? ✍️ Using such phrases can help you sound fluent in your IELTS Writing and Speaking Tests!

15/08/2026

Exciting conversations, global opportunities, and your next IELTS success story all in one place! 🌏✨

Join us at the IELTS Fair Cebu and connect with study abroad experts, explore international education pathways, and gain valuable insights to help you achieve your study, work, or migration goals.
🎓 Meet trusted education partners
📝 Get expert IELTS tips and guidance
🚀 Take the next step toward your global future

📍 16F Skyrise 4B West Geonzon Street, IT Park, Cebu City
👉Register now: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/EC78WSZ90p

15/08/2026

Do you like eating a golden-brown scone or a doughnut with a shiny glazed top? 🤤👇

Learning English and preparing for your IELTS test isn't just about memorising boring grammar rules from a textbook—it’s about bringing the language to life! With the British Council, you learn practical English you can use in real-life situations (like when you order cakes at a cafe!). 🥐🍰

If you need to describe your favourite foods in your IELTS Speaking or Writing test, you can use these words and get the score you need!

14/08/2026

🌍 What are some fun things students can do in summer in the UK?

One of the best parts of studying abroad is exploring everything your new home has to offer. Zara is studying in Nottingham and she's making the most of her summer weekends on the UK. From peaceful walks along Botany Bay beach to discovering the legendary tales of Robin Hood in Nottingham, Zara's enjoying unforgettable adventures. 🏰🌊

✨ Dreaming of studying in the UK? IELTS by the British Council can help you take the first step towards your study abroad journey.

💬 If you could spend a weekend anywhere in the UK, where would you go? Tell us in the comments, and share this post with someone who dreams of studying abroad!

13/08/2026

Do you have a system for learning IELTS vocabulary? 🤔

Word maps can help you remember. They make you think about new words and phrases in different ways. This means they’re more likely to stick in your head.

Try finishing this word map in the comments. ✍️

Find more free prep on our website. ✍️
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/ielts-ready