How to achieve CLB 5 in IELTS for PGWP Canada

To get a CLB 5 in IELTS, you need to make a proper study plan (given below), learn tips for each question, and practice daily using authentic resources. You must learn the techniques required to solve each question of all four modules of the exam, which will allow you to get CLB 5. Remember, there is no shortcut; you must put effort into preparation.

1. CLB 5 to IELTS Score:

Canadian immigration department uses CLB, which means Canadian Language Benchmark, to measure the language proficiency of applicants. But you must be asking yourself, how much score do I need that is equal to CLB 5? For this, check the table below:

IELTS Module	CLB Score	IELTS Score
Listening	CLB 5	5.0 Bands
Reading	CLB 5	4.0 Bands
Writing	CLB 5	5.0 Bands
Speaking	CLB 5	5.0 Bands

2. How to get 5 bands in IELTS Listening:

According to the band score chart of IELTS listening, in order to get 5 bands in IELTS, you must secure 16 to 17 marks in this module. Before we discuss the strategies for each, here’s a quick overview of the number of questions you need to answer correctly in each part to secure 5 bands:

Listening Part	Part 1	Part 2	Part 3	Part 4	Total Score for 5 Bands
Number of correct answers	7	4	2 or 3	4	17

i. Get 7 correct answers in Part 1:

It is one of the easiest modules in the IELTS listening test. In order to get 8 or 9 correct answers in this module, you must:

• Follow the question instructions: The number of words or numbers you need to write in the answer must be according to the instructions given with the question. Such as if they say ‘One Word and/or A Number Only’, you must write ‘Food ‘, ’15 June ‘, or ’15/Fifteen’ in the answer. Any other answer different than this will be considered wrong.
• Do not make spelling mistakes: The spellings of your answers must be correct; otherwise, it will be considered incorrect even if a single letter is misplaced. To memorize the spellings of common words or answers that we saw in Part 1, you should learn the words given in the answers.
• Highlight the keywords: This will help you to keep yourself concentrated on the recording and avoid missing any answer or part of the conversation.
• Be careful writing singular and plurals: When the answer in the recording is given as a plural word such as ‘cars’, you must write ‘car’ in the answer, else it will be wrong.

ii. Answer at least 4 questions correctly in Part 2:

Part 2 has multiple-choice questions mostly, and many students struggle to find the correct answer in it. This is mainly because the speaker sometimes gives contrasting opinions or ideas that create confusion. Following are some of the important tips for Part 2:

• Memorize the question statements and options: The time given before the recording starts is very important; you must memorize the given information during that time, as it will help you to focus more on the recording. Thus, reducing the chances of getting answers wrong.
• One option is always irrelevant: In case of multiple-choice questions in IELTS listening, there is always one option that does not relate to the main question statement or has some information that is not what the question is asking.
• Learn map vocabulary: Part 2 sometimes has a map labelling question as well. In this type of question, if you know the words they use to give us directions for each question, then it is very easy to find the answers.

iii. Get 2 to 3 correct answers in Part 3

This is the most difficult part of the IELTS Listening; therefore, we are expecting to get the lowest scores in it. Answering two or three questions correctly would not be difficult if you follow this one single technique:

• Take notes from the recording: This might be difficult at the start, but if you keep practicing, then you will be able to do it easily. Remember, you do not have to write every single word they say in the recording. Just write the key points, as this student has.

Recording taken from Cambridge IELTS Book 16 Test 1 – Part 3:

Student’s Notes for the recording:

iv. Answer 4 questions correctly in Part 4

The last part of the IELTS listening is a bit long and without any pause in between, like the other parts. Therefore, we have to concentrate on the recording and listen very carefully. Follow the tips mentioned in the Part 1 section, and this one important tip:

• Ignore irrelevant information and focus on keywords: In Part 4 of the listening module, there is some information in the recording that is not on your paper; therefore, you must not get confused by that. While you are giving this information, you must focus on the keywords of your question statements. This will help you maintain concentration on the recording and answer questions correctly.

4. How to get 4.0 bands in IELTS GT Reading:

General Training is easier, but the IELTS GT scoring criteria is different than the academic. They have made it harder to score by keeping content easier. Before discussing the techniques, you should know that in order to get CLB 5 or 4 bands in IELTS GT reading, you must answer 15-18 questions correctly.

