Test Preparation
Overview
One of the main criteria that decides whether you are eligible for studying or working in a foreign country is proficiency in the English language. People from non-English speaking countries who wish to study, work or settle in a native English country such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK need to submit proof of proficiency in the English language. It ensures that the immigrants or international students can easily communicate with others, understand what is being taught to them and live without hassles.
To prove that you are proficient in the English Language, you have to give a test. The most common tests to assess English Language proficiency are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The majority of the leading universities in the world accept IELTS/TOEFL scores. Many universities also accept Cambridge English Advanced Test (CEA).
Moreover, some countries also require international students or immigrants to be proficient in their official languages. For example, if you wish to study or work in Germany, you must know basic or advanced level German language. The proficiency level depends on your course or job.
Also, you must know that the minimum IELTS or TOEFL score requirements are different for seeking admission to a particular university and while applying for a visa. For example, if the minimum band requirement to get a US study visa is 6, the university where you wish to study might put up a minimum band requirement of 6.5.
Which countries accept IELTS/TOEFL scores?
Canada, UK, the US, New Zealand and Australia accept IELTS and TOEFL scores. TOEFL scores are also accepted by European universities. Currently, more than eleven thousand institutes all over the world accept IELTS scores for higher studies.
What is the paper pattern for IELTS and TOEFL?
There are two categories of IELTS papers; IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. For those who plan to study a full-time course in a native English-speaking country, it is mandatory to give the IELTS academic test. However, if you wish to immigrate to the USA, UK, Australia or Canada, you can appear for the IELTS General Training test.
Both IELTS and TOEFL are comprehensive tests to assess your overall proficiency in the English language. The tests comprise four sections; Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All the sections have multiple-choice questions, and both the exams are conducted online.
In IELTS, the bands are ranged on a scale from 1-10. In TOEFL, the maximum score one can achieve is 120.
What is the minimum IELTS and TOEFL score requirement for countries or universities?
The minimum IELTS band requirement to obtain a study or work visa is 6.5 for New Zealand, 6.0 for Australia, 4-7 for the UK.
If you dream of studying at Yale, Columbia or Ivy League University, you will have to score 100 or above in TOEFL iBT. However, many US universities accept 74-78 scores in TOEFL iBT.
How can you prepare for English Language Proficiency Tests?
The majority of the foreign universities do not just look at your overall IELTS or TOEFL score. They keep a minimum score requirement in all four sections. For example, a university might ask for an overall band of 7.0 in IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 bands in each section. Similarly, for TOEFL, you must achieve a minimum score in every section.
Therefore, it is necessary to prepare well for all four sections. You must equally focus on enhancing your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
The best way to prepare for IELTS and TOEFL is to read and listen to various sources. You can read English books, newspapers, articles and watch documentaries or listen to podcasts. For writing, you need to focus on syntax and vocabulary.
How Can We Help You With Test Preparation?
To get accepted to one of the best universities in the world, you must need a minimum band of 6-7 in IELTS. Since English is not our first language, it can be hard to get a score in IELTS or TOEFL.
However, with practice and persistence, you can perform well in the exam and get admission to your preferred university. We can assist you throughout for overall preparation for IELTS/TOEFL or any other English Language proficiency test. Our counsellors will help you understand the basics of grammar and language and will give you several tips on how to score well in these exams. We will provide you with practice questions and also provide detailed feedback on your progress. We make sure to emphasize all the sections so that you achieve a good score overall.
For any assistance on English Language proficiency tests, please connect with us!