If you're planning to move to Canada for study, work, or immigration purposes, proving your proficiency in English is a crucial step. Two of the most recognized English language tests in Canada are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program). Both are accepted by various institutions, employers, and immigration authorities, but they have different formats, scoring systems, and focuses. Here's a breakdown of each exam to help you decide which one is best suited to your needs.
*Please note that RPI College offers both IELTS and CELPIP Exam Preparation courses.
Understanding the IELTS Exam
Overview: The IELTS is a globally recognized English language test that is accepted in many countries, including Canada. It is widely used for academic purposes, immigration, and professional registration.
Format:
- Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers)
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
- Speaking: 11-14 minutes (conducted as a face-to-face interview)
Types:
- IELTS Academic: For those applying for higher education or professional registration.
- IELTS General Training: For those migrating to an English-speaking country for work or immigration purposes.
Scoring:
- The IELTS is scored on a 9-band scale, where each band represents a level of English proficiency. The overall score is an average of the four sections.
Key Points:
- The IELTS uses a mix of accents (British, Australian, North American) in the Listening section, which might be beneficial if you're planning to move to a diverse English-speaking country.
- The Speaking section is conducted in person, allowing for more natural interaction, but some may find this intimidating.
Understanding the CELPIP Exam
Overview: The CELPIP is a Canadian-based English language test designed specifically for those who wish to immigrate to Canada or become a Canadian citizen. It is developed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia.
Format:
- Listening: 47-55 minutes
- Reading: 55-60 minutes
- Writing: 53-60 minutes
- Speaking: 15-20 minutes (computer-based)
Types:
- CELPIP General: For immigration and permanent residency applications.
- CELPIP General-LS: For Canadian citizenship applications (only tests Listening and Speaking).
Scoring:
- The CELPIP is scored on a 12-level scale, which corresponds to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Each section is graded individually, and you receive a score for each one.
Key Points:
- The CELPIP is entirely computer-based, including the Speaking section, which some test-takers might find less intimidating than an in-person interview.
- The test focuses on Canadian English, with content and accents reflecting the Canadian context. This could be beneficial if you plan to live and work in Canada.
IELTS vs. CELPIP: Which One Should You Choose?
Purpose:
- IELTS: If you're applying for academic programs, especially outside Canada, or if you're targeting a country other than Canada, IELTS might be the better option due to its global recognition.
- CELPIP: If your primary goal is Canadian immigration or citizenship, CELPIP could be more convenient and tailored to the Canadian environment.
Test Experience:
- IELTS: Offers a mix of paper-based and computer-based options, with a personal interview for the Speaking section.
- CELPIP: Fully computer-based, including the Speaking section, which could be advantageous for those comfortable with technology.
Accents and Language:
- IELTS: Includes various English accents, reflecting its international scope.
- CELPIP: Focuses on Canadian English, which might be more relevant for those planning to integrate into Canadian society.
Conclusion
Both the IELTS and CELPIP exams are excellent options for proving your English proficiency, but your choice should depend on your specific goals. If you need a test with global recognition, especially for academic purposes, IELTS is a strong contender. However, if your focus is solely on immigrating to or living in Canada, CELPIP’s Canadian focus and fully computer-based format might make it the better choice.
Consider your comfort level with the test formats, your familiarity with accents, and your specific needs before making a decision. Good luck with your English proficiency journey!
Please note that RPI College offers both IELTS and CELPIP Exam Preparation courses.
Read More PostsLearning a new language can be a daunting task, but it is also an exciting opportunity to expand your horizons and enrich your life. By engaging in a process of in-depth exploration of a new language, you will also find yourself immersed in a different culture. Understanding the importance of culture when learning a new language will help you maximize your progress and gain a deeper appreciation of the language itself.
Grammar, Vocabulary, and Handwriting: Building the Foundation of a New Language
Grammar, vocabulary, and handwriting are all important aspects of learning a second language. Knowledge of grammar is essential in order to properly construct sentences and express yourself in a clear and effective way. Vocabulary is a vital tool in being able to communicate in any language, while handwriting is essential for expressing ideas through written communication.
Going beyond Grammar, Vocabulary and Handwriting: Mastering the Language
In addition to grammar, vocabulary, and handwriting, however, there are other elements that are necessary for mastering a new language. To understand the full message that someone is trying to communicate, it is necessary to go beyond the technical aspects of the language to explore the culture of the language’s native speakers. Understanding the culture of those who speak the language is essential to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the language and being able to communicate effectively.
