GRADstory: Completing the English proficiency test

At the University of Waterloo, as at other Canadian Universities, an English language proficiency is required for admission. For Anish, this meant a requirement to complete an English language proficiency examination. There are several accepted examinations, and Anish chose to complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to meet the admissions criteria for UWaterloo. Anish explains the test was comprised of four components: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The first three components of the test were completed in a single session, while the oral session was completed separately. To successfully pass the test, Anish explains a minimum score is required and varies by university. 

In anticipation for his tests, Anish explains that he began preparing a month prior to his test and found virtual training course offered by LeapScholar to be quite helpful. Preparation for the test included going through specific questions provided under different topics and deciphering the pattern. He read and watched online content to improve his vocabulary and practiced verbally with instructors. Anish describes the oral practice as, “instructors who monitored individual sessions and gave feedback based on our performance which we could improve upon further”. 

After his month of preparation, Anish took the tests! During the test he faced the challenge of comprehending tricky questions. The first read of some questions was easy and clear enough to write a response, while some needed more time to ensure comprehension and that small mistakes were not made.

In terms of preparation, there were many things Anish made use of that were useful, such as the study books given by the exam organizers. It consisted of several question paper sets including audio content for the listening component and gave a good overview of potential content on the actual test. In addition to the help of exam organizers, Anish talked again about LeapScholar. Specifically when completing the mock speaking tests, Anish made note of his positive experience with the instructors, in his words, “instructors proved to be helpful to tackle time limit[s] in that section”. 

When taking the test, Anish’s advice is to make it a habit to take the time to really understand a question before “jumping into” finding the answers, which he says can lead to extra time later correcting mistakes.  Anish also explained he wish he would have practiced more for the speaking exam and answered “without being too conscious of the fact that I am being graded”. Putting all this together, Anish says, “my advice for other graduate students who might be taking this test is that the test in itself is relatively easy to crack provided you understand the questions well and answer the speaking section with confidence.” 

• Information about English language proficiency can be found in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.  

• Graduate English for Multilingual Speakers (EMLS) credit courses are offered through English Language Studies – there are no extra tuition fees for these courses.  

• The Writing and Communication Centre offers English Conversations Circles – a safe space for undergraduate and graduate English Language Learners to practice conversational English.