How can I get a high score in the IELTS?

Posted by sneha_2022 on June 23rd, 2022

Achieving the minimum IELTS band required for Canada PR can sometimes be a daunting task. A daunting, not impossible. 

Are you familiar with the minimum IELTS band required for Canada PR? 

Let us quickly (yet briefly) get an overview.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR? 

Immigrating under Canada’s Express Entry would require you to apply under any of the three economic immigration programs i.e., the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

Provided that you meet the Canada PR visa eligibility, your application under the Express Entry should be processed within 6 months. You need to keep your IELTS results valid throughout this time. 

The minimum IELTS band required for Canada PR is CLB 7, or 6.0 in each section of the IELTS (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Are you failing to meet the minimum score? Don’t get disheartened. The title wasn’t clickbait. 

Here’s – 

How to get a high score in the IELTS

TIP 1: Don’t apply for the test before preparing

Don’t expect yourself to master IELTS overnight. Set a target, figure out the time you will take to prepare– and apply for the test when you’re sure that you will achieve the minimum IELTS band required for Canada PR. Start preparing early and make sure you’re consistent.

TIP 2: Be sure to master grammar

Although the IELTS doesn’t have a specific grammar section, it does, however,  indirectly test your grammar in the Speaking and Writing sections. Search websites or get a grammar book to practice as often as possible. Speaking and Writing are two key sections, where most candidates fail to get the minimum marks. 

TIP 3: Take every opportunity to practice speaking

Try thinking in English. Learn to drive before you can drift. Talk to yourself about random things such as your hobbies, interests, everyday life, dreams, and such. Why these? Well, these are some of the common topics in the Speaking section test. 

TIP 4: Strengthen your speed-reading skills

Find an article you’re interested in, and give it a skim over for the main gist. You’ll get 60 minutes to answer 40 questions – which means there isn’t much time for reading the entire text carefully. Try to increase your pace by going through random write-ups. 

TIP 5: Listen to English, daily

Watch your favorite movie, series, or show in English without subtitles. Listen to English news channels or any documentary on a variety of subjects. You may have trouble understanding everything at first, but once you get used to this practice, your Listening skills will significantly improve. 

TIP 6: Improve your vocabulary 

You don’t need to note down every new word or phrase you come across – but at least the most common ones. You can find a list of the most commonly used words in IELTS on the web. You need to be familiar with their meaning, as well as know-how to spell them – to ace the Listening and Reading sections. 

TIP 7: Seek guidance from an IELTS expert

If these tips don’t work out “too well” for you, you can always get in touch with a professional IELTS trainer. They’ll offer you all the guidance you need, the answer to your queries, and of course tips & tricks to get the minimum IELTS band required for Canada PR. For a fee of course. 

Take Away

Your IELTS score plays a pivoting role in the Canada PR visa eligibility. A good IELTS score will significantly increase your chances of studying, working, and settling in the Great White North. 

Towards the end of your preparation, start practicing with full-length mock tests and sample paper – and solidify your chances of acing the IELTS even further. This will also help you achieve the pace required to tackle the 40 questions in the allotted duration. 

Anything worth doing takes a lot of effort – the same is true when preparing for IELTS. 

Craft a solid plan, and stick to it. Remember, consistency is the key to clear IELTS on the first try.

All the best!