Communication Across Cultures: Opening New Horizons
With a greater understanding of the culture of a new language comes the ability to communicate across cultures. Learning a new language offers endless opportunities for travel and business, allowing for a greater understanding of different customs and cultures as well as making work in foreign countries much easier. Language is an essential tool in bridging cultural divides and opening new horizons, both personally and professionally.
The Benefits of Learning a New Language
Learning a new language has numerous benefits, both personal and professional. It helps to improve decision making skills and increases memory retention. It also helps to develop a better understanding of our native language and its culture, as well as enhancing communication and problem solving skills. In short, learning a new language can make a great difference in our lives.
Immersion in Another Culture: Exploring the Language in Depth
Studying another language also offers the chance to explore the culture and idiosyncrasies of the country or culture that speaks it. Not only does it provide the opportunity to learn more about the language itself, but it gives insight into the mentality and worldview of the people who speak that language. In this way, language becomes an integral part of a culture.
Boosting the Brain and Enhancing Self-Esteem: The Benefits of Language Learning
Language learning is not only beneficial for understanding and communicating in different cultures, but it has been linked with a number of psychological, social, and cognitive benefits. It has been found to boost memory retention and mental acuity, as well as providing a sense of accomplishment and self confidence. Language learning is also an effective way of developing empathy for other cultures.
Meeting Market Demands: A Key Role for Language Learning
Being able to speak a second language is a valuable asset in the job market, as it can open up new opportunities in diverse fields such as business, law, medicine, and education. Many employers seek out bilingual individuals, as being able to speak a second language gives a person an edge over those who don’t. Learning a new language also allows a person to have an edge in international competition and give them a better chance of succeeding. RPI College offers a great English for the Workplace course that focuses on business English.
Communicating with Confidence: Taking Language Learning to the Next Level
Communicating effectively in any language requires more than a knowledge of the basics. To truly master a language, it is important to understand the cultural context in which it is spoken. Knowing the local language is a show of respect and appreciation and will help to gain the trust of the locals. Understanding the culture of the language will also help to build an appreciation for its nuance and complexity, resulting in confidence and competence when communicating in the language.
Conclusion: Learning a New Language is an Exciting Opportunity for Personal and Professional Development
The importance of culture when learning a new language cannot be emphasized enough.
Language learning is not just an important tool for communication and personal development, but an exciting opportunity to open up new horizons and explore other cultures in an in-depth and meaningful way. With knowledge and understanding of the cultural context of a new language come the opportunity to communicate with confidence across cultures and maximize opportunities in the job market. Learning a new language is an essential and rewarding experience that can provide a lifetime of benefits.
Source: Talkao
Read More PostsLooking for how to become a better writer? Start by improving your writing vocabulary. After all, the stronger your words are, the more powerful your writing will be. But why is writing important? Why bother expanding your vocabulary and building your writing skills? Reading more from a variety of sources can help improve your writing vocabulary. Try making notes about the new words you learn to help enhance the word power in your personal writing.
For starters, it may lead to fewer revisions during editing stages, meaning your essays and assignments won’t take as long to complete. And it may even result in higher grades for the work you turn in for class. And who doesn’t want that? There are many methods you can use to expand your vocabulary as a writer. Here are some tips on how to increase your word power.
1. Read More
Read a lot and read from a variety of sources. Magazines, newspapers, blogs, novels, comics, and more can fill you up with new words you might never have seen without exploring these texts. The more words you put into your brain, the more words you will have available for you to use in your writing. Reading other people’s writing can open your mind to a plethora of new words. (plethora = overabundance, excess.)
2. Look Up Words in a Dictionary
As you are reading more varied texts, you will come across words you don’t know. Don’t just simply gloss over them. Instead, stop and look up the meaning of each new word. If you’re reading an e-reader, such as a Kindle, you just need to highlight the word and you’ll see the dictionary definition. Dictionary.com and the Merriam Webster dictionary app are also helpful to have on-hand. Taking the time to investigate the meanings will help cement the word into your brain for future use. It helps cohere the new word to your memory. (cohere = to stick to, cling.)
