Becoming an effective note taker is a game changer for boosting your CELPIP listening scores, and I’m all in on this belief. If you're aiming to elevate your score from a 6 to a 9, mastering the art of note-taking could be what makes all the difference for you.

Today I dive into why this skill not only improves your test performance but also transforms your overall ability to listen and understand English. It’s not just about jotting down words; it’s about bridging the gap between what you hear and what you write, all while keeping pace with the audio. Today, we’ll explore three practical strategies that will help you develop these crucial skills, so you can tackle that listening section with confidence and clarity. Let’s jump right into it!

Takeaways:

• Mastering effective note-taking can elevate your CELPIP listening score from a six to a nine.
• Prioritize establishing your own note-taking language before attempting any practice sessions.
• Focus on the five W's: who, what, when, where, and why to capture key details.
• Organize your notes by speaker to enhance clarity and retrieval when answering questions.
• Practice simultaneous listening and writing to develop your note-taking skills effectively.
• Regular practice, even for short sessions, significantly boosts your listening abilities over time.

Links referenced in this episode:

To grab your free note taking guide, just go here:

• celpipsuccess.com/resources

Would you like to work together on your CELPIP prep? Join the CELPIP Success School today for unlimited one-on-one support, weekly live group classes, and courses you can work on at your own pace - all to help you achieve the score you need on the CELPIP. Join today!

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.

Building your attention span is important, especially when you're gearing up for something like the CELPIP exam.

Today, we're diving into three practical strategies that you can start using right now to sharpen your focus and improve your listening skills. These tips will not only help you in your exam prep but also in everyday listening situations as well. Let’s get into it!

Takeaways:

• Create dedicated time blocks for practice, free from distractions like your phone or people.
• Stop multitasking during your listening practice to improve focus and retention of details.
• Consume long-form content intentionally, aiming for 15 to 30 minutes daily for skill improvement.
• While preparing for CELPIP, practice listening to audio lengths of 1.5 to 10 minutes.
• Taking notes while listening to long-form content will help you build your attention span and comprehension.
• Use your phone's calendar to remind you of your practice sessions and stay committed.

Links referenced in this episode:

Grab this week's free note taking guide: celpipsuccess.com/resources

• Mayo Clinic Article on Cognitive Overload

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.

"How did you show up for yourself today?"

That powerful question, shared by a fifth-grade teacher who transformed her students' reading skills from a second-grade level to a fifth-grade level in just one year, resonates deeply with me.

This episode dives into the importance of keeping promises to ourselves, not just to others. We explore the journey of overcoming procrastination and facing challenges head-on, like, in my case, tackling an annoying rust problem in my bathtub!

By reflecting on our commitments and taking actionable steps, we can empower ourselves to achieve any goal we set out to accomplish.

Takeaways:

• The powerful question 'How did you show up for yourself today?' encourages self-reflection and accountability for your actions.
• Showing up for yourself means following through on commitments you make to yourself, not just to others.
• Procrastination often stems from fear or uncertainty; tackling tasks head-on can lead to personal growth and satisfaction.
• Long-term goals, such as language learning or personal projects, require consistent effort and patience over time.
• It's essential to celebrate small victories along the way to keep motivation high during challenging journeys.

Let's work on your CELPIP skills together! Listeners to this podcast get a special discount in their monthly membership. Find out more here.

Links mentioned today:

91% Proficiency: How One Teacher Transformed Reading Outcomes in Just One Year

Mentioned in this episode:

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.

Let's work together to prepare for the CELPIP Exam

If you're tired of working on your own to prepare for the CELPIP Exam, and if you're looking for friendly personal support - then you need to check out this opportunity! You'll get weekly assignments that will help you practice each of the 4 skills tested on the CELPIP.

To do well on the listening section of the CELPIP exam, you must master note-taking!

This episode will give you effective strategies to improve your listening skills and ensure you capture important information while you take notes during the test.

You'll discover practical tips, such as using the five W's—who, what, when, where, and why—to structure your notes for clarity and efficiency. Regular practice is a must! To do so, listen to podcasts or local Canadian news while taking notes to build your confidence. Remember, speed is crucial, so focus on jotting down key points and abbreviations rather than complete sentences to keep pace with the audio.

Preparing for the listening section of the CELPIP exam can be daunting, but mastering the art of note-taking can significantly improve your performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of not only listening but also actively engaging with the material through effective note-taking strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to structure notes efficiently and the necessity of daily practice to hone these skills, ensuring that listeners are well-prepared for the exam.

