Is IELTS better than CELPIP?
Are you frustrated with your language scores? Have you considered writing both language tests? If you want to improve your scores, you have to listen to this episode with professional language instructor Garret Lim. He shares the real goods on what makes the IELTS different than the CELPIP. You can decide which one is better.
What this episode is all about?
In this episode, Garret Lim shared some great insight into exactly what the CELPIP and IELTS tests cover. By knowing the differences between the two tests, you can make the right choice as to which is going to allow you to score the highest. After all, your entire future in Canada depends upon it.
Garret Lim is a career ESL teacher that has spent over 13 years teaching English as a second language. He has taught in 3 countries and has had students from over 30 different countries. Recently, he’s narrowed his focus a bit and is now specializing in test preparation for people wanting to immigrate to Canada who need to reach a certain proficiency band on one of the tests.
It goes without saying that your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is an aspect of your application that can really make or break it.
Here is what is covered in this episode:
Why English is so important with respect to your Express Entry?
What the CLB is and what it represents
How the CLB is measured.
Differences between the CELPIP and the IELTS
Final advice or tips for those taking the tests
IELTS vs. CELPIP: Key Differences and Choosing the Right Test
Cultural and Language Background: The IELTS, developed by the British Council, leans towards British English, while the CELPIP, developed in Canada, aligns more closely with North American English. This distinction can impact your performance, especially if you're more familiar with one form of English over the other.
Academic vs. Functional Focus: The IELTS has a strong academic focus, making it ideal for those with a background in structured, formal English learning. In contrast, the CELPIP emphasizes practical, everyday English used in community and workplace settings. This makes the CELPIP a better fit for those who are more conversational and less focused on academic structures.
Test Format and Environment: The CELPIP is conducted entirely online, including speaking and writing components, while the IELTS traditionally uses paper-based testing. However, both tests have adapted to include computer-based options, especially during the pandemic.
Special Considerations: For individuals with learning disabilities, Canada provides accommodations that can significantly impact their ability to achieve the required scores. This includes averaging scores across different test components to account for specific challenges, a critical consideration for anyone struggling with traditional testing formats.
Practical Tips and Final Thoughts
Garrett emphasizes the importance of understanding the format and expectations of each test. Whether you're an academic whiz or more comfortable with conversational English, choosing the right test can make a significant difference in your scores and, ultimately, your immigration journey. He also addresses concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of these tests, reassuring listeners that both IELTS and CELPIP have rigorous standards to ensure accuracy and fairness.
About the author:
Igor Kyryliuk
Canadian Immigration Lawyer, LLM