3. Keep a Word Journal
Once you’ve looked up new words using your dictionary, record each new word in a journal. This will put all of your new words in one handy space. Refer back to your journal often to review some of the vocabulary terms you have gained. Make a goal to incorporate these words into your writing (for school, social media, personal journals, notes, etc.). Actively practicing these new words in written form will help you improve your vocabulary. You will soon acclimate to using your fancier vocabulary. (acclimate = make or become adjusted.)
4. Learn a New Word Each Day
There are numerous sites that can help you learn a new word every day. Merriam-Webster has a Word-of-the-Day feature that has a mini-podcast each day to give multiple examples of how to use the word. Collins Dictionary also offers a Word of the Day. Using a dictionary (either online or in print) will help you discover the meanings of new words. You can also use apps and websites that teach you a new word and meaning each day. As you visit these sites, make a note in your word journal of these new words. You can also visit an improve vocabulary app on your phone to get some word coaching on the go. These circadian visits to learn words can help you stay on track with broadening your vocabulary. (circadian = daily.)
5. Use New Words Frequently in Conversations
Try out your new words verbally in daily conversations. Make a goal to incorporate one new word into your communication with others every day. The more you speak and use new words, the more they will be committed to your memory. There’s definitely a connection between speaking and writing. Improving your spoken vocabulary also improves your written vocabulary and vice versa (or contrariwise.) (contrariwise = vice versa)
6. Play Word Games
Doing daily crosswords can help you step up your vocab game. There are online options or you can use the simple pencil-and-paper route. Interactive word games like Scrabble and Boggle can be fun and educational for you and a group of your friends. Apps on your phone such as Words With Friends can also be entertaining ways to increase your vocabulary. Many of these games are riveting. (riveting = fascinating, gripping.)
7. Choose Better, More Specific Words
Once you’ve started to learn new words and expand your vocabulary, choose better words in your writing. Certain vague words (like big or small) should be avoided and replaced with specific, more descriptive words. If the house was big, was it colossal? Enormous? Monstrous? Gigantic? There are better choices you can make with an expanded vocabulary. Using these precise words helps paint a clearer picture for your reader. It also helps your writing be less obscure. (obscure = not easily understood.)
8. Use a Thesaurus
If you’re trying to incorporate more specific words, it’s helpful to use a thesaurus. When you see a vague word in your essay, look it up in a thesaurus and pick a more accurate and effective word. OneLook has a thorough thesaurus that is extremely helpful. Or should I say practical? Beneficial? Handy? The thesaurus helps you find the exact word you are looking for. It will ameliorate your word choices. (ameliorate = make, become better.)
Becoming a better writer means choosing better words in your writing. The more specific and interesting your words are, the more engaging and comprehensible your writing will be. With a small amount of daily effort, you can increase your vocabulary and take your writing to the next level, which in turn will also help you become a better speaker!
Source: Word Counter
Read More PostsWhen you ask a language student what their goals are, almost everyone says “improve my speaking”. When learning a foreign language, you’ll find yourself talking with all kinds of native speakers – your teacher, servers in restaurants, taxi drivers and your landlord, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable. Just like improving your writing, listening or any other skill, there are techniques you can use to improve your spoken English in a targeted way. Here are eight of our favorites:
1. Speak, Speak, Speak
Let’s start right off by saying that there isn’t a magic pill for better speaking. That would be too easy, right? Basically, the best way to speak better is to, well – speak! Commit to practicing often and with as many different people as possible. Do you already live or study overseas? Take advantage of the thousands of native speakers in your immediate community, such as your friends, their families, your coworkers, classmates, employees at the coffee shops, supermarket, post-office and other places you visit. If you’re learning in your own country, increase your practice time by meeting your classmates after class, finding a language exchange partner or joining an online community of learners.
2. Reflect on Your Conversations
After your conversation is over, take a moment to reflect. How did it go? How much do you think you understood? How comfortable did you feel with that subject matter? Did you encounter any unknown words? The mere act of thinking about it in this way will increase your confidence for the next time you speak (and give your targeted things to work on, for example vocabulary you didn’t understand).
3. Listen and Read
You need words in order to talk, right? Class time is great for learning vocabulary, but there are other ways you can increase yours: Watch movies, listen to music, the radio and to podcasts. Read books, magazines and blogs. When listening and reading, find new and interesting expressions, slang terms and synonyms, write down this new material and look up anything you’re not familiar with. All this will provide more “meat” for you to use next time you practice.
