IELTS TIPS

To be honest, if your taking IELTS for general purpose, there is no difference between workshop vs. your own practice.

Here's why:
For Listening Test (the most difficult):
The most tricky part is understanding their accent (british). So I suggest that you subscribe (Free) to BBCWorldnews on-line and try to listen everyday to familiarize yourself with Brit accent. The speed for listening then understanding and your speed for writing important facts which will be played once. Being an english speaking and watching a lot of hollywood movies, i think you can create your own strategy to improve by practicing on your own.

For Reading,
I'm sure you can do this, because you have plenty of time to go back to the story and questions & vice versa. So, you don't need workshop on this, we have taken a lot of this type of exam like NCEE and university entrance exam.
For writing, try to practice by writing a letter like those in your sample exam before the actual exam, because "time" is your enemy

For Speaking,
DON'T Be NERVOUS!!!! relax and just be yourself to avoid mental block...Remember, what they want to check is whether you understand questions and you are capable of expressing your thoughts.....So try practicing by speaking in front of the mirror...Famous Questions Where did you came from? and please describe what type of place is your home.
So impress the examiner that you undertand his questions and you are giving her the best notion and best explanations....So don't be afraid...

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

IELTS, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. It is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP:IELTS Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment. It covers four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking.

IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, The UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodiess, immigration authorities and other government agencies. A full list of recognising organizations is available on the IELTS website: http://www.ielts.org/. IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.

IELTS tests are administered at centres throughout the world - there are more than 300 centres, in over 100 countries. A full list of centres is also available on the website. Most centres conduct a testing session at least once a month and more often at peak times. Results will be produced 13 days after the test. At some test centres candidates may collect their results on the 13th day, at others results are mailed on the 13th day. The candidate will only receive one copy of their test result and replacement copies will not be provided. Additional copies can be sent direct to receiving organisations and institutions by test centres. There are no restrictions on candidates re-taking the test.

The test is available in two formats - Academic and General Training. The Academic Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses should be based on the results of these modules. The General Training Modules emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The General Training modules are not offered at all test administrations.