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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Information on taking the CAEL exam in Ottawa and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying in Ottawa.
Ottawa
Ontario |
Understanding the CAEL Exam
Many of the Universities give you the opportunity of taking the The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test instead of IELTS, TOEFL or CanTEST. CAEL was developed by the same testing organization as CELPIP (ie Paragon Testing).
TPS is obviously NOT the authorized source for information on it, so please go to the CAEL official website for confirmation of registration, fees or dates and times. The purpose here is to see information abut CAEL in summary form, in easier language and to see an objective view of the test in reference to our other choices.
There is bit a paper based test and a conputer test but at present there are no centers offering the computer test so the information bew will only pertain to the paper based test.
The main selling point for CAEL is its use of authentic (real-life) language in a selection of authentic content in a Canadian academic environment (the CAEL website mentions that "the tasks in the test are selectively sampled from first-year university courses)." However, this is also the case with CanTEST, so do consider your options. CAEL attempts to guess what functions you will come across in University or College, which may mean it's a more valid test than say IELTS or TOEFL which are developed outside of Canada.
CAEL's speaking test is computer delivered unlike CanTEST, which does give a face to face oral interview. Compared to IELTS and CanTEST, CAEL is a more complex test in its structure (it has 2 reading sections with the second part oddly placed after the listening test|), meaning you will have to study two parts for the reading section. Like TOEFL, CAEL is an integrated test, meaning you need to use the reading and listening to do your writing. This avoids the problem of having to write an essay using a topic with no provided background, which is definitely the case with IELTS (task2), TOEFL (Part 2) and CanTEST. However, it does put more pressure on you to understand the listening and reading passages.
Here are a number of its features in summary:
1) It is an integrated test going from Reading to Listening to Writing
2) Cael is a computer delivered oral test even with the paper based versin
3) Cael uses Canadian accents and Canadian topics
4) The test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long (25 minute speaking exam, 20 minute listening exam, 55 minute reading exam, 45 minute writing exam)
5) The three main Post Secondary institutions in Ottawa DO accept it (ie Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College)
The number of Universities and Colleges that accept the test is growing and while certainly not on par with IELTS and TOEFL, it does make a good option for those students planning to study in Ottawa. You can see the complete list on the official website
Among the bigger Universities that accept it are:
Locally Algonquin accepts it as well
TPS is obviously NOT the authorized source for information on it, so please go to the CAEL official website for confirmation of registration, fees or dates and times. The purpose here is to see information abut CAEL in summary form, in easier language and to see an objective view of the test in reference to our other choices.
There is bit a paper based test and a conputer test but at present there are no centers offering the computer test so the information bew will only pertain to the paper based test.
The main selling point for CAEL is its use of authentic (real-life) language in a selection of authentic content in a Canadian academic environment (the CAEL website mentions that "the tasks in the test are selectively sampled from first-year university courses)." However, this is also the case with CanTEST, so do consider your options. CAEL attempts to guess what functions you will come across in University or College, which may mean it's a more valid test than say IELTS or TOEFL which are developed outside of Canada.
CAEL's speaking test is computer delivered unlike CanTEST, which does give a face to face oral interview. Compared to IELTS and CanTEST, CAEL is a more complex test in its structure (it has 2 reading sections with the second part oddly placed after the listening test|), meaning you will have to study two parts for the reading section. Like TOEFL, CAEL is an integrated test, meaning you need to use the reading and listening to do your writing. This avoids the problem of having to write an essay using a topic with no provided background, which is definitely the case with IELTS (task2), TOEFL (Part 2) and CanTEST. However, it does put more pressure on you to understand the listening and reading passages.
Here are a number of its features in summary:
1) It is an integrated test going from Reading to Listening to Writing
2) Cael is a computer delivered oral test even with the paper based versin
3) Cael uses Canadian accents and Canadian topics
4) The test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long (25 minute speaking exam, 20 minute listening exam, 55 minute reading exam, 45 minute writing exam)
5) The three main Post Secondary institutions in Ottawa DO accept it (ie Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College)
The number of Universities and Colleges that accept the test is growing and while certainly not on par with IELTS and TOEFL, it does make a good option for those students planning to study in Ottawa. You can see the complete list on the official website
Among the bigger Universities that accept it are:
- Carleton University
- University of Ottawa
- U of Toronto
- U of Calgary
- U of Alberta
- UBC
- McGill
- Concordia
Locally Algonquin accepts it as well
Advantages
There are a number of advantages of the CAEL test:
- CAEL gives the option of taking the paper based test or the computer test (though, at the moment, testing centers for the computer based test are limited. Currently there is no computer option in Ottawa but this could change).
- There is only one topic in the writing unlike IELTS and TOEFL which have two.