4. Prepare Cheat Sheets
Part of nervousness around speaking is the feeling of not knowing what to say. To combat this, prepare a cheat sheet. Are you going to the doctor? Before your appointment, research vocabulary relating to your condition and some common phrases you’ll probably need. Use the technique before going to pay a bill, eating at a restaurant, job interviews, making a complaint, or for any other situation that might make you anxious.
5. Pick Up the Phone
Most people find phone conversations particularly challenging. Why? Because on the phone, we can’t see the other person’s body language or watch their mouth move, both of which are tools that really help communication. To feel more confident on the phone, start small with phone conversations with friends – then move on to more challenging calls like making appointments or inquiries. (This is a great time to use tip 4 and prepare a list of questions and useful vocabulary to help you during your call!)
6. Record Your Voice
We know, we know – most people dislike hearing their voice recorded – but it’s an extremely beneficial way to improve your speaking! Hearing yourself on tape shows you things you might not realize (maybe you tend to speak quickly when nervous, swallow your “s’s” or mumble). On the other hand, you could be pleasantly surprised to hear that your speaking is far better than you thought! For bonus points, take your recording to your teacher or to a native speaker friend and have them give you feedback.
7. Learn Phrases Rather Than Single Words
Another tip to increase your fluency is to speak using a variety of phrases rather than individual words. (You probably do this all the time in your native language.) Instead of automatically asking “Hello, how are you today?”, mix it up by choosing other expressions like “What’s up, man?” “Hey dude!” or “How ya going, mate?” (Be careful though: Some expressions will be very informal and not ideal for some situations!)
8. Have Fun
Let’s face it. It’s far easier to learn something new when you’re having fun. Inject silliness into your speaking practice by talking to yourself when you’re alone, singing along with popular songs in English, doing tongue twisters (Try our top tongue twisters) or doing one-minute “impromptu speeches” on randomly-chosen topics (such as snakes, coffee, India or subjects such as “If I ruled the world, I would…”, “Three surprising facts about me,” or “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”). Great practice and great, silly fun.
Also, remember that RPI College offers the following courses to help with writing and speaking:
Source: Education First
Read More PostsHave you ever been in a situation where a teacher asked a question in English class, and you knew the answer but didn’t say it because of your spoken English language skills? Many students also face this challenge. Speaking well in English takes a lot of practice. Some people find it easier to pick up a new language, but others might need more practice. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Let's look at some tips to help you improve your spoken English.
1. Listen Carefully
Pay attention to how native speakers use English words. Listening helps improve your speaking skills. Also, remember that a word can sound different depending on the accent, but it does not mean that the word is wrong.
2. Practice Speaking Daily
Practice makes perfect! Make it a habit to speak in English every day. You can talk to yourself, speak with friends or language partners to build your confidence. Improving your spoken English is not an easy task, but the more you practice, the more confident you'll become.
3. Speak Slowly and Clearly
Take your time while speaking English. When you speak too fast, you might make mistakes or say the wrong thing. So, say the words to yourself first and then speak clearly. If needed, ask the listener if they understood you to improve your spoken English language confidence.
4. Overcome the Fear of Making Mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of learning English. Even experts make mistakes. So, don't be afraid of them. Instead, take mistakes as learning opportunities that will help you to improve your spoken English language skills.
5. Practice with Other English Language Learners
If you're not comfortable speaking with native English speakers, try practising with other students who are also learning English. They understand what you're going through and are learning just like you. Plus, they won't be too concerned about your mistakes because they will be focused on themselves to see if they're speaking English correctly! So, don't worry and start practising with your classmates and see how your spoken English language confidence increases.
6. Watch Movies and TV Shows
To understand different accents, you can watch movies and TV shows. This will show you how people from various backgrounds say different words. Listen closely and try saying the words yourself. It's also a fun way to learn new words and improve your spoken English language confidence.
7. Ask the Experts
Learning from experts is the best way to improve your spoken English. This is where RPI College comes in. Our experienced and well-trained team of English language experts can teach you how to improve your language skills. When you know how to fit the right words together in a sentence, you will feel more confident speaking English in front of others.
Remember, improving your spoken English language will take time and effort. Take your time and enjoy the learning journey. We would also recommend taking our RP English or “General English” course that has a strong focus on communication skills!
Source: English Path
Read More Posts
