He received his undergraduate degree in History and in Chemistry, Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, magna cm laude and his international teaching certificate, the CELTA, from Cambridge University, UK, in 2006. He has taught at the best English schools in Hồ Chí Minh City, including VUS, Premier, SEAMEO, CEFALT, Hoa Sen, Bách Khoa, as well as at the University of Washington, in Seattle, which has the largest enrollment of international English students of any university in the USA. Many leading universities, including Bách Khoa and Hoa Sen, now teach English according to the IELTS model regardless of whether or not students are interested in going abroad to study or work, or even whether or not students will take the exam. The reason is simple: IELTS naturally reflects the way we use language. For example, when we write, we write simple notes (with correct spelling so that others will not be mistaken), we write reports, and we write about our thoughts and opinions (essays). Likewise, when we listen, we may listen to a single person or to a small group, and the situation may be one of either everyday situations or professional settings. Hence, there are four listening sections. Since the test reflects using language in the everyday real world, one of the best ways of expanding our English usage is to study the test. Many of us think that the “name” schools in Việt Nam are the best choice for IELTS: since they are bigger they’re more likely to offer more classes and match more closely each student’s level. In fact, the opposite is true. These schools simply take any employed teacher and place them in an IELTS class, having had no training or experience. What we get is simply another English class, re-hashing things we’ve studied before. Moreover, one of the best teachers— especially concerning vocabulary, for example— is often conversation with other students whose level doesn’t exactly match our own. California School VN prides itself on its IELTS experience, continually updating courses, materials and methodology. Classes Offered
IELTS Gold 72 hours
• This course is for those with no previous experience with the test and for those who have taken the test and are seeking a higher band score. The course focuses heavily on how to listen, read, write and speak both efficiently and effectively—i.e. on the test itself.
• Reading addresses the question types themselves. Understanding the questions being asked helps understand the reading. California School’s own materials are provided. Techniques including skimming and scanning, understanding paraphrasing and synonyms, and recognizing distractors are acquired.
• Listening, on the other hand, involves not the questions being answered, but what the speakers are discussing. Again, exclusive materials are provided. Transposing what is heard into correct English cultivated.
• Speaking involves four different forms: phonics for correct pronunciation and accuracy, free speaking to discuss topics and subject matter, focused speaking to promote fluency and actual IELTS test speaking practice.
• Writing is kept as basic as possible. Students need not be afraid that countless thinking about and examination of writing are involved. Three types of writing are practiced: short answer, report writing and essay writing.
• Grammar is reviewed mainly as concerns writing. It is understood that most students will have had extensive previous exposure to grammar.
• Vocabulary study is kept practical. Subject-based lexis is covered along with understanding unknown lexis through context and through roots and prefixes. IELTS Platinum
• Moving beyond the “how to” of listening, reading, writing and speaking, the Platinum course encompasses in-depth subject study and discussion on topics germane to the IELTS, including globalization and medicine.
• Reading and listening to numerous authentic IELTS passages and scripts is practiced.
• Writing involves three different styles of essay writing. It also includes using adverbials, adjective phrases, relative clauses and noun phrases, and ways of organizing text. This simply means that there are many different ways to write the same sentence. When writing is approached in this manner it becomes less tedious and much more enjoyable. The writer is in control.
• Speaking moves on to study vowel phonics. This is so that different accents can be understood for listening. These accents are also addressed. This course heavily explores tone, both in speaking and writing. Tone is often dismissed as secondary in speaking when in fact it greatly changes the semantics of what is being said.
• Vocabulary study is expanded. Phrasal verbs are explored through English through Acting. This is a popular course in most higher-level universities in the USA and is a great method for understanding phrasal verbs. This also relates back, again, to tone. The Academic Word List is also explored. IELTS Expertise
• This course continues with further, more advanced subject matter, including Advertising and including The Arts. Furthermore, introductory Business Soft Skills will be learned, to improve group teamwork. Often, the best way to become great at doing something is by making it yourself. In this course, students will expand on their understanding of IELTS by making their own IELTS exam! Original texts and recording will be provided and students in groups will make their own questions about the materials. The tests will then be given to the other groups for practice and evaluation!