• Taking notes during the CELPIP listening section is essential for success, regardless of your listening skills.
• Practice listening and note-taking simultaneously using various English audio resources to improve.
• Organize your notes effectively using methods like tables or bullet points to enhance clarity.
• Use the 'five W's' method to structure your notes: who, what, when, where, and why.
• Speed is crucial in note-taking; avoid writing full sentences and utilize abbreviations instead.
• Your notes are personal and should only make sense to you, not the examiners.

Previous Episode Mentioned on how to improve your listening skills in English. (#90)

• To download your free note-taking template mentioned in the episode, just go to: celpipsuccess.com/resources

If you're learning English, one of the most powerful actions you can take is to use the English you already have. Many newcomers to Canada make the common mistake of isolating themselves, which can hold back their language skills for years. Don't let fear of not understanding others keep you from interacting. Embrace conversations with native speakers, as this will help you pick up new words and phrases while boosting your confidence. Remember, engaging with others is essential for your growth, so step out of your comfort zone and connect with your community!

Takeaways:

• Using the English you already know regularly with native speakers strengthens your skills.
• Don't isolate yourself; engage with others to enhance your English language experience.
• Embrace mistakes while learning a new language; they are essential for growth and development.
• Feeling self-conscious about your English is common, but don’t let it hold you back.
• Active participation in community events can significantly improve your comfort with speaking English.
• Seek out opportunities for practice and connection to avoid making the common mistake of isolation.

Links referenced in this episode:

Join the CELPIP Success School Today: Special listener only deal at celpipsuccess.com/listener

Deciding between the CELPIP and IELTS exams can significantly impact your immigration journey in Canada. The choice depends largely on your specific immigration objectives, such as whether you aim to study or focus solely on obtaining permanent residency. If you're looking for academic opportunities, the IELTS is widely recognized and accepted globally, making it a strong option. Conversely, if your main goal is to settle in Canada and you prefer a test focused on everyday communication, the CELPIP may be the better fit. Understanding your comfort with English accents and your preferred testing environment can also play a crucial role in making the best choice for your situation.

Choosing the right English proficiency exam is crucial for those navigating the Canadian immigration landscape. The CELPIP and IELTS exams serve different purposes, and understanding these differences can significantly impact your immigration journey. If your primary goal is to secure permanent residency (PR) or citizenship in Canada, the CELPIP exam is tailored to meet those needs, focusing on everyday English used in daily life.

On the other hand, if you aim to pursue higher education or study opportunities, the IELTS may be the better choice, as it is widely recognized by academic institutions around the world. This episode explores the essential factors to consider when selecting between these two exams.

Takeaways:

• Choosing between the CELPIP and IELTS depends on your immigration goals and objectives.
• If you aim for academic studies in Canada or globally, prefer the IELTS exam.
• CELPIP is ideal for those focusing solely on Canadian immigration and everyday English.
• Consider your comfort level with accents when selecting between CELPIP and IELTS exams.
• For effective preparation, engage with Canadian English content for the CELPIP exam.
• Both exams require a wide exposure to English, but target different language skills.

A negative mindset can totally destroy your ability to succeed, especially when preparing for an exam like the CELPIP. It's crucial to recognize when self-defeating thoughts creep in and learn how to challenge and replace them with positive affirmations.

This episode will help you with practical strategies to manage negative self-talk, such as discussing your feelings with someone you trust and writing down your thoughts to gain perspective.

By questioning the validity of your thoughts, you can break free from the cycle of negativity that often follows setbacks. Embrace the idea that failure is an event, not who you are, and take actionable steps to foster a more supportive and encouraging mindset moving forward.

Takeaways:

• Negative self-talk can be detrimental to your confidence and progress in language learning.
• Discussing your negative thoughts with someone you trust can provide perspective and support.
• Writing down your negative thoughts can help you process and challenge their validity.
• Learning English may not come easily for everyone, and that's completely normal.
• Challenge your negative thoughts by replacing them with positive affirmations about yourself.
• Remember that failure is an event, not a reflection of your worth as a person.

Links in this episode:

I want to invite you to join me for a free 30 minute call. We’ll focus on you and your prep strategies - or on working through your mindset as you get ready for the exam. Sometimes having someone to talk to is all we need. To take advantage of this free 30 minute call - and yes, it’s totally free. No strings attached. Just go to celpipsuccess.com/call

Staying focused while reading can be a challenge, especially when preparing for the CELPIP exam. This episode offers practical strategies to enhance your reading skills and maintain concentration, ensuring that your mind doesn't wander off during your practice. Techniques like reading aloud, thinking each word as you read, and using your finger to trace the text can significantly improve your focus. Additionally, engaging with interesting and relevant topics can make your reading practice more enjoyable. Embrace these tips to bolster your reading abilities and prepare effectively for the CELPIP exam.

