Through pre-testing and weekly class tests students at Mayflower College are advised on the

length of study necessary to reach their intended goal. This is constantly monitored and revised

during the course.

Progress of course depends on many different factors:

how you define and measure progress - for example, measuring confidence is not a simple task

the aptitude of the student for learning English - some students find learning English easier than other

students

the starting level of the student - progress is sometimes faster in the beginning but then students reach a

'plateau'

the quality of the curriculum and the teacher(s) - choosing a good school like Mayflower College can help a lot!

the environment in which the student is studying - for example, progress will generally be faster in an English

speaking environment where the student still encounters English even after the lesson has ended

if the course is intensive or extensive

the age, motivation and personality of the student

the first language of the student - students who are learning a second language which is from the same

language ‘family’ as their own first language generally have a much easier task. So, for example, a Dutch student

will probably learn English more quickly than a Japanese student

Research

1

and our own experience show that on average:

It takes 10-12 weeks to improve your IELTS level by 0.5 point

1

On the CEFR scale, Cambridge ESOL estimates that each level is reached with the

following guided learning hours:

2

A2 - Waystage

~180–200 hours

B1 - Threshold

~350–400 hours

B2 - Vantage

~500–600 hours

C1 - Effective Operational Proficiency

~700–800 hours

C2 - Mastery

~1,000–1,200 hours

1

- Investigating the relationship between intensive English language study and band score gain on IELTS - Catherine

Elder, University of Auckland and Kieran O’Loughlin, The University of Melbourne

2

- CEFR and ALTE Can Do statements - here