Welcome to the podcast that helps newcomers to Canada prepare for the CELPIP exam. You will learn how to develop your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. And of course, if you listen, you'll learn how to Speak English Fearlessly! Every Tuesday you'll get a new episode filled with tips, strategies and inspiring stories from other people just like you who are working to speak English fearlessly.
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The journey to immigrate or work in Canada can be a challenge, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. With the Official CELPIP Podcast, we are here to help you on that journey, and to get you ready to take your English proficiency test. With the guidance of our CELPIP experts, each episode of our podcast will help you build your English language skills, prepare for your CELPIP Test, and get you another step closer to completing your journey!
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Welcome to the Let’s Talk TEFL podcast with Jackie Bolen and Jennifer Smith. We’re going to discuss everything ESL/EFL teaching, including experiences teaching abroad, activity and game ideas, teaching tips, interviews with old friends, and more. Come join us in the Let’s Talk TEFL teacher’s lounge for some inspiration and entertainment!
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How to prepare for the CELPIP when your confidence is broken
15:02
15:02
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15:02This episode tackles the deep connection between our self-confidence and your ability to speak English fluently. We'll explore how negative experiences—like embarrassing mistakes or awkward moments—can really knock us down and make us hesitate to use our English again. I share some personal stories, drawing from my own struggles, to emphasize that …
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This will improve your speaking skills for the CELPIP
19:45
19:45
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19:45If you're on the hunt for the best way to improve your speaking skills for the CELPIP, this episode is just what you need. Ready for a surprise? The answer is not more study time! The real secret to stronger speaking skills that will give you stronger CELPIP test results come from more time connecting with others in real conversations! Today I also…
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ESL Classroom Energizers: Ideas to Get Some Life Back into the Classroom
20:29
20:29
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20:29Send us a text Do you ever feel like there's no energy in your classroom? Not to worry! That's where these fun classroom energizers come in. Jackie and Jen share their favourite games and activities to help students have some fun and learn at the same time. These classroom energizers are ideal for a serious case of the Monday morning blues, or the …
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How to improve your self-confidence using English and preparing for the CELPIP
27:47
27:47
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27:47Building self-confidence is crucial for improving your fluency skills and achieving better CELPIP scores. In this episode, we dive deep into how a lack of confidence can hold you back from using your English effectively, ultimately stalling your progress. Research indicates that a staggering 70% of students often struggle with self-confidence when …
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Teaching Spelling (for ESL/EFL): Does it Matter, Plus Games & Activities
25:58
25:58
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25:58Send us a text These days, doesn't everyone basically just use computers to write and spell-check? If that's the case, does teaching spelling to English learners have any value? Spoiler: Jackie and Jen think it does! We'll share our reasons why, and also talk about some of our favourite ESL spelling games and activities. Be sure to check out my top…
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Improve Your CELPIP Speaking Skills by Deciding to Contribute One Idea!
18:33
18:33
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18:33Mindset plays a crucial role in how we engage in conversations, especially when it comes to using our English skills. I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences as an introvert learning Spanish, and I’ve noticed that without making a conscious decision to participate, I often find myself lingering on the outskirts of discussions. This tendency of n…
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Feeling Stuck With Your CELPIP Prep? Here’s How Five Minutes Can Change Everything!
14:04
14:04
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14:04Feeling stuck and overwhelmed? You’re definitely not alone, and today, we’re diving into a super simple strategy that can help you break free from that cycle that will take you just five minutes. I'll be talking about how small actions like a brief 2 or 3 minute conversation, can help you get moving forward again. It’s all about starting small. By …
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How Do I Overcome Distractions On My CELPIP Exam Day?
18:12
18:12
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18:12Many test-takers find themselves frustrated when they struggle to achieve the CELPIP scores they desire, especially when it seems like others breeze through without any preparation. This episode dives into the harsh realities of the CELPIP exam and will help you think carefully about the claims of people who "seem" to succeed effortlessly on the te…
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How Do I Stop Drawing A Blank When I Speak In English or on the CELPIP?
