Most categories for economic immigration require applicants to prove their English or French language skills through a language proficiency test, such as IELTS. After taking the IELTS test, you will be given a score according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Most Canadian economic immigration programs have minimum CLB score requirements, but they are not all the same.
The following applications require language testing:
International Experience Canada (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-Op)
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Class, Canadian Experience Class)
Provincial Nominee Program (e.g. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) and more!
IELTS TASK 1 VS. TASK 2
Task 1 requires you to have a good understanding of the English language and a broad enough vocabulary to adequately respond to the proposed situation. Some examples of situations you may need to respond to include: writing a letter, requesting information, or explaining a situation.
Task 2 requires you to be skillful in the way that you use words, grammar, and punctuation to convey your point of view, form an argument, and articulate an issue. You will be presented with a topic and you must respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions, and supporting your argument.
HOW TO WRITE AN IELTS ESSAY
A strong IELTS essay will include an introduction, two to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You may choose to allocate a few minutes to brainstorming your ideas on paper and creating a rough outline for your paper. Here is an essay outline you can follow to help you formulate a strong essay response.
INTRODUCTION
Include the topic question, a thesis statement, and introduce your supporting points.
BODY PARAGRAPH #1
State your first supporting point. Your first supporting point should always be your strongest argument. Include some evidence and facts to support your opinion and bolster your explanation. Provide specific examples to illustrate your point.
BODY PARAGRAPH #2
State your second supporting point; this should be your weakest point. You’ll want to save your second strongest point for the third paragraph to leave the reader with a good final impression of your work. You can follow the same format as the first body paragraph.
BODY PARAGRAPH #3
State your third supporting point; as mentioned above, this should be your second strongest supporting point. It should interest the reader and help to support your argument. By placing your weakest supporting point in the middle of the paper, it is “sandwiched” between stronger arguments to produce a well-rounded, compelling argument.
CONCLUSION
In the conclusion paragraph, you should restate the topic. Then, you should summarize the main points in your essay. Remind the reader of the supporting points you introduced throughout the essay and offer a final argument as to how these points support your overall argument.
IELTS TASK 1 EXAMPLE & SAMPLE RESPONSE
QUESTION: You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask your friend who lives there for some help. Write at least 150 words.
ANSWER:
Dear Ellen,
I will be departing Australia in three weeks, on August 20th, 2019. As my arrival date in Canada draws nearer, I am busy with preparing for life in a new country. As you know, I have enrolled in a Business program at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa. It is an intensive, full-time program that I hope will prepare me for a successful career in e-commerce.
To assist in funding my education, I plan to work part-time. The program is expensive, as are living expenses, such as food and accommodations. So, I hope that a part-time job will aid in offsetting some of these expenses.
In preparation for my arrival, I aim to arrange temporary employment before my arrival. I’m inquiring to see if you could ask amongst your friends, family, and colleagues to see if anyone is in need of a house-cleaner, gardener, nanny, and/or dog-walker. I know you have a large social network in Durham Region, which I hope you’re willing to canvas for me. I would be so grateful for any assistance you can offer.
Best wishes,
Jade Calver
(184 words)
IELTS TASK 2 EXAMPLE & SAMPLE RESPONSE
QUESTION: Social media is becoming increasingly popular amongst all age groups. However, sharing personal information on social media websites does have risks. Do you think that the advantages of social media outweigh the disadvantages?
ANSWER:
The benefits and drawbacks of social media applications and platforms are topics notoriously selected for debate by people of all ages and generations. Mainstream news media outlets consistently report on the issues associated with the unrestricted nature of social media platforms and the challenges that can prevail as a result. Despite these challenges, social media poses countless benefits to both producers and consumers of digital content alike.
Social media networks allow friends and family members to maintain strong social connections despite residing in geographically disparate locations. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube facilitate direct and indirect communication in the form of writing, videos, and images. These platforms can help people of all ages (i.e. children, adults, and seniors) maintain contact and sustain relationships for extended periods of time.
With the advent of social media networks, individuals can also expand their social circles despite limitations regarding issues pertaining to physical ability, physical safety, and overall health.
For example, children with serious illnesses who are confined to their hospital room can use social media video chatting tools to have virtual playdates with their siblings and friends who cannot come to the hospital to play in-person. This can have lasting positive effects on all parties involved.
Social media networks afford individuals a unique opportunity to express themselves creatively through photography, videography, and writing. Web platforms such as Tumblr and Pinterest allow users to edit and curate content in a way that conveys a particular mood or emotion that aligns with their style. In this regard, social media offer a creative outlet for those with a passion for digital creative arts.
In summary, social media networks are neutral tools that can be used for positive means. Digital media networks allow individuals to connect with friends and family in faraway regions, expand social circles beyond those who are within close physical proximity, and explore creative hobbies and passions. These benefits far outweigh the disadvantages that are associated with digital media platforms.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
