Hi Reader, In last week’s podcast, I talked about two things: I shared what I learned from a CELPIP webinar on Speaking Task 4, and I talked about using French to boost your PR application. Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions You can safely use “going to” or “will” — both are accepted Starts at minute 1:41 You might just boost your score if you describe where people/objects are — clearly and confidently. Starts at minute: 3:10 Short, natural-sounding conclusions are enough (no need to overdo...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I was scared, but I did it anyway. <-- here's the proof! I have never posted videos or pictures of myself on LinkedIn. Way to far out of my comfort zone. As an introvert(ish) person, it feels far safer to hide behind text based posts and emails like this one. But that changed yesterday. Why? Because it's what I'm challenging you to do pretty frequently in here and on my podcast: if you want to see your English and CELPIP skills get stronger, you must take more risks with your...
10 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”― Richard Henry Dana was an American librarian and museum director. This week I learned something from a CELPIP webinar about speaking task 4, where you make predictions about what you think will logically happen next in an image. Before the webinar, I was teaching students to try and not overly rely on 'going to' or 'will' in their answers. I felt that variety was important, and that you should work at also using modal verbs like...
17 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, When you choose vague words on the CELPIP, your vocabulary choices will work against you! It's easy to default to words like “place,” “thing,” “people,” “good”, which weakens your impact. But I've got great news for you: it's often possible to use powerful and more specific words that are unique to the situation you're working with. For example: If you're talking about travel, instead of using 'place' try 'destination.' Other travel related words might include, excursion, day trip,...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I've heard more than one person say they just can't take any more prep time. They're done. All their energy and drive to get ready for the CELPIP has evaporated as they try and focus on an already packed work schedule, loved ones, and just having a life themselves. Add to that mix trying to get ready for the CELPIP, and everything just seems to melt down. Burnout is real. It can hit anywhere in our lives where we add more than what we can handle to ourselves and attempt to do it...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, The CELPIP isn't just an English proficiency exam. It's also you vs the clock. Are you making any of these time sucking mistakes on your exam? In case you missed it: Have you experienced that moment when your immigration journey in Canada takes you in a direction you never thought you'd be going in? In my podcast this week, Ana Canseco shares how she went from being a well prepared lawyer in Mexico, to having to work as a telemarketer here in Canada! (How's that for a rocky ride?)...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Did you know you should be taking notes during the reading section of the CELPIP? Here's how. Bonus: here's a 14 minute video walk through of this post. It's based on our live members only call we had this week. Do you struggle with not feeling confident with your English skills, and end up staying stuck because of it? I hope this post will help For your listening practice: I have been enjoying the Somebody Knows Something podcast on CBC. I think you'll enjoy the story! It will...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, In one of our most recent live calls, you helped come up with some important things to remember in order to give a strong answer on your CELPIP speaking tasks. Let's chat about a few of them...but first: Don't forget to mark your calendar! Our next class is going to give you some speaking skills practice for task 3: Describing a Scene. Wednesday, April 2 · 6:00 – 7:00pm Time zone: America/Vancouver Class link: https://meet.google.com/ejg-qwvj-jmx Now, on with today's newsletter!...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Before we dive in to today's newsletter: would you like to join us for our next Wednesday live coaching call? (It's on Wednesday, April 2 at 6pm PST.) If you join us, you'll learn a strategy that will transform the way you respond to Speaking Task 3: Describing a scene. Want in? Just reply to this email and let me know. I'll share the link with you so you can join us live. Now, on with today's newsletter! This great question came up in a recent live coaching call: "Should I use AI...
4 months ago • 2 min read