When applying to Canadian universities, demonstrating your proficiency in English is typically a key requirement. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the two most common tests accepted by Canadian institutions. The primary purpose of both exams is to gauge your ability understand and use English in an academic environment, but their formats, scoring methods, and preparation strategies all differ from each other. This guide will help you navigate the preparation process to maximize your chances of achieving the scores you need.
About the Tests
IELTS: The Academic version of IELTS is required for university admission and this tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The test is scored on a band scale of 1 to 9 with the minimum overall score for admission in Canadian universities being 6.5 to 7.0.
TOEFL: The TOEFL iBT is an Internet-based Test which measures your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120, and most Canadian universities require a minimum score of 80 to 100.
How Should I prepare for the tests?
Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format
Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time effectively during the exam and reduce anxiety so before diving into your studies, familiarize yourself with the test format of both IELTS and TOEFL.
IELTS: The Academic version consists of four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11–14 minutes).
TOEFL: The TOEFL iBT has four sections: Reading (54–72 minutes), Listening (41–57 minutes), Speaking (17 minutes), and Writing (50 minutes).
Set a Realistic Study Schedule
Preparing for these exams requires consistent effort over a period of time and so it is crucial to a study schedule that fits in your routine, allocating specific times each day or week to focus on each section of the test. You can start by:
Assessing Your Current Level by taking a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you allocate more time to areas that need improvement.
Practice daily for at least 1-2 hours. Break your sessions into focused practice on each of the four sections of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Once a week, take a full-length practice test under timed conditions. This will help you get accustomed to the test’s timing and build your stamina.
Improve Your English Skills
When it comes to preparing for the test, make sure you improve your overall English proficiency too. You can enhance each skill by:
– Listening: Listening to podcasts, shows, news and lectures in English help you understand various accents and speaking styles.
– Reading Read academic articles, journals and books written in English; focus on comprehending complex texts, recognizing main ideas and inferring meaning from context.
– Writing: Write essays about different topics within the word count limit of 250–300 for IELTS or 300–350 words for TOEFL. Pay attention to structure, coherence, and grammar.
– Speaking: Practice speaking English daily, either with a study partner or by recording yourself. Focus on fluency, pronunciation, and the ability to express your ideas clearly.
Utilize Official Preparation Resources
Both IELTS and TOEFL offer a range of official preparation materials, including practice tests, study guides, and online courses and these resources are very valuable because they have similar questions to those you will meet on the real exam.
Achieving the required IELTS or TOEFL score for admission to a Canadian university is entirely possible with the right preparation strategy. By familiarizing yourself with the test format, setting a realistic study schedule, improving your English skills, using official resources, and maintaining your health, you’ll be well on your way to success. Remember, consistent practice and a positive mindset are key to overcoming any challenges you may face along the way.