COPR:

You engage in lots of things at the same time. And this makes the process complicated for you.

With your knowledge of TEF, 15 points for a sibling in Canada, IELTS for you and your spouse, ECA for both of you and age 30, your CRS points can go as high as 495.

Forget PNP and job offer for now. Focus your energy and time on the things you can quickly achieve: IELTS & TEF.

IELTS has a template. If you follow this template and put in time to practice, you will smash it at first sitting. I hope I can share this templete but that should be after my offline students see their results on the 19th.

When ECA was a big issue here, I wrote about it, titled: WES vs. ICES vs. IQAS, to help those evaluating their certs. It made it to page one and 'page 1 lovers' have benefited from it, while those that don't like page 1 are still asking already answered questions.

Last week, I promised to share what I call IELTS Cheat Sheet to test-takers, since IELTS Nigerian examiners have learnt to use the exam to increase their revenues; test-takers should also learn how to pass the exam at first attempt and render BC/MOD dubious acts useless. If you like believe it or not, it doesn't change the fact that, for sometime now, BC/MOD examiners are intentionally failing test-takers to increase their revenues. Otherwise, I can't explain why someone would remark Writing and it changed from 6.5 to 8. Someone on this thread remarked Reading (objective questions) and it changed. There are other numerous examples. BC/MOD have also learnt not to send EOR to the UK and Australia respectively. Hence, people started emailing the two countries when they apply for EOR for confirmation.

IELTS CHEAT SHEET

READING TIPS

1. Read the questions first and underline keywords such as names, date, time, year etc.
2. Use skimming and scanning to look for keywords, synonyms, antonyms and paraphrased words/sentences in the passage.
3. Read the topic sentence (first sentence of each paragraph) and last sentence of the paragraph to fish out the answer. You can also read the second sentence to be on the safe side. Watch out for synonyms and keywords (for MP questions).
4. Look out for matching word(s) from the question in the passage (for MP questions).
5. Scan the passage to find the keywords and match it with the question (for SC & MCQ).
6. The statement is TRUE if it agrees with the passage, FALSE when it contradicts the passage and NOT GIVEN when it cannot be found in the passage.
For example: Great is taller than his brother, Saint
Great is taller than his sister, Janet – NG
Great is shorter than Janet – NG
Great is taller than Saint – T
Great is shorter than Saint – F
Saint is shorter than Great - T
7. The easiest method to answer T/F.NG questions is to match keywords in the questions with the passage with emphasis on their meanings. Watch out for words such as nearly, almost, mostly, all etc.
8. Due to time constraint, start with passage 1 (easiest) to gain confidence and proceed to passage 3 (the hardest) and then passage 2.
9. Practice at least 30 real test exercises. When you practice, always learn from your incorrect answers.

LISTENING TIPS
1. Follow what is being discussed to enable you have total concentration. This will also help you to recall the answer to any question you missed.
2. Pay attention to your spellings and instructions/words limit. Incorrect spelling has zero point. If the answer is feedback and you write feed back, it is wrong.
3. Pay attention to singular and plural. For example, if the answer is Teachers and you write Teacher, it is wrong.
4. Write down exactly what you heard. Don’t use synonyms or antonyms.
5. Check if the answer fits into the sentence. Whether it makes grammatical sense.
6. For map/diagram questions, draw the 4 cardinal points (N, S, E, W) before the recording is played and quickly locate the starting point.
7. Read the instructions again before transferring your answers to your answer sheet.
8. The questions clue you to the type of answer to expect. For example, He would like to meet in ___
The “in” clues you into the type of answer you should be looking for, such as in 2 days, in a month, in the market etc.
9. Tone gives the answer away. The speaker always says the answer loud and clear.
10. Write down the keywords when the audio is playing for MCQ. This will help you to locate the answer easily.
11. Practice at least 40 real test exercises.

WRITING TIPS

1. Identify the type of letter (e.g. formal, semi-formal and informal) and its function (e.g. complaint, enquiry, apology, invitation etc.)
2. Salutation must match the farewell; introduction must match concluding statement in tone.
3. Each paragraph must cover each bullet point in the question.
4. Choose either indent or leaving an empty line in between paragraphs. The latter is preferred.
5. Avoid unnecessary, irrelevant information and repetition of words. Make sure the purpose of the letter is clear.
6. Avoid using words/sentence used in the questions and contradictions. Take note of your spellings, vocabulary range and grammar.
7. Use 'linkers' such as first and foremost, furthermore, undoubtedly, nevertheless, in conclusion, in addition, additionally, another factor, for example, for instance, in summary, in brief, alternatively etc.
8. Allow 5 minutes to proofread your essay/letter.
9. Identify the topic, viewpoint and specific question of the essay.
10. Your essay should have 4 paragraphs max. (for DE & PSE) and 5 paragraphs (for AE)
11. 'Linkers' should be used to connect the topic sentence and supporting sentence as well as examples/concluding sentence.
12. Always refer to the question while writing to avoid writing out of point or failing to meet the task achievement.
13. Write down the ideas for your Task 2 but start with Task 1. If you still remember any idea when writing Task 1, pause and jot it down.
14. One of the best ways to improve your writing is by writing. So write at least 6 letters, 2 each for IL, SF & FL; and 12 essays, 4 each for AE, DE, & PSE