- The integrated style for writing avoids going blank on the writing test with no clue as to what to write. This makes it a bit safer to come up with ideas than IELTS CanTEST or TOEFL which gives you a topic you may know nothing about
- The integrated speaking tasks are realistic and, like the writing, provide contextual background to the tasks
- The writing section is 45 minutes. This is better than the 40 minutes given to the IELTS test and 30 minutes for TOEFL. CanTEST is the same.
- Listening is much shorter than CanTEST at 20 minutes compared to the 1 hour test of CanTEST
- It is accepted at more Universities than CanTEST, including Carelton University and a few from outside of Canada such as University of Southern California and University of London
- The CAEL test is cheaper at $225 for both the paper based test and the computer based test. This is the cheapest test of all of them. You are looking at a $85 savings from IELTS
- There are more self-study options for CAEL compared to CanTEST.
- Retake period wait is not as long as CanTEST (30 days compared to 3 months)
Disadvantages
Some of the following stated disadvantages of CAEL can be thought of disadvantages - it all depends on the kind of test taker you are. For example, are you a person that prefers computer speaking exams or face to face? Do you prefer rhetorical essays based on a fresh topic or do you prefer a bit of background? Is writing a strength or weakness? In any case, here are some of the possible disadvantages:
- The speaking exam is longer than IELTS or CanTEST at 20 minutes and it is quite complicated, integrating reading, lectures and speaking. While a good indication as to how you might adapt, it poses quite a challenge for lower level candidates.
- There is no face to face interview for the speaking exam.
- The test is not as internationally recognized as TOEFL or IELTS.
- There is not as much self-study material as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Tests are held much more infrequently than IELTS or TOEFL in Ottawa (every 2 months).
- The computer CAEL test is not held in Ottawa and the closest place is in Montreal.
- CAEL is stricter with cancellation and transfers than CanTEST.
- CAEL forces test takers to wait at least 30 days for the next test while IELTS does not. TOEFL just demands 12 days. This could be interpreted as meaning that CAEL is a more ethical organization but for some test takers urgently applying into university or college, this wait might be too long.
Parts
Are there 2 or 5 parts to the CAEL exam? The answer is not so simple. Technically there are 5 parts but you can see it as 2 parts because the reading and listening passages are both directed toward a response in speaking and writing. In that sense you can see it as a speaking and writing test.
These are the 5 parts
Part 1 Speaking
1. Independent Speaking Type A (1 general question) 30 seconds preparation 60 seconds talk
2. Independent Speaking Type B (1 opinion/preference question) 60 seconds preparation 90 seconds talk
3. Visual Response Speaking ( 1 visual talk) 60 seconds preparation 120 seconds talk
Part 2 Integrated Reading
1,
These are the 5 parts
Part 1 Speaking
1. Independent Speaking Type A (1 general question) 30 seconds preparation 60 seconds talk
2. Independent Speaking Type B (1 opinion/preference question) 60 seconds preparation 90 seconds talk
3. Visual Response Speaking ( 1 visual talk) 60 seconds preparation 120 seconds talk
Part 2 Integrated Reading
1,
Scoring
The scores range from band level 10 to band level 90. Pass mark for most universities is 60 (University of Ottawa = 60 but Carleton = 70)
CAEL TOEFL iBT IELTS
90
80 97-120 7.5-9.0
70 87-96 7
60 77-86 6.5
50 68-76 6
10-40 0-67 1-1.5
Online Tutoring
One advantage of online tutoring is the flexibility of scheduling. Virtually an time between 8:00 am ET to 11:00 pm is possible and you can schedule tutoring for any time between 30 minutes to 3 hours (normally we recommend between 1-2 hours). Please see the program page for costs and details of how the CAEL program is organized.
Home Tutoring
Many find that despite the initial cost, it is probably better in the long run to have a home tutor for CAEL. If this is how you feel as well, go through our CAEL Tutor page in Ottawa, West Ottawa, and East Ottawa and check availability. If you are new to CAEL go through the CAEL course requirements and the registration page to see if it suits your needs.
Outside of the Home Tutoring
Sometimes, people feel more comfortable studying outside their homes, but still need a tailor-made program. In this case, tutorials can be arranged whereby students and tutors can meet at any nearby public library or Community center. Please be sure to email us a request if you’d prefer to go this route over home tutoring.
Taking Classes
CAEL is offered in a number of places, particularly on and near the downtown area. Remember to research the quality any class program, because the CAEL test is a demanding exam and the vocabulary demands require a careful study plan.
Self-Study
Self-studying CAEL is possible with high self-discipline and committed plan. Once you have gone through the free sample tests, you can purchase CAEL preparation study material from the CAEL official website under products. One problem currently is that there is only one practice test offered. However it is free until September 15 2017 so hurry before it is highly priced. Do not worry abut it being computer based. Although the formats are different, the teting style is different.
Test Taking
Registration is done through the CAEL website but the location of the test is at Carlelton University. For specific locations of the testing center, go to Ottawa, West Ottawa or East Ottawa for more information and