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What IELTS score do I need to apply for teaching positions in Canada?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Each provincial and territorial regulatory body has specific certification requirements, which internationally educated teachers must meet to teach in a given Canadian province or territory.
For example, the Ontario College of Teachers sets the requirements to register as a teacher in that province. For IELTS Academic, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in reading, 6 in listening, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking.
Because each province and territory may have different requirements, always check with the teacher regulatory body where you want to use your IELTS results to see what scores you need.
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Jun 16, 2025
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What IELTS score do I need to apply for teaching positions in Canada?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Vincent
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Each provincial and territorial regulatory body has specific certification requirements, which internationally educated teachers must meet to teach in a given Canadian province or territory.
For example, the Ontario College of Teachers sets the requirements to register as a teacher in that province. For IELTS Academic, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in reading, 6 in listening, 6 in writing, and 6.5 in speaking.
Because each province and territory may have different requirements, always check with the teacher regulatory body where you want to use your IELTS results to see what scores you need.
Read more
Jun 16, 2025
What is the difference between ‘Do you agree or disagree?’ and ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree’ in IELTS essay questions?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Results Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Jun 16, 2025
Answers
What is the difference between ‘Do you agree or disagree?’ and ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree’ in IELTS essay questions?
Reading General Training & General Training UKVI Results Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
'To what extent' can include partial agreement. However, make sure that you are not too contradictory and that you have a clear position throughout your answer.
Read more
Jun 16, 2025
Do I have to write in pen or pencil in the IELTS test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you are doing your IELTS test on paper, you will need to write with a black pen. This is required for the system to pick up your answers when marking is being completed. If you are doing your IELTS test on the computer, you will be provided with a pen to make notes.
Jun 2, 2025
Answers
Do I have to write in pen or pencil in the IELTS test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
If you are doing your IELTS test on paper, you will need to write with a black pen. This is required for the system to pick up your answers when marking is being completed. If you are doing your IELTS test on the computer, you will be provided with a pen to make notes.
Read more
Jun 2, 2025
What is the best way to handle matching heading questions in IELTS Reading?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Matching heading question types test your ability to get the “gist” of a text and have a birds eye view of ideas in the passage. Read the headings first. Try to remember the key ideas and some key words. When reading the passage, remember not to look for exact matches for words in the headings, but rather ideas that match the headings as closely as possible.
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Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The answers will appear in a mixed order in the text, so rather than answering question by question, tackle this paragraph by paragraph. In this way, your search area is significantly smaller and is a more efficient use of time.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
What is the best way to handle matching heading questions in IELTS Reading?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Matching heading question types test your ability to get the “gist” of a text and have a birds eye view of ideas in the passage. Read the headings first. Try to remember the key ideas and some key words. When reading the passage, remember not to look for exact matches for words in the headings, but rather ideas that match the headings as closely as possible.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
The answers will appear in a mixed order in the text, so rather than answering question by question, tackle this paragraph by paragraph. In this way, your search area is significantly smaller and is a more efficient use of time.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
I’m confused by the True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading. Do you have any tips?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
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Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.
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Aug 7, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.
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May 13, 2025
Answers
I’m confused by the True/False/Not Given questions in IELTS Reading. Do you have any tips?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, only focus on the True or False options (Not Given is used as your last option if needed). Focus on the key words in the statement, like the nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. If the statement is True, the information in the text is the same. If the information is opposite, the answer should be False. If you can't work out if the statement is the same or opposite, then use Not Given.
Read more
Aug 7, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Just focus on the True or False aspect first and see if the statement is the same or opposite to the information in the text. If you can't decide between the two, then use the Not Given option.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Not easy question types, I agree. Read the statements a couple of times and ask yourself “Does the text actually say/mention this idea?”. If yes, does the question agree with it? If yes, it’s true and if not, it’s false. If I can’t find it in the text and I “think” the passage says it, highly likely it’s a “Not Given”. A couple of other things: the information appears in the same order as the questions are presented, so if you find yourself looking in different places and going forward and backward, you are probably doing it wrong. Also, do not be misled by an exact word match. Ideas in the questions are paraphrased so make sure you focus on “meaning” and not “words”.
Read more
May 13, 2025
How long will it take me to move from a band 5 to band 6 in IELTS?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is no definite answer because it depends on how much you practise, which skills you need to improve most in and in which areas (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation e.g.). What is clear is that you need to work out what you need to work most on and practice daily.
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much work you are prepared to do. Consider setting some goals to help you stay motivated as you need to be consistent in your practice. Remember, there is no short cut, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
How long will it take me to move from a band 5 to band 6 in IELTS?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
There is no definite answer because it depends on how much you practise, which skills you need to improve most in and in which areas (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation e.g.). What is clear is that you need to work out what you need to work most on and practice daily.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
It depends on how much work you are prepared to do. Consider setting some goals to help you stay motivated as you need to be consistent in your practice. Remember, there is no short cut, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
How can I manage my time in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part.
During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.
