It’s actually important to achieve a high IELTS score when you’re seeking permanent residence in Canada. While you need to stay consistent with the preparation, you should understand everything related to the exam. So just how to improve my IELTS Language Score?
Before we move on with the tips to improve the score, let’s look at what IELTS is all about. The International English Language Testing System is nothing but an exam which assesses language ability. The individual should get a high score to show his or her communication abilities in English.
The IELTS test basically has four sections. To gauge the listening skills, you have to attempt 40 questions in 30 minutes. On the other hand, you need to attend an interview of 15 minutes so that the panel gets an idea of the speaking skills.
With regards to checking the reading ability, you have to attempt 40 questions across 3 sections. Moreover, you need to write on 2 topics within a time span of 60 minutes.
For getting an ITA for permanent residence, your IELTS score depends on the immigration program. For instance, if you’re applying through the Federal Express Entry System, then you must score at least 7 as the Canadian Language Benchmark.
7 key steps to improve your IELTS language score for Express Entry?
Now, let’s look at how you can improve the IELTS score to stay ahead in the Express Entry pool.
1. Develop reading skills
As you start preparing for the exam well in advance, you need to develop skills. With 14 different kinds of questions, you should come with a strategy. This would help you answer every question in less time.
With time, you need to develop a knack for questions with options stated in an order. You may have to spend a few more seconds which you answer the ‘True / False Not Given’ questions. To master the techniques for such questions, you really need to practice well.
2. Some tips for ‘True / false not given’ questions
- Try to analyse the statement in the question. This would actually help you to arrive with an answer quickly.
- Read the statements slowly, as many words would be stated with similar words.
- Never match the keywords with an aim to match the meaning. Even when some keywords may be the same in the entire passage, the answer may not be true.
- If the meaning of the statement differs from that in the passage, then the right answer is False.
- In case the meaning is completely different, then the right answer is ‘Not Given’.
- As you take mock tests, you could note down the paraphrases you struggle with. Later, you can check with the trainer and figure out the right answer. Regardless of the option, you select, your handwriting must be clear.
3. Increase your reading speed
In order to do well on the final day, you need to develop the knack of going through and scanning passages. Once you go through the entire passage, you can get an idea about what it’s trying to convey. We recommend you increase the speed before answering the questions.
It’s actually important to understand the passage well so that you can answer the questions. Ideally, you should not spend more than 2 to 3 minutes to read the entire passage. Besides, you should make sure that you underline the keywords and sentences.
When you come across questions stated before the start of the passage, you don’t have to read the passage first. However, to trace information, it’s important to increase the reading speed.
4. Enhance your vocabulary
Lack of vocabulary is one of the reasons why you could probably get a low score. It’s simply not enough to learn the meaning of words but the way in which it is to be used.
It’s always a good idea to list down the words you haven’t heard before. Apart from gathering words through passages, you can build your vocabulary as you read books. But, when you start reading books, ensure that you stay consistent.
Moreover, you should include the common paraphrases in the list and the problems to find the answer. Later, you can get in touch with someone who can help you to improve IELTS language score for Express Entry.
5. Be perfect with grammar
Always spend some time when you are attempting questions that involve sentence completion. Make sure that the sentence is grammatically correct so that you can come up with the correct answer.
You may perceive a sentence in a different way even when the meaning is the same. But, that does matter because it’s often related to grammar.
6. Enhance skills with GT tests
For the GT tests, you must read employment terms and instruction manuals to hone in your reading skills. You can also appear for practice tests compiled in the IELTS Cambridge books.
Later, you would slowly develop confidence after practice. This is because the question types are nearly the same for GT test and academic tests.
7. Plan well for the IELTS exam
As you’re concerned about reading skills, you should first spend time in increasing the vocabulary. Apart from tackling specific question types, you should try to locate information quickly. Moving ahead, you should appear for the test just to work on your skills. To get a better idea of improvement level, you should later appear for tests under exam conditions.
Finally, you need to practice to improve IELTS language score for Express Entry. Over a period of time, you should understand your weaknesses. This would help you follow an approach to improve certain areas. At the end of every test, you need to review your performance.
If you have got the wrong answer ever after reading the passage, then you need to improve language skills. In case you can’t figure out the answer due to insufficient information, then the problem is with your technique.
If you are unable to answer all the questions within the time span, then you should change your approach. Above all, the practice can also help you get used to the structure of the test.
In case you have a lot of time before the final day, then try getting used to difficult passages. You can read online magazines, news over the internet or go through sites that can improve reading skills.