Why??? This is what young Nigerians think when they learn that taking an English proficiency test is a must for applying to institutions overseas. This makes little or no sense for students who have been educated in English their whole lives.

English is the third most spoken language in the world, with 379 million speakers worldwide. Being able to communicate in English is essential if you are looking to work, live or study in an English-speaking country.  

As an international student seeking admission abroad, you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability. Being able to communicate in the native language of the country, you wish to work or study in has a wide range of benefits. It is also essential for job opportunities, integration into the community, and specializing in a particular field or gaining employment once you have finished your education.

If you want to study abroad, you are probably looking for English-taught degrees. You are sure to find plenty, regardless of where you plan on studying. You will also notice you need a minimum English language score to prove you can understand the lectures, participate in seminars, and complete your assignments.

English proficiency test is a mandatory requirement even if you may excel at your English skills. The only exception applies to native English speakers, but each academic institution decides under which conditions students do not have to provide an English language certificate.

Most international universities worldwide accept one, two, and sometimes three of the following English language tests:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL® iBT
• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced (formerly known as CAE)
• B2 First (formerly known as FCE)

These language examinations are similar, yet they differ significantly. If you are unsure which one to select, simply research each one and hunt for online platforms that mimic the test. This may be the most efficient and practical approach for identifying which one you prefer and which gives the most comfort.

We will, however, concentrate on the most frequent English proficiency exam, the IELTS.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely used English language competency test for higher education and international migration. It is intended to assist you in working, studying, or migrating to a nation where English is the native language. This covers Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

IELTS is owned jointly by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Evaluation English. It was developed to provide a fair and reliable evaluation of English language ability. It is accepted by approximately 11,000 education and training organizations worldwide.

Importance of IELTS?

IELTS, which was one of the first to provide four-skill English language tests 30 years ago, continues to set the standard for English language testing today. IELTS is used by governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to process immigration applications.

IELTS is trusted by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, so you can be certain that when you take the exam, it will be accepted by educational institutions, employers, governments, and professional organizations all around the globe.

Language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States create test questions. The exam is divided into four sections: hearing, reading, writing, and speaking. The substance of the IELTS exam reflects

How does IELTS work?

IELTS was created by some of the world’s foremost language assessment specialists and will measure the complete spectrum of English abilities required for success in your new career or study placement abroad.

You will be graded on the following criteria:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

Your IELTS score shows a higher knowledge and communication skills in English. Each immigration body, university, company, or institution will have its own set of IELTS criteria. The score you need will be determined by what you want to accomplish in the nation, such as employment or education.

During the test, your abilities to listen, read, write, and speak English will be evaluated. The IELTS exam is evaluated on a scale of 1-9.

Students can request that their IELTS results be sent to up to five organizations for free. Sending findings to additional organizations incurs a cost. If your IELTS scores are legitimate, you can request that your center email you your results. 

Can I waive the English proficiency test?

It is important to note that some English-speaking universities waive the English proficiency test. These universities either conduct their English tests or accept a reference letter from your teacher stating that you have been taught in English all your life. However, others insist on it, leaving some students overwhelmed with the thought of writing it.

Great news guys! Students between the ages of 16-18 can now take the English test by obtaining the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or OSSD, is the final certificate given to high school students upon successful completion of their studies in the Ontario province. 

Much like the Ordinary ‘O’ level Certificate in Nigeria, the OSSD is a requirement for attending university in Ontario and other parts of Canada. But for international students, the OSSD comes with a huge load of unbelievably amazing benefits. 

You may be wondering how this is possible for Nigerians that live and do school in the country. Michelle and Anthony Consulting have partnered with Kanata Academy to bring to Nigeria what is known as Kanata Academy Online (KAO).

Why Kanata Academy Online?

Kanata Academy Online’s longstanding reputation with the Ontario Ministry of Education pushes this a step further and enables them to offer the OSSD curriculum entirely online, irrespective of the student’s location. So your child can take courses from the comfort of your home, with a customized learning schedule, and still enjoy all the perks of a domestic Canadian student.

KAO is centered on integrating many of these interactive programs to make the online experience for students engaging and provide students with opportunities to engage in areas of personal interest and differentiated curriculum to meet their learning styles, ensuring success and a love of lifelong learning. 

Online Academy goes above and beyond the standard Ontario curriculum by utilizing Labster for senior Science, Mathspace and Gizmos for Interactive Math and Science Activities, Virtual Labs, XpressLab for FSL and ESL courses, and a plethora of other cutting-edge Edtech tools to ensure students are successful and enjoy school.

If the student is already enrolled in another school, public or private, he or she can take Kanata Academy Online classes alongside his or her peers. Upon completion of the course, Kanata Academy Online will send a copy of the student’s transcript, which is the OSSD certificate.

The Ontario Student Transcript (OST) is an official record that Ontario schools keep on file for each student. The OST is saved in the student’s Ontario Student Record (OSR) and is kept for 55 years after the student graduates. It is a compilation of all secondary school coursework and graduation requirements. Kanata Academy Online will release the OST to students whose OSR is kept by Kanata Academy Online.

Want To Learn More About The Canadian OSSD From Kanata Academy Online?

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