How to start your IELTS test preparation for Canada?
IELTS, the world's most popular English language proficiency test, is taken by around 3 million candidates every year across the world. The IELTS scores are accepted in more than 140 countries. More than 10,000 institutes use IELTS scores to grant admissions to students.
Other facts and figures include:
· Over one million Indian students take the IELTS each year.
· As per the IELTS Test taker performance data 2019, the academic mean performance of Germany was highest with a score of 7.4.
· The average score for India was found to be 6.1.
IDP Education Ltd., which recently bought the British Council’s International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in India for 130 million euros, made Indian students curious whether IELTS is going to change in any way. As per the Interim CEO of British Council IELTS - Kate Ewart-Biggs, IDP IELTS will improve the customer experience and ensure to make test day smooth.
How to prepare for IELTS at home?
IELTS score gauges the proficiency of the students in the English language in four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is a ticket for students to fly to the world’s leading study destinations such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, etc.
IELTS exam preparation for Canada needs you to do the following:
1) Know all about it!
The first vital thing to do is to acquaint yourself with the essentials like understanding the test format, sections, test duration, IELTS bands 1-9 and their calculations, sample test content, and so on.
Do not skip familiarizing yourself with IELTS rules and regulations. The same is mentioned in the notice to candidates and declaration, which are a part of the application form.
2) Start early
45% of the Indians score in the band of 5.5 and 6, which is a mediocre score in IELTS. One of the reasons cited was the students make is start preparing for the test just weeks or 1 to 2 months prior. Cracking IELTS and scoring high to get admission to the top colleges of Canada needs greater effort and time. Start preparing for your test six months prior.
3) Practice papers
Practicing IELTS test practice with answers is considered one of the best ways to prepare for your IELTS test. The more you practice, the better your performance will be. Look for IELTS samples or mock test papers online. IELTS provides practice materials that are designed to help you understand the test format. This will not only give you an idea of what to expect in various sections, but it will also enhance your knowledge and language skills.
You can also purchase official IELTS sample materials from an IELTS test center.
4) Time management
IELTS test has a time limit and you get specific times for each module. You need to know that you get 30 minutes to answer 40 questions in the listening test, 60 minutes to answer 40 questions in the reading test, 60 minutes for the writing test, and 11 to 14 minutes for the speaking test. You need to complete all the sections successfully within the allocated time. Ensure to take practice tests under timed conditions to become habitual with the pace of the test.
5) Absorb English
Hone your vocabulary by reading more. IELTS English exam preparation needs you to master different English accents and improvise listening abilities by following English new channels. Enhance your reading skills by reading for summary, reading for detail, skim reading, identifying the writers’ opinions and purpose. Develop skills in giving short answers, think and match information, match headings, and more.
6) Progress tracker
Checking your progress to determine if your performance has improved significantly or not, is as essential as preparing for the test. Knowing where you stand and identifying your strength and weak areas is imperative. Use IELTS Progress Check which is an official IELTS online practice test. It is suggested by IELTS-trained and qualified makers. Do take a timed IELTS practice test for Canada and receive feedback along with the score for each section. Get to know your low-scoring areas and start focusing more on them.
7) Assistance from experts
Seeking assistance from the expert IELTS preparation centers, language schools, and professional consultants can also help in your test preparation and advance your performance considerably too. Many renowned institutes and coaching centers offer IELTS preparation courses. You also have a choice to join IELTS academic test preparation online.