The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a system that grades your English language skills on four components. This includes writing, speaking, reading and listening. Preparation for this type of test can be arduous with many hours of reading, writing, memorizing and preparing. Whether you took the test for immigration or a college application, the test can be difficult and some people are required to redo the initial test. The IELTS is part of the immigration process in Canada and often a requirement, especially for immigrant students attending University.
To achieve a passing score on your next test date, here are a few DEA Canadian College tips on what you need to know for the IELTS:
Study Vocabulary Carefully
Reading frequently exposes you to many different words, phrases and spelling. When learning English, there is a significant amount of emphasis placed on putting words into the proper context each time. Pay close attention to the words you don’t know or understand, underline them and figure out their meaning. Be sure to connect what the word is to the supporting context so you fully understand the word’s use. Listen to challenging materials such as Canadian news to expose yourself to several new words. Consciously use the new words you learn as frequently as possible in conversation or in writing.
It takes 10 to 20 repetitions to have a word become part of your daily speech, so be sure to practice often!
Read Often
Be sure to have access to a credible English dictionary to be able to look up words at any time. Work out the meanings of these new words and make sure you do not translate back to your first language. During the exam, skim the text quickly to have a general idea of the text and not the specific rationale behind it. The goal is to get the answer correct, so be sure to read the question first, before the text itself. The test is divided into three sections with 40 questions and requiring a score of 7,380 correct answers for you to pass.
Practice Your Writing Skills
Writing down words consistently is crucial to helping you prepare for the IELTS. Include the word, it’s definition and an example sentence for it for later reference. Say the word out loud and relate it to other English words you know. Here’s another way to enhance your writing skills:
Practice Task:
- Describe the information of what’s being shown and not the dimensions of the diagram itself.
- Choose important features and the figures to support them.
- Practice by looking for diagrams, graphs or charts in newspapers or online and analyze them.
At DEA Canadian College, we will provide you with the tools and help you need to prepare for your IELTS test in Vancouver. Our IELTS preparation program is dependable, practical and effective in helping students learn the English language. To register for one of our programs or learn more about our services, contact us online today.