WRITING TASK 1 TEMPLATE (STRUCTURE)
Letter writing - Informal, formal and semi-formal.

Informal letter: a letter to someone you know very well e.g. a friend, brother etc.
Salutation: Dear John,
Introduction: this is where pleasantries are exchanged such as “I thought I would drop you these few lines of words. How are you and your family?” Or “I am writing to express my excitement…”
Purpose of writing: you explain why you’re writing
Body of the letter: You explain the bullet points in the question with a paragraph each.
Closing statement: this should match your opening statement in tone such as “I cannot wait to hear from you.”, “I look forward to seeing you”, I look forward to catching up with you.”
Farewell: Yours sincerely, Your friend, Warm wishes, Best regards etc. (write only your first name)

Semi-formal: a letter to someone you do not know very well.
Salutation: Dear Mr. John,
Introduction: No pleasantries. Go straight with the purpose of writing such as “I am writing to express my disappointment”, “I am writing to inquire about…”, “I am writing to express my interest in…”
Body of the letter: You explain the bullet points in the question with a paragraph each.
Closing statement: this should match your opening statement in tone such as “I look forward to hearing from you”, “I would be grateful if you could send me details about this as soon as possible”, “I hope this situation will be resolved as soon as possible” etc.
Farewell: Yours faithfully (you can write your first or full name).

Formal letter: a letter to someone you do not know at all.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Introduction: no pleasantries. Just as in semi-formal letter.
Body of the letter: You explain the bullet points in the question with a paragraph for each.
Closing statement: this should match your opening statement in tone. Just like in semi-formal letter.
Farewell: Yours faithfully (signature and your full name).

WRITING TASK 2 TEMPLATE FOR DE & AE ESSAY

Introduction:
Brief background of the essay topic
Address the viewpoint
State your viewpoint/opinion (for AE)
Outline statement (for DE)

Body paragraph I:
Present your idea (topic sentence)
Support your idea (supporting sentence)
Concluding sentence/examples/evidence

Body paragraph II:
Present your idea (topic sentence)
Support your idea (supporting sentence)
Concluding sentence/examples/evidence

Body paragraph III:
Idea against your view (topic sentence)
Supporting sentence
Concluding sentence/examples/evidence

Conclusion:
Summarize the main ideas of the essay
Restate your viewpoint

TASKS 2 TEMPLATE FOR P-S ESSAY
Introduction:
Identify the problem presented in the essay and show how the essay will deal with the problem and possible solutions.
Outline statement.

Body paragraph I: discuss the problems with examples
Body paragraph: discuss the solutions with examples

Conclusion: provide an overview of the problems and summarize the solutions.
If you need help in your Writing, you can PM me to join my class. But note it is not free. Majority of Nigerians don't value free services.

SPEAKING TIPS

1. Don’t speak too fast or too slow, but speak without hesitation because you’re examined on your fluency.
2. What you say doesn’t matter, but how you say it. You can tell stories that didn’t happen and score high band as long as your grammar etc., are correct and accurate.
3. The last question you’re asked in section 1 is likely going to be your cue card. For instance, if you’re asked about public transport as the last question in section 1, your cue card is likely going to be the journey you have made in recent time.
4. Use linking phrases to link what you’re saying such as Yes, definitely. Yes, absolutely. I really like. I prefer. Probably yes. for example, for instance, Of course. In my opinion etc.
5. When you’re giving the cue card, give details according the bullet points in the question.
6. Use appropriate words that suited the cue card question you’re given. For example, if your cue card is about a Perfect house. Make sure you use words like en suite, living room, master bedroom, staff quarters, swimming pool etc. If it’s about food, make sure you use words such as cuisine, delicacies, dishes etc.
7. Keep it simple. Don’t use words you don’t know the meaning or cannot pronounce appropriately.
8. Avoid slangs and pidgin etc. If you make mistake, correct yourself. Immediately.
9. Speak until you’re asked to stop.
10. Section 3 questions are likely going to be on advances made in your cue card topic. For instance, if your cue card is about transportation. The question maybe how to solve traffic congestion or the environmental effects caused by emissions from cars. Expect to speak on flying cars or electric vehicles with zero carbon emission.
11. These are cue card topics; practice them: Perfect house/building, Travel/journey/holidays, Friends, Technology e.g. Mobile phones, Computers; Sport, Food, Education, Weather, Environment, Music/party, Books and films, Health etc.
12. Get familiar with these section 1 questions:

