FAQ: Drop-in Tutorials
When are the drop-in tutorials available?
Drop-in tutorials are available during high demand weeks in semester and during August. Information about the availability of drop-in tutorials appears on the IELSS moodle and is emailed out to IELSS users via the moodle's forum.
Who can use the service?
The service is open to matriculated students of the University, who use English as an additional language and who have yet to submit their final piece of coursework or complete their final assessment. It is not open to visiting scholars or staff.
Who provides English language support for international students?
In-sessional language support for international students is provided by ELT. The tutors you will meet are qualified and experienced teachers of English for Academic Purposes.
Do I need to book a drop-in tutorial in advance?
To use the service, come to ELT Reception office on the day you require a tutorial and select a time from those available. The service is operated on a first come, first serve basis.
Do I have to pay?
No, this service is free and provided for you by ELT.
Can I bring a friend?
You are welcome to come to a tutorial in a pair or a group. The maximum number of people is six.
How long are drop-in tutorials?
Thirty minutes for individual tutorials; sixty minutes for group tutorials (2-6 people).
How often can I have a drop-in tutorial?
Once per day on any day the service runs, subject to availability.
Can I send you a sample of my writing in advance when I have a drop-in tutorial?
No, but you are encouraged to bring two hard copies of your writing with you if you would like help with an aspect of your writing. It can be taken from a piece of work you have already submitted, or a piece of work you are going to submit. Do not bring your work on a data peg or laptop.
Can I do a diagnostic test before I come for a tutorial?
It is a good idea to use the online diagnostic tool before your first tutorial. This will give you and your IELSS tutor feedback on your language skills. Click for information on Accessing Diagnostic Tool/pdf (PDF, 767 KB).
What happens if I have major problems with my English?
If you have major problems with your English, please contact us as soon as possible. It is more effective to tackle the problems than to hope they will simply go away.
Are you a proofreading service?
No, we do not provide a proofreading or language correction service. However, IELSS will teach you to correct your writing yourself over a series of tutorials. Bring a sample of your writing with you. If you wish to find a proofreader, consult the appropriate resources: Undergraduate/Taught Postgraduate Students resources Research Postgraduate resources
Will you tell my school I am using IELSS?
No, we don’t tell your school unless you have been referred to the service officially by one of your tutors e.g. through the Academic Alert system.
What is the difference between the In-sessional English Language Support Service and CAPOD's Academic Skills Provision?
The main differences are that the In-sessional Support Service is exclusively aimed at the needs of non-native speakers of English and works with students at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. It focuses on three types of need: language needs, academic culture needs, and academic practice needs.
How can I give feedback?
If you have a comment to make on the service, good or bad, please let us know at eltsupport. IELSS also invites you to give your feedback once a year via an electronic feedback form. Users of the service periodically receive an email with details of how to access this.