IELTS Test in Canada and how to prepare: tips and tricks

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Thinking of taking the IELTS exam in Canada? Don’t stress – we at Global Village English Schools have you covered! Our guide will provide you with essential tips and tricks to help you prepare and perform your best on test day.

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If you’re planning to take the IELTS exam in Canada, it’s important to prepare yourself for the test. The first thing to know is that the full form of IELTS is “International English Language Testing System” and it is a standardized test that measures your English language proficiency. It is used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities around the world… a good score can really improve your quality of life!

Before you take your IELTS exam in Canada, it’s important to understand the format of the test. The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Reading sections are multiple choice, while the Writing and Speaking sections require you to produce written and spoken responses. Knowing the format of the exam will help you focus your preparation and develop strategies for each section.

In the Listening section, you will listen to four recordings and answer questions based on what you hear. The recordings will be played only once, so it’s important to listen carefully. In the Reading section, you will read three passages and answer questions based on the information in the passages. The Writing section consists of two tasks: Task 1 requires you to describe a graph, chart, or diagram, or write a letter, while Task 2 requires you to write an essay on a given topic. Finally, in the Speaking section, you will have a conversation with an examiner about a variety of topics.

photo of English instructor helping student prepare for IELTS text Global Village Canada
Group of English students studying for IELTS exam Global Village Canada
Two English students studying for IELTS exam Global Village Canada

Understand the format of the exam.

Before you take your IELTS test in Canada, it’s important to understand the format of the test. The IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Reading sections are multiple choice, while the Writing and Speaking sections require you to produce written and spoken responses. Knowing the format of the test will help you focus your preparation and develop strategies for each section.

In the Listening section, you will listen to four recordings and answer questions based on what you hear. The recordings will be played only once, so it’s important to listen carefully. In the Reading section, you will read three passages and answer questions based on the information in the passages. The Writing section consists of two tasks: Task 1 requires you to describe a graph, chart, or diagram, or write a letter. Task 2 requires you to write an essay on a given topic. Finally, in the Speaking section, you will have a conversation with an examiner about a variety of topics.

Practice with official IELTS materials.

One of the best ways to prepare for the IELTS exam is to practice with official IELTS materials from Global Village. These materials are designed to give you an accurate idea of what to expect on test day, and they can help you identify areas where you need to improve. You can find official IELTS materials on the Global Village IELTS Website, including practice tests, sample questions, and study guides. Make sure to use these materials regularly in your preparation to build your confidence and improve your performance.


In addition to official IELTS materials, it’s also a good idea to take advantage of other resources available to you. Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course to get expert guidance and feedback on your progress. You can also find a variety of IELTS study materials and resources from third-party providers, such as books, apps, and online courses. However, it is generally understood that learning and practicing with an IELTS Test Preparation expert, like we have at Global Village in Canada, gives better results and higher scores. Whatever resources you choose, make sure to practice regularly and focus on improving your weaknesses to achieve your desired score on test day.

Develop time management strategies.

When preparing for the IELTS exam in Canada, it’s important to develop effective time management strategies. One way to do this is to create a study schedule that includes specific times for each section of the exam. For example, you might allocate one hour for reading, one hour for writing, and so on. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary material before test day. Additionally, taking timed practice tests can help you get used to the pace of the exam and improve your time management skills. Remember to take breaks and give yourself time to rest and recharge, as burnout can negatively impact your performance. By developing effective time management strategies, you can feel confident and prepared on exam day.

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Familiarize yourself with Canadian accents and vocabulary.

IELTS Listening tests often include a variety of English accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian. One important aspect of preparing for the IELTS exam in Canada is to familiarize yourself with Canadian accents and vocabulary. This can help you better understand the questions and instructions on the test, as well as communicate effectively in real-life situations. You can do this by listening to Canadian news broadcasts, watching Canadian TV shows and movies, and practicing conversations with native Canadian speakers. Here is even a list of Canadian made movies you can watch!


It’s important to note that Canadian English has its own unique vocabulary and pronunciation (See this list of 75 Canadian slang and phrases), which may differ from other English-speaking countries. For example, Canadians often use the word “eh” at the end of a sentence to seek agreement or confirmation. They also use words like “toque” instead of “beanie” and “pop” instead of “soda”. By familiarizing yourself with these nuances, you can improve your overall language skills and increase your chances of success on the IELTS exam in Canada. So, take the time to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and language, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired score.

English students and instructor practicing for IELTS test Global Village Canada

Improve your English language skills.

The IELTS exam is designed to test your English language proficiency, so it’s important to focus on improving your language skills before test day. One way to do this is to immerse yourself in the English language by reading books, listening to podcasts or movies in English. You can also practice your speaking and writing skills by partnering up with someone also taking the IELTS test (or has passed the test previously). Finally, consider reaching out to an English school like us for expert help to ensure a higher IELTS band score too!


Global Village is an accredited and official test centre for IELTS English exams in Canada – so we help you practice for the test, then you can take your test with us! Our IELTS test preparation instructors guide you through the different areas of the test, help with practice tests, and can answer all your questions from an expert perspective. These courses are designed to help non-native speakers improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Additionally, it’s important to practice your test-taking skills by taking mock exams and timing yourself to simulate the actual test conditions. With dedication, practice, and GV Test Preparation, you can improve your English language skills and achieve your desired score on the IELTS exam.

We at Global Village hope this guide has helped you feel a bit more prepared for the IELTS Exam. By being diligent with your English studies, practice, and maybe a little extra help from our IELTS Test Prep experts, we are confident you will be on your way to success!

Want to build your confidence and peace of mind on test day for your IELTS Exam in Canada? Check out Global Village IELTS Test Preparation!

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