a. What’s your full name?
b. What would you like me to call you?
c. Can I see your identification?
d. Where are you from?
e. Do you work or study?
f. Do you like your job?
g. Do you live in a house or apartment?
h. What do you like about the place you live?
i. What would you like to change in the place you live?
j. Where did you grow up?
k. Do you like public transport?
l. What are the things you like to share with people?
m. Is there anything you won’t like to share with anyone?
n. If yes, why?
o. What sort of city do you live in?

Sorry for the long post. I pray this cheat sheet helps you to achieve your desired scores.

Canny19:
Hello gurus,

I have a major problem at hand. I plan to marry my girl before diving into the pool but the problem is that my girl was once married until her former husband's demise. Now the problem is that she has been using her passport with her husband's name since then, her ielts is in her husband's name while her credentials is in her maiden name. Now she's thinking of correcting her passport so that it can bear her maiden name. The questions are
1. Won't this correction on her passport invalidate her ielts result?
2. Is it necessary to change her passport name back to her maiden name before we get married and jump into the pool?
3. I want to marry her asap, does she have to get a new passport bearing my name putting into consideration that the new name also will invalidate her ielts.

Gurus in the house come and see to this, I don't wanna leave her behind
3

If she changes her name to her maiden name and when you marry her, she will change it again to your own name?

You guys make things difficult. Leave it as it is. Get married, do change of name and newpaper publication. Submit your application with evidence that you're legally married to her and evidence that her former husband is dead. Write LOE to explain this. Keep your application simple.

Ifakiland:

Its gonna be sooner than you thing....read today from a reliable source, 70% of those in the 451+ group right now, entered in June and are btw 450/451. The next two ITAs will be targeted at 450, with a backlog of the remaining 2018....

Two things that will make CRS to drop: back-to-back draws and increase in the number of people invited.

All other things na speculation.

Matrix414:

please have your taken the examination?

I did not. I have Master's. A lot of people here are going to write the exam in Sept.

olutoyiin:
Hello all, you guys are doing a great job here I must confess.
I have some concerns and I will be extremely glad if anyone can help put me through.

1 I want to apply as the PA for my family, I already have an Msc while my partner has a Bsc. We both agreed to take the IELTS exams. My worries is the BCS exam, we would love to take it to boost our scores as age is not on our side. The dilenma is we are unsure of who is the best person to take it. Will it add signify points to my Msc or its best for my partner to take it to add to his Bsc. Is it possible to evaluate both my msc and bcs?

2 I'd also like mor info on the bcs exam, If theres any whatsapp group, I will be glad to join

3 Does anyone have a link in the university of Ibadan, i dont know how to go about the Wes thing?

4 Is anyone gracious enough to put me through step by step procedure on how to go about evaluating my WES as I intend to start this week. I know some persons have talked about using Fax but I dont know how it works

Thanks guys

Your Master's has more points than 2 or more certs. So no need for BCS. If your spouse writes the BCS exam, it can only contribute one point to your CRS score. Does it worth it?

The only way to gain from BCS is if your spouse is 30 years or less and you are above 31. Your spouse can write the exam and become the PA.

Other questions you asked have been answered numerous times here. Read page 1 and few pages back for more insight.

Silversurfer1:
Hi everyone. I'm a Lawyer and I've created my express entry profile. I wasn't aware about how CRS worked, so I used WES to evaluate my law degree. I've now learnt it's better to use IQAS because it states that a law degree is a professional degree on the report.
I want to know if any Lawyers used WES and were still successful with their PR application and what steps I can take to use my WES report because I really don't want to spend more money doing an IQAS report and waiting that long for it to be evaluated. Thanks

What is the equivalent of your degree in Canada according your WES report?

Matrix414:


somebody help me�

BCS CIT is all you need to get the additional 37 points. It is equivalent to 1 year Canadian diploma according to WES.