Takeaways:

• Staying focused while reading can be challenging, but it’s a common struggle.
• To improve reading concentration, try reading aloud to engage more senses.
• Thinking each word as you read can help keep your mind from wandering.
• Using your finger to trace words can enhance focus and comprehension while reading.
• Don't feel obligated to read boring materials; choose topics that interest you.
• Practicing a variety of reading materials will prepare you for the CELPIP exam.

Links referenced in this episode:

• celpipsuccess.com/reading

Can AI tools like chatGPT help you as you practice for the CELPIP or work on your skills in English in general?

In short, yes!

AI can significantly assist you in working on and improving your writing skills, especially as you prepare for the CELPIP exam, but it won't do all the work for you.

While AI tools can help generate ideas, provide quick summaries, and offer feedback on your writing, you still need to refine and personalize the finished product to make sure it reflects your voice and style.

Being specific in your prompts to AI will lead to better results, as the more detailed your instructions, the more tailored the feedback will be.

Remember that real learning occurs when you actively use the language and receive instant feedback from interactions, not just from studying rules. Embrace AI as a helpful resource, but continue to apply your growing knowledge and expertise to develop your writing skills fully.

Takeaways:

• AI can assist with writing tasks, but it won't produce perfect results every time.
• Being specific in your prompts to AI tools often yields better and more relevant responses.
• Real learning occurs when you actively use the language, not just study it in isolation.
• AI tools can help summarize content, but you still need to refine the output yourself.
• Feedback from real interactions helps improve your language skills more than AI can.
• Experimenting with AI can enhance your writing process, but it requires your personal touch.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Get friendly, encouraging human support to help you prepare for the writing section of the CELPIP exam -join my 4 week writing program today! celpipsuccess.com/writing
• Using chatGPT to Prepare for the CELPIP - from the Official CELPIP YouTube channel.

Listening is a crucial skill for mastering English, especially for those preparing for the CELPIP exam. This episode highlights various engaging audio resources that can enhance your listening abilities while keeping the learning process enjoyable. You'll discover podcasts like the CBC World Report, which offers authentic Canadian content, and The Secret Life of Canada, which delves into unique stories about the country. The episode also introduces Declassified Mysteries and 99% Invisible, both of which provide interesting narratives and varied speaking styles. By exploring these recommended podcasts, you can find material that resonates with you, making it easier to develop a consistent listening habit that supports your language goals.

The episode delves into practical strategies for improving English listening skills, particularly for learners preparing for the CELPIP exam. You'll learn why you need to find engaging audio materials that are not only educational but also enjoyable! Your goal should be to create a listening habit.

As you listen, you'll discover several podcasts that might just grab your attention and become a new favourite!

Takeaways:

• Listening to engaging content in English is essential for improving your listening skills.
• Explore podcasts that feature Canadian content to prepare effectively for the CELPIP exam.
• Finding enjoyable resources will motivate you to practice your listening skills consistently.
• Diverse audio resources help expose you to different speaking styles and accents.
• Consider a variety of topics and genres to keep your listening practice enjoyable and engaging.

Links referenced in this episode:

CBC world report - What I like about it: It’s Canadian content which is something you have to be listening to on a daily basis if you’re getting ready for the CELPIP exam.

World Report with Marcia Young, John Northcott | Live Radio | CBC Listen

The Secret Life of Canada - from the podcast description: it’s about the country you know, but the stories you don’t.

The Secret Life of Canada | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen

The CBC podcast directory:

CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen

Not Canada based, but useful to help you practice:

Redacted: Declassified Mysteries. I recently listened to and enjoyed the episode called Operation Paperclip: America’s Secret Nazi Scientists. What I liked about it: It’s not Canadian focused content, but I do like how easy it was to listen to. I think this show can offer you interesting stories to follow from speakers who are not too difficult to understand.

REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana

I recently listened to and enjoyed the episode called Operation Paperclip: America’s Secret Nazi Scientists. What I liked about it: It’s not Canadian focused content, but I do like how easy it was to listen to. I think this show can offer you interesting stories to follow from speakers who are not too difficult to understand.

REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana

99% Invisible. I really enjoyed the hosts. Their voices are easy to understand, and there’s a wide variety of stories there for you to check out. (It’s also not likely going to be Canadian focused, but you’ll get great practice here too. The episode I listened to the other day is called: The 15 Minute City. Give it a listen, and see what you think!

99% Invisible

Grab your free listening guide: The CELPIP Listening Skills Made Easy: A mini guide celpipsuccess.com/guide The CELPIP listening skills made easy mini guide will teach you how to take that English podcast or Netflix show you’re listening to and transform it into a powerful listening practice activity.