Hello Reader,

I came across a post on Reddit - someone stuck at 9 in listening and writing, but they need a 10.

This will be their 6th attempt.

So how do you break out of that 9?

Check your level.

If you're 100% sure you're current level of English is at a C1 or advanced, then aiming for a 10 is not an unrealistic score to aim for.

Remember: the CELPIP measures your current level of English. That means studying harder for the CELPIP won't bump your score up. Only improving your general English skills will.

So, before you take that 6th exam, make sure you're actually at the right level of English. You can find them for free online - here's one I found from the British Council.

Focus Practice.

For listening skills, I've seen students make dramatic improvements in their listening skills by taking notes about the audio or video they were listening to.

Note taking is a powerful way to help you stay focused on what you're trying to listen to, but you know what? Few people go through the trouble of actually practicing this skill.

It does take work.

It does take practice.

It feels slow, and maybe even boring. (Let's be honest!) But you know what? Regular note taking practice works. Here's a video I made to help you become a great note taker for the listening section of the CELPIP.​

​

Writing is a little more challenging to improve because you almost always need feedback on your writing so that you start noticing where your persistent mistakes are hiding.

But here's a simple idea you can use that authors use all the time to help them improve their writing skills:

Copy the style of a writer you like who, of course, writes in English.

Do this: get a notebook and pen. (Pen and paper work MUCH better than typing.)

Try copying a few sentences or paragraphs from your favourite author. Notice their word choices.

Notice vocabulary words and the words they go together with. (Like prepositions, for example!)

Do a little each day.

Copy word for word, but pay attention to their style.

See if you can notice ways you can use their sentence style or word choices in your own writing.

I'm not saying here for you to memorize your favourite writer's sentences and then try to use them as if they were yours. That's plagiarism.

What I am suggesting you do, is just for you. Your goal is to notice new words and ways of putting them together, and then trying to put them together as you express your own ideas.

Again, this idea is not an instant fix, but it works.

I guarantee you that you'll discover new vocabulary words and uncover new ways of expressing them!

And if you do this frequently, you'll start to see your general writing skills improve - which will also improve your CELPIP writing score at the same time.

Want some more help with writing? Here's a writing focused playlist from my podcast for you. ​

Want some help on your writing skills - with feedback from me included? Join my 4 week CELPIP writing skills program.​

Have a great weekend,

Aaron