15:58
15:58
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15:58Feeling mentally blocked or freezing when speaking English can be so discouraging, especially during the CELPIP exam. Today, I dive into some solid strategies to help you break through those barriers and improve your fluency. The key takeaway? Embrace the discomfort of stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just a mini step. I share pract…
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Finding enough time in our busy lives to prepare for the CELPIP exam can feel like an uphill battle, but you're not alone in this struggle. We all have the same 24 hours, yet how we fill them varies significantly, impacting our outcomes. In this episode, we'll dive deep into the challenge of competing priorities—balancing responsibilities like work…
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You gotta focus on making the most of your time, not just cramming more into your already packed schedule. It’s all about finding ways to combine your English and CELPIP prep into what you're already doing each day, so you don’t feel like you're adding to your plate. Think about your commute, breaks, or even what you watch on TV. In today's episode…
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This episode dives into the importance of actively recognizing your accomplishments, especially when it comes to language learning and preparing for the CELPIP exam. We explore how taking the time to jot down what went well this week, what you're currently working on, and any new ideas you'll try to use in the coming week, can transform your perspe…
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How to think faster for the CELPIP Speaking Tasks
14:50
14:50
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14:50Feeling the pressure of generating ideas on the CELPIP speaking tasks? You’re not alone! A lot of test takers freeze up when the clock starts ticking, struggling to come up with something to say in just 30 seconds. This episode dives deep into practical strategies to help you overcome that anxiety and start brainstorming effectively. We’ll explore …
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How to Take Your CELPIP Speaking Skills from an 8 to 10
37:03
37:03
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37:03If you're working to increase your CELPIP speaking skills from an 8 to a 10, then you’re in the right place! Today, we dive into practical strategies that can help you make that happen. One of the most crucial things we discuss is the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. We all know it can feel intimidating to take risks, whether it’s s…
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How Do I Focus My Limited Study Time for the CELPIP?
14:15
14:15
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14:15Today, I'll tackle a crucial question from a listener about the best way to prepare for the CELPIP exam. The main takeaway? Focus on your weakest skill, especially if speaking is where you struggle the most. Instead of compartmentalizing your English practice, integrate it into your daily life—whether through hobbies, work, or conversations with na…
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Fear of public speaking is a common struggle, with around 75% of people experiencing it at some point. If you're feeling anxious about using your English, you're definitely not alone in this—many share this fear. In today’s podcast, I’m diving into four practical strategies to help you tackle that fear head-on and boost your confidence for speaking…
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Speed Listening: How Fast is Too Fast for Learning?
10:54
10:54
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10:54Did you know that listening to podcasts at faster speeds might actually help you pay attention better? This episode dives right into the nitty-gritty of listening speed, encouraging you to experiment with speeds like 1.5x to see if it helps you stay focused on what you're listening to. I'll explore a study that shows students who listened to lectur…
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How to Stay Focused On A Conversation In English In A Noisy Environment, and what to do when you fail!
15:21
15:21
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15:21Active listening plays a crucial role in effectively engaging in conversations, especially when you’re learning English. In today's episode, we'll dive into the differences between passive and active listening, emphasizing how the latter demands your full attention and focus on the details being communicated. While passive listening helps you grasp…
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From 6 to 9: Transform Your CELPIP Listening Skills with Note Taking
16:55
16:55
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16:55Becoming 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 transf…
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3 Essential Tips to Sharpen and Increase Your Attention Span for the CELPIP
16:16
16:16
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16:16Building 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…
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This question can change everything for your CELPIP Prep
18:17
18:17
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18:17"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 journe…
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How to Take Notes Like a Pro to Succeed On The CELPIP Listening Exam
15:53
15:53
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15:53To 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 structu…
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Unlock Your English: Avoid the Most Common Language Mistake!
10:18
10:18
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10:18If 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 speak…
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CELPIP vs IELTS: Which Exam is Right for You?
10:48
10:48
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10:48Deciding 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 glob…
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From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence: Transforming Negative Thoughts To Conquer the CELPIP
24:29
24:29
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24:29A 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 disc…
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How to focus on reading when you struggle to stay focused
8:00
8:00
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8:00Staying 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 …
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