Bekecons:
SORRY THIS IS LONG but i really need a help
I am a trained Physiotherapist by profession and have been practicing for the past 5 years.I have been trying to immigrate to Canada though EE since 2015 but could never make the CRS required. I got married in 2017 and have a child now. Because I was about losing points for age, I entered the pool in September 2018 with CRS of 415 which decreased to 410 after I turned 30 in February this year. If I decide to go alone for now and let my family join me later my CRS will be 430.
I also have knowledge in French, have a half-brother with his family in Alberta so I don’t think I should let all these go in vain.
As at now I wrote TEF 2 times and sat for my 5th IELST last month ending but still could not make the 8777 in any one sitting though I had classes toward the recent one; to be frank I feel so much exhausted and down now, it took me more than 3 months to convince myself to write the last time.
I thought of PNP and filled NOI for Quebec but no invitation yet. Checking the rest of the provinces but I don’t think I’m eligible for any because of the demand for job offer. The other option I have been thinking about is going to study in Canada and make my family join me later but I don’t know which province and school to apply.Moreover i understand it quite expensive and will still come back to EE for my PR. For the program to read, I’m thinking of a course that is in high demand in Canada and I think since Physiotherapy is one I will further my education in it.
But the overall dilemma I have now is which option will be best for me.
Kindly help me

You engage in lots of things at the same time. And this makes the process complicated for you.

With your knowledge of TEF, 15 points for a sibling in Canada, IELTS for you and your spouse, ECA for both of you and age 30, your CRS points can go as high as 495.

Forget PNP and job offer for now. Focus your energy and time on the things you can quickly achieve: IELTS & TEF.

IELTS has a templete. If you follow this template and put in time to practice, you will smash it at first sitting. I hope I can share this templete but that should be after my offline students see their results on the 19th.

Matrix414:


thanks for your response. please what if i am using NECO?

NECO is faster to evaluate. It takes 6-8 working days.

meelife:
Thanks,
Masters is higher than these.My question is anything besides Masters, PHD,PNP, or French, what else can one do to increase points?

Job offer in Canada and Canadian education.

Ladywinterfell:



Only the PA should write CIMA (or any additional degree he/she choose)

This will give extra 33 points (to the PA)

If the husband is the PA (for example) and both of them get an additional degree (be it CIMA or BcS), they are only getting extra 1 point to the 33 points because additional certificate from a spouse only give 1 point on CRS calculate

So the question is: is 1 point really worth the stress, time and money?

Only the PA should sit for the exam

I would suggest the PA go for CIMA, it's easier if you can read. I'm writing one very soon and I have no prior knowledge in accounting

In addition, you can write the CIMA first, the certificate takes about 6-8 weeks to come out, use that period to prepare for IELTS

CC: aremso

You are right. 2 or more certs adds only 1 point while Master's adds 2 points.

obym321:


Please, how can someone who has a masters degree and ACCA increase points ?

You already have Master's, so ACCA wont add any point to your CRS. Those that need it are people with BSc.

TEF or PhD can increase your points.

meelife:
Hi All,
Please is there any other way to increase score besides PNP,IELTS,TEF and Masters?
Please advise.

BCS CIT, CIMA, ATS ACCA etc.

qoonlay:
Guys pls, is there any reason why 6.5 in writing isn't acceptable. Despite inputting 6.5 in my CRS i still have 460 as my score. Would I need to rewrite in this case.

Kindly check the info you're inputing. It may be wrong.

WisemasterBizWd:
As regard IELTS reading.

I have this misinterpretation between FALSE and NOT GIVEN answers. My answers for questions base on TRUE are usually correct but I still find it difficult for FALSE AND NOT GIVEN and this is really given me concern and poor grade while practicing.

Kindly help me out E-fams, my exam date is at d corner (Aug 1).

If a passage says "All the students will pay school fees this semester."

And in the question you see "Most of the students will pay school fees this semester."

This is FALSE.

MOST and ALL are not the same thing.

It is NOT GIVEN if the question says "All the workers won't come to work today."

The easiest way to solve T, F & NG questions is to match the question with the passage and read with meaning.

Canadahome:


Thanks. If I understand you well, I can use it to claim point in EE as long as my JD is the same with a particular NOC?

Yes. Your JD must match the NOC you want to use.

Canadahome:


@COPR, @Topsmamen, @Stencil


With this high CRS score. I got thinking of ways out. I remembered I worked in a company as a Senior Business Executive in the past for 3years.

During this time I doubled as a Manager and Accountant of that branch. I performed most of the duties listed under Accounting Technician. Although my job title did not read Accounting Technician. Do not have any qualification as an Accountant. I have an Msc in HRM.

Can I choose it as my NOC and apply through any of the province for PNP? Just in case I did not get my desired score in ielts or if the crs score refused to come down to my point.

Please, hell a brother that want to port ASAP.

