About Ryan James Whitehouse
Your IELTS teacher, Ryan James Whitehouse, or Kru Jaem, is from Auckland, New Zealand, with over 18 years of IELTS teaching experience. He was born and raised in New Zealand, where his mother is from Tokoroa and his father from Rotorua. He completed his early education in New Zealand and holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Education in English Language Teaching, and three master's degrees in Mental Health Psychology (France), Educational Administration (Thailand), and Applied Management (New Zealand). He has also completed a PhD in Catholic Educational Leadership in New Zealand. With teaching experience and international qualifications, Kru Jaem is committed to helping you succeed in IELTS through clear, structured lessons and practical strategies.
1. What is IELTS?
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IELTS = International English Language Testing System
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Students must decide what test they'll take: Academic (for study) and General Training (for work/migration). Click here to learn about Academic vs General Training.
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Four skills tested: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
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You need to choose what format: Paper-based or Computer-based
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Total test time: 2 hours 45 minutes
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Students should read through the rules and regulations of IELTS Live Online.
2. How IELTS is Scored
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Band scale from 0 to 9
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Half-band scores (e.g. 6.5, 7.5)
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Scores are given for each skill and an overall score
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Universities usually require 6.5–7.0
3. Test Format Overview and Demo
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Listening (30 mins) Click here for the IELTS Computer-based demo
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4 parts, 40 questions, 1 recording only
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Tests comprehension of conversations and lectures
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Reading (60 mins) Click here for the IELTS Computer-based demo
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3 passages, 40 questions
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Academic: longer, more complex texts
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General: workplace and everyday topics
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Writing (60 mins) Click here for the IELTS Computer-based demo
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Task 1: Report (Academic) / Letter (General)
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Task 2: Essay (same for both)
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Speaking (11–14 mins) Click here for the IELTS Computer-based demo
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3 parts: Introduction, Extended Talk, Follow-up Discussion
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Conducted face-to-face for Paper-based and Computer-based or via video for IELTS Online
4. Study Plan and Curriculum Structure
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You should set a goal-based learning objective: e.g. "I want an overall score of 7.5+ for Academic"
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Take a pre-test or join either Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or Rotorua
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After your pre-test, the teacher will recommend your group level and schedule.
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Download the Zoom recording software here for Android and here for iOS.
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If you are learning on a computer, click here.
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Join the Orientation class for your group or watch the video recording
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Ask questions at anytime via microphone or via Zoom chat
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Download Notes, Sheets, Student Sheets via Group LINE after class.
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Students who need to improve their basic grammar should watch Tokoroa videos.
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We'll study 4 modules: Listening, Reading, Writing Task 1 & 2, and Speaking. Review this Study Plan
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There are weekly live classes + homework + feedback.
5. Homework & Feedback System
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Students who need to review homework deadlines from class should review the schedule here
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Submit Writing/Reading/Listening via email to thinkincafekk@gmail.com (with Student ID)
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Submit Speaking via Google Forms as a voice message to Kru Jaem
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Do not submit homework via LINE
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Practice using the Homework Schedule, Workbook, or the official Cambridge IELTS books (10–19)
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Students must complete the Homework Schedule for their group (please go to your group's LMS page to download)
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Unlimited practice and feedback during the course
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Feedback within 7 days via LINE
6. Learning Tools & Support
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Practice materials: Library (click here)
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Zoom for live classes or video recordings
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LINE group for announcements and support
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Forum to ask important questions at anytime
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Ask questions during Zoom Live classes or write a Comment via Forums or on the page of any video recording.