📖 Table of Contents
🎯 What's Your IELTS Weak Spot?
Find which section needs most work
1. Which feels hardest?
2. Current English level?
📚 Your Focus Area
Your study plan...
IELTS Overview: Academic vs General Training
| Feature | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | University admission | Immigration/work |
| Reading | Academic texts | Everyday texts |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe charts/graphs | Write a letter |
| For Canada PR | Not standard | ✅ Standard |
| Difficulty | Slightly harder | Slightly easier |
For Canada Express Entry: General Training
For University in Canada/UK/Australia: Academic
For UK work visa: Either (check specific requirements)
Understanding CLB Scores
Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. Here's how IELTS converts:
| CLB Level | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Listening | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Each CLB level significantly impacts your CRS score. CLB 9+ in all skills = up to 136 points. CLB 7 = only 68 points. That's a 68-point difference from language alone!
🎧 Listening Section Strategies
Format: 40 questions, 30 minutes (+ 10 min transfer time)
Section Breakdown
- Part 1: Everyday conversation (booking, inquiry)
- Part 2: Monologue on everyday topic
- Part 3: Academic discussion (2-4 speakers)
- Part 4: Academic lecture/monologue
Top Tips for Nigerians
- ✅ Practice with British and Australian accents - not just American
- ✅ Read questions before audio plays - predict answers
- ✅ Write answers as you listen - don't wait
- ✅ Spelling counts - practice common words
- ✅ Numbers and names - listen for spelling cues
Common Nigerian Mistakes
- ❌ Writing too much (single words often enough)
- ❌ Missing plural forms (one point lost per error)
- ❌ Not transferring answers carefully
📖 Reading Section Strategies
Format: 40 questions, 60 minutes, 3 passages
Time Management
- Passage 1: 15 minutes (easiest)
- Passage 2: 20 minutes
- Passage 3: 25 minutes (hardest)
Top Strategies
- ✅ Skim first - 2-3 minutes per passage
- ✅ Read questions before detailed reading
- ✅ Find keywords - match to passage
- ✅ Don't overthink - answers are in the text
- ✅ Practice with timer - speed is crucial
Question Types
- True/False/Not Given (most tricky)
- Matching headings
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple choice
- Matching information
✍️ Writing Section Strategies
Format: 2 tasks, 60 minutes total
Task 1 (General Training): Letter Writing
- Time: 20 minutes
- Words: Minimum 150
- Types: Formal, semi-formal, informal
Letter formulas:
- Formal: "Dear Sir/Madam... Yours faithfully"
- Semi-formal: "Dear Mr. Smith... Yours sincerely"
- Informal: "Dear John... Best wishes"
Task 2: Essay Writing
- Time: 40 minutes
- Words: Minimum 250
- Types: Opinion, discussion, problem/solution
Essay Structure (Band 7+)
- Introduction: Paraphrase question + thesis (2-3 sentences)
- Body 1: First main point + examples
- Body 2: Second main point + examples
- Conclusion: Summarize + final thought
Common Nigerian Writing Mistakes
- ❌ Off-topic: Not answering the actual question
- ❌ Memorized essays: Examiners recognize these
- ❌ Complex = better: Actually, clarity wins
- ❌ Nigerian English expressions: "As a matter of fact..."
- ❌ Under word count: Automatic penalty
🎤 Speaking Section Strategies
Format: 3 parts, 11-14 minutes, face-to-face with examiner
Part Breakdown
- Part 1 (4-5 min): Personal questions (work, home, hobbies)
- Part 2 (3-4 min): Cue card topic (1 min prep, 2 min speak)
- Part 3 (4-5 min): Discussion on Part 2 topic
Top Tips for Nigerians
- ✅ Don't rush - moderate pace is fine
- ✅ Extend answers - don't give one-word responses
- ✅ Use fillers naturally - "Well...", "Actually..."
- ✅ Self-correct - shows awareness
- ✅ Be yourself - authenticity matters
Common Nigerian Speaking Issues
- ❌ Heavy accent: Focus on clarity, not accent elimination
- ❌ Pidgin influence: Practice standard English structures
- ❌ Nervousness: Practice with friends or online tutors
- ❌ Memorized answers: Examiners detect this instantly
📅 60-Day Study Plan
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
- Take a practice test (establish baseline)
- Learn test format thoroughly
- Identify weak areas
- Daily: 30 min vocabulary building
Weeks 3-4: Skills Building
- Focus on weakest section (2 hours/day)
- Listening: British Council podcasts
- Reading: Timed practice passages
- Writing: 2 essays per week (get feedback)
- Speaking: Record yourself daily
Weeks 5-6: Intensive Practice
- Full practice tests (2 per week)
- Analyze mistakes carefully
- Time management practice
- Speaking with partner or tutor
Weeks 7-8: Final Preparation
- Simulated test conditions
- Review all weak areas
- Light practice (don't burn out)
- Prepare test day logistics
📚 Free Resources
Official Resources
- Road to IELTS: Free with test registration (British Council)
- IELTS.org: Free practice tests and materials
- British Council LearnEnglish: Grammar and vocabulary
YouTube Channels (Trusted)
- IELTS Liz: Excellent tips, especially for Writing
- E2 IELTS: Comprehensive video lessons
- IELTS Advantage: Writing strategies
Websites
- IELTS Buddy: Practice tests and tips
- IELTS Simon: Writing band 9 examples
- Cambridge English: Official practice materials
Random YouTube videos with "guaranteed band 8" claims often teach wrong techniques. Stick to established, reputable sources listed above.
🇳🇬 Test Centers in Nigeria
British Council Centers
- Lagos: 20 Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi (largest, most dates)
- Abuja: 23 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama
- Port Harcourt: 35 Location Road
- Kano: 2 Murtala Mohammed Way
IDP IELTS
- Also operates in Lagos and Abuja
- Same test, different administrator
- Sometimes more available dates
Test Fees (2026)
- Standard: ₦92,500
- UKVI: ₦105,000 (for UK visa applications)
- Remarking: ₦15,000-20,000 per section
Book 4-6 weeks in advance for preferred dates. Weekend slots fill fastest. Computer-based tests have more availability than paper-based.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
For maximum Express Entry points: CLB 10+ (IELTS 8.0-9.0). Minimum for FSW: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0). Higher scores significantly boost your CRS points.
2-3 months for most Nigerians with good English. 4-6 months if starting from lower level. At least 1-2 hours daily practice recommended.
General Training for immigration/PR. Academic for university admission. For Canada PR via Express Entry, General Training is standard.
₦92,500 for Academic or General Training (2026 price). Additional ₦15,000-20,000 for re-marking if needed.
Traditionally no - you must retake entire test. However, IELTS One Skill Retake is now available in some locations. Check with your test center.
Canadian Language Benchmark - Canada's language standard. IELTS 6.0 = CLB 7, IELTS 7.0 = CLB 9, IELTS 8.0 = CLB 10. Used for Express Entry points.
IELTS Liz (YouTube), British Council free materials, Road to IELTS (free via test registration), IELTS Buddy website. Avoid random videos with wrong info.
Both accepted for Express Entry. IELTS is paper-based (mostly), globally recognized. CELPIP is computer-based, Canada-only, often considered easier by some.