Reading Part	Passage 1	Passage 2	Passage 3	Passage 4	Passage 5
Number of correct answers	5	4	3	3	3

i. Get 5 correct answers in Passage 1:

This passage has mostly matching statement questions. Follow the instructions below to answer this type of question correctly:

• Read the paragraph first: You need to read one paragraph at a time. As you read it, you should try to understand the important points discussed in the paragraph. Highlight them and memorize them.
• Then move the question statements: After reading the paragraph, you need to understand the information written in each statement. Make sure that the information in the statement is also present in your paragraph; only then can it be the correct answer.

ii. Get 10 correct answers in Passages 2-4:

These three passages mostly have fill-in-the-blanks and true-false not-given-type questions. Here are the tips you can follow for these two question types:

• Fill in the Blanks: Read the question first, and find the answers in the passage. Then find the missing word and write the answer according to the question’s instructions.
• True False Not Given: To learn the complete strategy for this question type, read this blog.
• Remember, both questions are in order in the passage, so if you find one of them, then finding the location of the other questions in the passage will be easier. Moreover, paraphrasing is a must in the IELTS reading; therefore, you should not expect them to give you an answer easily. Read with full concentration and focus on the keywords.

iii. Get 3 correct answers in passage 5:

The last passage has three types of questions: multiple choice, list of headings, and fill in the blanks. The tips for each of these questions are discussed in the separate blogs available on our website. Read those blogs and get higher scores in passage 5.

5. How to get 5 bands in IELTS GT Writing:

To get 5 bands in IELTS writing general training, we have to follow the writing scoring criteria provided by the IELTS. According to that criterion, these are the tips you should follow:

• Write using the correct structure: Each Task 1 and Task 2 question has a specific structure according to which we need to organise our essay. When we follow the right structure, our essay becomes more organised and improves our task response as well.
• Read the question thrice before starting to write: This is a major mistake that students make while doing the writing task. You should read the question statement multiple times before start writing; this will prevent writing something that is completely irrelevant to the question. Moreover, it will avoid running out of ideas in the middle of your task.
• Use linking words: 2-3 linking words in each paragraph are enough, but they must be used correctly according to the context. Do not add linking words randomly, as each one of them has a specific usage.
• Make separate paragraphs for each bullet point in the letter: This will organise your information in a better way and help you write relevant information.
• Write an introductory sentence for the letter: It is the first letter before we start discussing the bullet points; it basically tells the reader what the purpose of the letter is.
• Avoid writing the whole task using simple sentences: You should add complex and compound sentences in your writing task as well, as simple sentences do not show the range of your grammar.
• Do not make spelling mistakes: On our writing platform, we have seen students making spelling mistakes; this reduces their vocabulary score and overall score as well.

6. How to get 5 bands in IELTS Speaking:

In order to get 5 bands in IELTS speaking, you should follow these tips and practice regularly:

• Be fluent: Do not take pauses or make sounds like ehh, ahhh too much. Adding such fluency fillers (ahhh, ehhh, ummm) occasionally in your answers is acceptable. However, do not do it in each question.
• Avoid making grammar mistakes: Firstly, you should use verb tense according to the question. If the question is related to the past, then the whole answer must be in the past tense as well. Then, do not make subject-verb agreement errors like using ‘are’ with a singular subject ‘He’.
• Give a direct answer in the first sentence: In part 1, the questions are direct and require our opinion. Therefore, we must give a direct answer either negatively or positively in the first sentence.
• Add linking words: Linking words like however, moreover, firstly, etc help to organise our answers, so you must use them.
• Add examples: To extend your idea or opinion, you can add examples at the end as well.
• Each answer must be 3-4 sentences long: In part 1 and part 3, never give short sentences, as it will not help you to show your range of grammar and vocabulary.

Conclusion

Achieving CLB 5 in IELTS for a PGWP is possible, considering that you put enough effort into it and practice using the techniques we discussed above. Your PR journey in Canada depends on your PGWP approval, which requires IELTS. Therefore, you must practice regularly with full concentration to make your Canadian dreams come true.

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some of the common questions that you might have in mind regarding CLB5 in IELTS: