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course This is one of the most common words on the IELTS. This may seem like a very
simple vocabulary word. But many IELTS test-
takers get confused. It’s easy to
forget that this word can have two meanings. A “course” can be a single class
that a student enrolls in, such as a one-semester history course. However, on the
IELTS, a course can sometimes also refer to an entire degree. A bachelor’s
degree can be called a four-
year course, and a master’s or doctorate may be
described as a postgraduate course.
Note that in North American English, a course is almost always just one class.
But of course, the IELTS is a U.K.-based exam. Test-takers who are less familiar
with British English should be careful when they see this vocabulary word on the
IELTS.
module A “module” is a section of a larger set of learning activities. On the IELTS,
module usually refers to a unit within an individual semester course. A module
will always have a specific focus. A general psychology class might have one
module on developmental psychology, another module on abnormal psychology,
and so on.
workshop A “workshop” is a special group activity. In a workshop, students complete a
special project or develop a special skill. A workshop can be part of a semester
course. However, on the IELTS, workshop usually refers to a learning activity
that is not part of a regular university class. Instead, workshop will often refer to a
learning activity hosted by a counselling centre or an academic conference.
tutorial On the IELTS, a “tutorial” refers to a single between a teacher and one or more
students. A tutorial could be a single lesson on the use of symbolism in a famous
novel. Or a tutorial could teach students on how to use a certain computer
program. You get the idea. A tutorial could be one session in a semester course,
a one-on-one meeting with a tutor, or a learning activity that is directed by a
student club or university support centre.
Here again, we see an IELTS vocabulary word that is different in British and
North American English. In American contexts, “tutorial” is more likely to mean an
instructional video or booklet.