IELTS Target 5.0: Preparation for IELTS General Training - Leading to IELTS Academic IELTS Target 5.0 is aimed at students wishing to prepare for the IELTS exam while studying at pre-intermediate level. The main focus of preparation is IELTS General Training, as this is more appropriate for this level of student. Additional bridging material is incorporated later in the course for those students wishing to continue with IELTS Academic.

The IELTS Target 5 text was designed with low intermediate learners in mind. It introduces students to general training appropriate to their language needs and abilities and integrates academic materials at appropriate intervals. The initial units introduce basic English and the middle of the text introduces academic texts. By the last five of the twenty units, students are working at an intermediate level. Topics are appropriate for a wide variety of learning streams and cover such topics as health, nature, technology, society and construction. Relevant vocabulary is covered and each unit increases in challenge and scope. The materials provide ample practice for learners in all areas of the IELTS exam. The speaking test is developed fully and vocabulary is developed topically and the pronunciation components involve phoneme, stress and intonation. Writing tasks begin simply and include typical tasks such as e-mail writing, and then expand into essays. There is also reading, writing and listening practice as well as exam preparation tips to assist learners when navigating through the exam for the first time. The workbook expands on each unit and ensures students have ample practice outside of class time. Workbook tasks are referred to in each of the course book units and allow the teacher to direct students to homework tasks relevant to each topic. Gough has also included three practice tests, the final test purported to be the same level as an official exam. The Teacher's book is a wealth of information. Full of tips on how to expand on tasks, teach each skill and provide error correction, IELTS Target 5 is set up in such a way that novice teachers will be able to teach with confidence. All of the questions in the course book are answered fully and the text itself is very easy to navigate. Although some students may complain about having to lug the weight of the book around, it is of good value to teachers and students alike because it moves them from low intermediate to mid-intermediate.