Language Center
IELTS is the most recognized English language testing system in the world. It's designed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English to help foreign nationals effectively work, study, migrate to and assimilate into a country where English is the native language, including countries like Canada, Australia, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The system is primarily designed to test applicants' ability to communicate and understand written and spoken English. However, it's widely accepted for immigration, academic and employment purposes.
Why Take IELTS?
Firstly, IELTS is a Canadian Language Benchmark test. You can enter your IELTS score as part of your immigration application to prove your English language ability. This is vital for immigration or visa programs like an Express Entry or a Student visa, as both require applicants to show a high English Language proficiency.
Secondly, IELTS is often a specific requirement for certain occupations in Canada. However, if your employer requires IELTS, they should inform you of this fact before you arrive in Canada.
Note:
Be sure to check with your employer once you receive your Canadian job offer whether or not you need to submit an IELTS score before you start your job, as you will likely need ample time to prepare.
Thirdly, IELTS is often a strict prerequisite for many Canadian universities or Colleges, as having a strong grasp of complicated English concepts is crucial to your success in the Canadian education system.
As a result, having a good IELTS score is essential to the success of your immigration and assimilation into Canada.
How the IELTS Works
There are two IELTS tests - the IELTS General Training and the IELTS Academic. IELTS Academic is not essential for immigration to Canada and is only required for certain professions and academic institutions.
The IELTS General Training is required for all immigration purposes. Therefore, you will not be allowed into Canada if you have completed an IELTS Academic test but not the IELTS General Training test. However, if you have completed your IELTS General Training, you do not need an IELTS Academic test to move to Canada.
How is The IELTS Test Structured?
The IELTS has four sections. Each is designed to test a different language skill, and each team is allotted additional time. They are as follows:
Listening section
How long is it?
This section of the IELTS is approximately 30 minutes
How is it structured?
Applicants must listen to 4 recordings and answer ten questions on each recording.
What does it test?
This section is designed to test an applicant's ability to:
- answer multiple choice questions,
- match categories,
- label based on spoken instruction,
- summarize,
- complete sentences, and
- answer short questions
Reading Section
How long is it?
This section of the IELTS is approximately 60 minutes
How is it structured?
Applicants must read a short, a mid-length and a long text and answer questions based on each text.
What does it test?
The different styles of questioning are designed to test an applicant's ability to:
- Answer multiple choice questions;
- Identify views or claims as well as information in a text;
- Matching headings, sentences and features to a specific text;
- Completing sentences;
- Summarizing;
- Labelling; and
- Answering short questions.
Writing Section
How long is it?
This section of the IELTS is approximately 60 minutes
How is it structured?
Applicants are given two writing tasks. The first is a personal response to a provided text. The other is a discursive essay where the applicant must create and structure a coherent argument.
What does it test?
This section tests the applicant's ability to:
- Complete a task in English;
- Respond effectively to a brief;
- Be coherent and cohesive in English;
- Utilize a vast English vocabulary; and
- Use grammar correctly.
Speaking Section
How long is it?
This section of the IELTS is approximately 11-14 minutes
How is it structured?
This section has three tasks. The first is an interview, where the applicant is asked simple questions about their home, family, work, studies and interests. The second is a speech, where the applicant receives a topic and has to speak on that specific topic. The third task is discussion. After they complete their speech, the interviewer will ask them specific questions to test their understanding of the topic.
What does it test?
This section is designed to test an applicant's:
- Fluency and coherence
- Vocabulary
- Grammatical skills
- Pronunciation of English words
Once you have completed this section, you have completed the test and will receive your results in three to five business days if you take the IELTS exam online or thirteen business days if you take the test on paper. If you need help with how to get your start on the IELTS test or have completed your IELTS test and are looking to take the next step on your Canadian journey, you could benefit greatly from expert help.
Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants can help an advise you through every step of your application process, including getting you started on our IELTS course to make sure you're speaking English in Canada the way the Canadians like it.