I dont know much about PNP, but for FSWP, what matters is your JD. That determines your NOC.

[quote author=Erigo23 post=80184008][/quote]

general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org

Make sure you cc BC Nigeria in the email for them to know that you're already ahead of them, in case they want act funny.

Erigo23:
Ielts pls let me go!!!! I’m on my way to the office to request for a remark. Pls pray for me guys. I need a positive outcome pls.

Make sure you add Speaking too and follow it up with email to BC office in the UK.

Best of luck.

kennykentipsy:
hi everyone

1 Does anyone know where I can upload my Ielts result under the supporting document section ? Also Should I attach it with education credentials assessment from WES and upload it under education section?

2 Is it compulsory I upload all my transcripts? Because if I do upload them I will exceed the maximum 4mb document upload limit


Thanks

Upload Degree Certs, IELTS & ECA.

barnaby04:
Congratulations to all who got their ITA's today. May God smoothen the rest of the journey ahead for you guys.

Meanwhile, please I need Information on how to go about evaluation with NECO result. My question is would one have to travel down to Niger state to get it done and how much would the whole process cost?
Thanks guys.

PM me.

Deeshe1:
Many thanks,
This has really put my mind to rest. I wont bother raising a CSE. I will just notify my employer that he may be called for employment verification.
gracias...

When you resign from your work, inform IRCC. The waiting time is too long to leave any stone unturned.

Queencyco:
Good day house.
Please, apart from Sterling Bank which has been mentioned on the thread for having good CAD exchange rate.
Which other bank has a fair rate?

Ecobank

Cornelfranca:
Thank you so much. So ICES more preferred to IQAS?

Use ICES biko. If you dont have a law degree to evaluate, dont bother with IQAS.

Priscusau:
Presently my crs score is 446 .and draw has been high recently. I need advice on what to do .

Tell us what you have first.

Did you max out IELTS?
Do you have 2 or more certs? If not enrol for BCS CIT before July 31 and write the exam in Sept. Result will come out in December and that will add 37 points to your CRS points

Higherground1:
Hello,

Can someone who is about to start their Ph.D. in Canada begin Express Entry application alongside his Ph.D. program?

YES.

kennyfem:


Thanks @ COPR please how do I get materials and past question ,

Thanks

Check BCS website for past questions. Ask those that have registered to share materials with you.

kennyfem:
Please house, I need clarification on BCS program.
Do I need only
1) Certificate in IT to claim two or more certificate or the
2) diploma in IT

Which one among the two do I need.

I have only Bsc for now.

Thanks

CIT is all you need to get the additional 37 points.

Cornelfranca:
please what is the exact score of WES for nurses without a b.sc compared to IQAS

WES evaluates nursing cert as equivalent to secondary school cert in Canada. Dont near them if you dont have BScN, instead use ICES.

Finally, I dont know what people without law degree see in time-wasters like IQAS.

Maple2020:
Hello people thanks for all your contributions. I just discovered that i can assess one of my professional certificates to get a '2 or more certificates' assessment from WES. Problem is, i have already ordered for my degree asessment but i have not sent anything to them yet. How do i add the second credential?

Send a message to WES that you want to add a cert. They'll allow you.

olalekan9320:
Please elders I'm at crossroad and I would appreciate your response, I started PGDE program in NOUN because of this journey while writing first semester exam, I found out that BCS is a bit faster and more cheaper than NOUN even after first semester fees, I decided to start reading for BCS and stop NOUN. I was advised by a brother to finish NOUN since I have started and I agreed.
Last week I went to make enquiry about how I can get statement of result when I have cleared all my papers which I was thinking this december or january that was when I was told that it's a 3-semester course and that I can't get statement of result even if I cleared my papers within one year, I would have just start BCS but I'm not sure I would be able to finish the syllabus and I don't think I can wait till next year june to get statement of result for NOUN considering high crs score
please I would appreciate advice from people

Have you checked the past questions of BCS exams? You can easily pass the exam considering also that pass mark is just 40%. One month is enough for you to prepare.

dexla:
Pls house is it possible to pay for private courier to wes to expedite delivery for my verification? Wes updated my status on 3rd june that they've sent copies of my documents through standard mail to unilag for verification.
3rd of July and the school said they haven't received any mail from WES. I called WES yesterday and they claimed it could take 6-8weeks for the mail to get to Nigeria
Unilag has stated that they don't reply e-mails until they get the hardcopy mail from WES. So I'm in a fix now, I've seen people get verified within 3-4weeks. What am I doing differently.....abeg help oo

Yes. You can contact WES on Twitter and explain to them that you want verification to be sent via courier and you are ready to foot the bill.