profile

Learn How To Speak English Fearlessly + Effectively Prepare for the CELPIP Exam

This email can shave years off your English learning journey

Published 4 months ago • 2 min read

​

​

Hi Reader,

Welcome to the the weekend! I'm glad you made it here with me today.

I think you'll like this...

​

1. The Biggest Mistake English Learners Make Are you accidentally adding years of hard work to your English learning journey? Check out this podcast episode from June 2023 to find out - as well as what you can do about it! (Podcast episode from June 2023.)

​

2. From a group coaching call this week:

In CELPIP speaking tasks, details matter! To make your story really pop in Speaking Task Two, try adding a splash of sensory details and share your emotions! Aim to sprinkle in two or three of these vivid details to help you paint a picture that grabs the listener's attention. It's like adding seasoning to a dish—just the right amount can make your story unforgettable - and also give you a great score.

​

3. 5 minute Listening Challenge​

If you've been listening to Canadian news this week, I bet you've heard about The Hudson Bay - Canada's oldest corporation and the financial trouble they are in. The video I'm linking to above is just 2:20 long. Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to listen to the story and see if you can write down the 5w's of the story in just 5 minutes. (5W's: Who, what, when, where and why.) Good luck. Hit reply and tell me how it goes!

A few takeaways from our class on Wednesday. Here are a few takeaways for you as you work on Speaking Task 2: Talking about a past experience.

  1. Pretend You’re Speaking to a Friend:
    • It’s a good strategy to imagine you’re talking to a friend to help reduce nerves. (But you don't have to!) Your main goal is to make your speech sound natural and relaxed.
    • Timestamp: 01:42 - 02:11
  2. Get Right to the Point:
    • This is vital! You only have 60 seconds to share your story, so dive right in and tell it without unnecessary introductions.
    • Timestamp: 02:11 - 02:42
  3. Use the Past Tense:
    • When sharing a past experience, ensure you consistently use the past tense to accurately share your experience.
    • Timestamp: 02:42 - 03:01
  4. Include Sensory Details and Emotions:
    • Share details about your feelings and where your story takes place to make your story vivid and engaging.
    • Timestamp: 03:41 - 04:44

​
Upcoming Event:

Mark your calendar: Our next class is Wednesday, March 26 at 6pm PST.

We'll do a quick review of speaking tasks 1 and 2, and also practice.

Google Meet joining info: https://meet.google.com/vby-beac-kga

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Aaron

​

991 Cloverdale Avenue , Victoria, BC V8X2T5
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Learn How To Speak English Fearlessly + Effectively Prepare for the CELPIP Exam

By Aaron Nelson

Weekly emails to help you say goodbye to fear and speak English fearlessly. Learn effective and practical tips to help you prepare for and conquer the CELPIP Exam. I also host The CELPIP Success Podcast.

Read more from Learn How To Speak English Fearlessly + Effectively Prepare for the CELPIP Exam
A clock, bottle, and mirror sit on a dark shelf.

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 18 hours ago • 1 min read
low confidence

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...

8 days ago • 1 min read
A couple of women sitting on top of a white couch

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!...

3 months ago • 1 min read