How to Prepare for an IELTS Exam
IELTS is the most widely used and respected assessment of English language proficiency for governments and academic institutions. Having a good IELTS score is very important to the Canadian government, as this will show how well you communicate. Communication is extremely important to Canada as it will help you find work in the country and be a functional member of society.
A great IELTS score can also improve your chances of receiving a MW Agents. Below we have listed how to prepare for an IELTS exam as well as British Council Tips.
Top Tips to Prepare for Your IELTS Exam
1. Be sure to take a practice test By doing a practice test, you’re allowing yourself to discover what your strengths and weaknesses are. This will help you, as you now know which sections to put extra work in and to build on your strengths to create a solid foundation. 2. Take time to learn the test format By reviewing the test structure, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and tasks in each section. When you know what to expect you are less likely to feel overwhelmed and freeze. 3. Get familiar with the time constraints Since learning the structure is now part of your preparation for the exam, you should be able to complete it within the time frame given. You need to practice the exam with the allocated time given to each section, this way you can become comfortable with answering the questions within a certain time.
By doing the above, you’ll always have a good idea of how you test under pressure and can improve on it if necessary. 4. Develop your English capabilities and IELTS strategies Most people tend to only focus on the IELTS and forget that they need to improve their English as well, as the test is an English proficiency test. You should start preparing for your test at least three to six weeks before the time or more depending on your level of English.
Using an institution or taking a course that will help you with English development and IELTS strategies, would benefit you greatly. 5. Practice multitasking when listening in English The listening module of the exam can get very demanding, you’ll need to answer 40 questions throughout four recordings. Each recording will only be played once. You’ll be answering questions that include completion, summary completion, form completion and multiple choice.
This is why it’s important to learn and understand how to follow a conversation. By doing so, you won’t get lost during the conversation and if you do, you’ll be able to recover much quicker. A great way to practice this would be to do a group activity or play a game with friends. This way you would need to think and speak in English. 6. Practice reading a wide range of material When it comes to the reading part of the exam, you’ll need to be able to read to summarise, catch certain details, understand the writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose. You’ll also need to understand logical arguments and be able to skim through the text.
You’ll need to provide short answers, match information, complete sentences, match headings or complete diagram labels. This is why you’ll need to practice strategies to avoid running out of time before all questions are answered. 7. Use appropriate and assertive English terms when writing Most people struggle when it comes to the writing module because it requires a lot more English practice than the other modules. You’ll be given two writing tasks, they are:
- Task 1 – you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style; and
- Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be reasonably personal in style.
8. Speak fluently in direct communication For the speaking section of the exam, you’ll have 15 minutes to complete it. This section is divided into three parts :
- The first 5 minutes are for introduction and general conversation between you and the examiner;
- In the second part of the test you’ll receive a random topic written on a task card, you’ll then be assessed on your ability to speak about the random topic; and
- The third part is a little more complex as the examiner will assess your pronunciation vocabulary and fluency.
It would be in your best interest to practice under the exam conditions and to practice talking about topics you aren’t that familiar with, as this will help you get used to the pressure of the actual test. 9. Expose yourself to English as much as possible Try and expose yourself to English as much as you can in your everyday life. Start listening to English music, radio or have conversations with native English speakers if possible. Practice writing in English and perhaps start an English diary of some sort. Through this, you’ll see how your English improves over time, as it’s a great way to prepare for an IELTS exam.
British Council Tips
Below are some tips from the British Council that most good language learners do, that help them achieve a good IELTS score.
- Good language learners notice their mistakes and learn from them.
- Do group activities.
- Make notes during every class. Notes help you to remember a new language.
- Use a dictionary. Good language learners often use dictionaries to check the meaning of words they don’t know.
- Think in the language you’re learning outside the classroom. When you’re shopping or walking down the street, remember useful words and phrases. When you’re at home, say new words to practise your pronunciation.
- Do extra practice. Test and improve your language, reading and listening skills with self-study material.
- Enjoy the process. Watch a TV series or film, listen to songs, play video games or read a book. It’s never too late to become a good language learner.
Get Assistance With Your IELTS Exam
mwagents.ca has an online preparation course that includes explaining the exam, video lectures, practice exercises and strategies to help you succeed. You’ll be able to do writing samples which can be submitted and then reviewed, graded and commented on by qualified Canadian IELTS instructors.
With this course, you’ll be able to ask the instructors about the exam or anything related to how to prepare for an IELTS exam. Together with the course and the British Council tips, you should be well on your way to success.
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
