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TPS - IELTS Exam Prep in Calgary
In Calgary, studying and taking the IELTS test is relatively easy as there are many resources and now a number of learning centers, colleges, and universities offering classes. However, often group classes are inadequate because an exam level is very individualized and time is often short for preparation. After meeting many students who finally resort to tutorials after many frustrating months with the exams, I have a number of suggestions for those who want to approach the test.
1) Be sure you know the test inside and out before you decide to take classes. That way you can focus on skills and strategies instead of just collecting knowledge about the test.
2) Collect free resources online and at libraries before spending a lot of money on textbooks.
3) Do some practice tests to see what your strengths and weaknesses are in the listening and reading sections.
4) Think carefully about time management, and take into account your need a reasonable amount of self-study.
1) Be sure you know the test inside and out before you decide to take classes. That way you can focus on skills and strategies instead of just collecting knowledge about the test.
2) Collect free resources online and at libraries before spending a lot of money on textbooks.
3) Do some practice tests to see what your strengths and weaknesses are in the listening and reading sections.
4) Think carefully about time management, and take into account your need a reasonable amount of self-study.
Home Tutoring
If you are not willing to travel out to learning centers and would prefer a comfortable and efficient way to study, please visit the IELTS Tutor Calgary page and find out what is available. If you are unsure what a course entails, look at the IELTS courses and the registration page, if you are sure it fits 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, we can arrange tutorials whereby students and tutors can meet at any nearby public library, which often have a comfortable sofa and tables as well as Wifi. If you wish to have a private meeting room, we can arrange this also. To do this through TPS, please send in a request.
Taking Classes
Most of the language centers offering IELTS programs accept students at any point, so the lessons are non-sequential. This is a problem because your IELTS learning pace needs to be structured and sequential or you cannot make progress. There are colleges close by, which offer structured IELTS programs. However, they often have set starting and advancement dates, which can be a problem when you don't have much time. There are "free IELTS classes" offered by various organizations, but the quality of these is dubious.
Self-Study
Self-study help in Calgary is not difficult to do if you are willing to make a few worthwhile visits. Before paying a few hundred dollars for books, make your first stop to the Central Calgary Public library located at 800 3 Street SE. You may find it more economical to head to the library to determine what you want and order them on Amazon using search term “IELTS books”.
Test Taking
By my count, there are 6 active testing centers in Calgary. Check the official site to confirm locations as well because new IELTS centers may open or old ones may close.
Online
For those less familiar with the IELTS exam it may be useful to visit the IELTS exam page for study tips where you can find strategies, skills, topics, and also current exams. I have also posted free mock exams in speaking and writing and through e-mail, we will assess your performance for free. I also have some external links to other blogs such as Liz IELTS site, IELTS Blog, and the DCIELTS blog.