At the end of the day...

So,

• in the final analysis
• when all is said and done
• what it all boils down to

is. . . ?

There is no 'magic formula'; no 'quick fix' and certainly no 'miracle pill' for IELTS success, is there? You need talent, confidence and a systematic, resourceful approach to this demanding exam. You have so many demands: work, college (in some cases which seems to be more of a hindrance than a help!), family, commuting (?) and then on top of all that, this Tony B character requests your presence three days a week at the British Council!

Some come to every class, relatively fresh, eager and prepared. Some barely make it to class but this is at great cost to all the other demands on their time and attention. Others do make it to class in the physical sense, but their minds are elsewhere. Then there are those that miss classes, for various reasons and it is obviously a great strain with all their competing priorities. Finally, we have the few that run away before the going even gets tough...

Hmmm, what is happening here? My dynamic IELTS classes of 2005 and 2006 are a distant memory. Hardly anyone in the past two IELTS courses appreciates the weblog and how it can support you. What a pity and a great loss for you! Sure, we'll have a new weblog in May, that class might rise to the challenge and value this resource. Some of you, ieltscommunity18, might even want to join the next weblog - there's only Firas and Sameh who have contributed to this weblog. Ah well...

The final week looms. Before you know it, the course will be over and the countdown to your destiny with IELTS begins. Monday and Tuesday (make sure you bring the Insight into IELTS book on Tuesday 24 April!!!) will be heavy IELTS practice days. Wednesday we shall look at the 'big picture'; you get your reports; I mark your final exams; you do a questionnaire; I will try to answer your IELTS questions and allay your fears and doubts; we have a final listening; we can have a session in the Learning Zone; discuss your build-up to the exam and maybe even have the 'Diana debate' - for fun!

It must look a bit sad, me here talking to myself, but the Beale household is stirring this Friday morning and now we'll have breakfast together.

So, Haifa, the blog is what you make it. If students have nothing to say, contribute, ask, suggest or offer, then so be it.

I am here. I was there. You will regret your lack of interest in the weblog when it is too late. However, there is still time to benefit (please note spelling!) from the weblog!

Roll on the next course! Let's see what you are made of!

Any comments / posts / reaction would be highly appreciated!

Over and out

Tony