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Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Answers
How can I manage my time in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part.
During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Can you give me some tips for summary completion questions in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
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Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Sure. A few things to remember: the questions and answers are in the same order as the passage. It’s always good to do the gaps one after the other instead of jumping or moving around and always look for keywords because they help take you to where the answers in the passage are.
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The missing words in the summary are often different from the words in the text. They might be synonyms e.g. ‘result’ and ‘outcome’. Or they might be the same word in a different form (e.g. a verb in the text and then the noun form in the summary such as ‘succeed’ and ‘success’).
Look at the gaps in the summary to work out what part of speech is missing (e.g. noun, verb, adjective etc)
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May 27, 2025
Answers
Can you give me some tips for summary completion questions in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
Sure. A few things to remember: the questions and answers are in the same order as the passage. It’s always good to do the gaps one after the other instead of jumping or moving around and always look for keywords because they help take you to where the answers in the passage are.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The missing words in the summary are often different from the words in the text. They might be synonyms e.g. ‘result’ and ‘outcome’. Or they might be the same word in a different form (e.g. a verb in the text and then the noun form in the summary such as ‘succeed’ and ‘success’).
Look at the gaps in the summary to work out what part of speech is missing (e.g. noun, verb, adjective etc)
Read more
May 27, 2025
Do you have any tips for matching features questions in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You need to match statements to a list of features from the text in this question type. Because of this, you’ll need to use both scanning (reading quickly to find specific information) and intensive reading techniques.
Start by reading the instructions carefully. Check if you can use the options more than once when selecting your answer. Next, I'd recommend highlighting keywords in the questions and options.
Then, scan the text for these keywords and highlight them. After that, check the text for any synonyms or paraphrased expressions of the keywords you underlined in the in the questions and options.
Finally, read through the text carefully to find the correct answer.
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Jun 4, 2026
Answers
Do you have any tips for matching features questions in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Preparation Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You need to match statements to a list of features from the text in this question type. Because of this, you’ll need to use both scanning (reading quickly to find specific information) and intensive reading techniques.
Start by reading the instructions carefully. Check if you can use the options more than once when selecting your answer. Next, I'd recommend highlighting keywords in the questions and options.
Then, scan the text for these keywords and highlight them. After that, check the text for any synonyms or paraphrased expressions of the keywords you underlined in the in the questions and options.
Finally, read through the text carefully to find the correct answer.
Read more
Jun 4, 2026
Can I skip questions and come back later in the IELTS test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Test format On paper
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can move through the questions within the section at your own pace and desire. This is very useful during the Reading and Writing sections as it allows you to start with the questions you are most confident with.
For the listening section however it is important to stay in line with the audio, so follow along the questions in order.
Jun 4, 2026
Answers
Can I skip questions and come back later in the IELTS test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Test format On paper
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Yes, you can move through the questions within the section at your own pace and desire. This is very useful during the Reading and Writing sections as it allows you to start with the questions you are most confident with.
For the listening section however it is important to stay in line with the audio, so follow along the questions in order.
Read more
Jun 4, 2026
Is it free to reschedule my IELTS test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
In Australia, IELTS offers you one change of date, test format, or module completely free of charge up until the day of your test.
For more information, please contact your test centre.
Jun 4, 2026
Answers
Is it free to reschedule my IELTS test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
In Australia, IELTS offers you one change of date, test format, or module completely free of charge up until the day of your test.
For more information, please contact your test centre.
Read more
Jun 4, 2026
Where can I take the IELTS test in New Zealand?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Lewis
Answers from experts
Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres.
In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University).
In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown).
You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations
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Sep 15, 2025
Answers
Where can I take the IELTS test in New Zealand?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Results General information
Last answered by Lewis
Answers from experts
Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
IELTS is available across the North and South Islands, with Academic and General Training offered at a wide range of centres.
In the North Island, you can take IELTS in Auckland (IDP Auckland, IDP South Auckland (Manukau), University of Auckland, Unitec, and Massey University - Albany), Hamilton (Wintec), Tauranga (IDP Tauranga), Wellington (Massey University), and Palmerston North (Massey University).
In the South Island, test centres include Nelson (Massey University), Dunedin (University of Otago Language Centre), Christchurch (Ara Institute of Canterbury and University of Canterbury), and Queenstown (IDP Queenstown).
You can find your nearest test centre here: Find IELTS test dates and locations
Read more
Sep 15, 2025
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Fahad Rafique
Canada
16 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!
Last online Aug 2, 2025
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Jess Christie
Australia
8 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.
Last online Jun 25, 2025
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Lewis Crannitch
New Zealand
2 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.
Last online Sep 15, 2025
Trending
Linda Alley
Australia
11 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.
Last online Sep 16, 2025
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Reza Tasviri
Australia
18 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).
Last online Jul 9, 2025
Trending
Rocco Nigro
Australia
26 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.
Last online Jun 18, 2025
Trending
Vincent Blokker
Australia
11 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!
Last online Jul 1, 2025
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