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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Information on taking the IELTS exam in Ottawa and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying IELTS in Ottawa.
Ottawa
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TPS - IELTS Exam Prep in Ottawa & Gatineau
If you're considering taking the IELTS, this page should help you learn about the test and your options for classes, home tutoring, self-study material and test-taking dates and locations in Ottawa. Please examine this page thoroughly before deciding to register for a test or before booking a tutor. In Ottawa, studying and taking the IELTS test is relatively easy. IELTS test preparation is one of the most common programs offered in Ottawa learning centers. We argue that your time and money are best spent on home tutorials, rather than group classes. We do also advocate spending much of your effort on self-study. Whichever style of study you prefer, a number of issues should be considered.
In Nepean, you can still study and take the test without too much difficulty, although you may need to travel a bit to take it. Use this page as your first stop of an information source for the IELTS test and the different ways you can approach it. Before you call a teacher and begin, consider a few issues.
In Nepean, you can still study and take the test without too much difficulty, although you may need to travel a bit to take it. Use this page as your first stop of an information source for the IELTS test and the different ways you can approach it. Before you call a teacher and begin, consider a few issues.
Issues to Consider about the IELTS Test
The proliferation of new IELTS testing centers means that registering for it is now much easier than doing so in the past. Nevertheless, the IELTS is expensive, and retaking it every 3 weeks could make this test even costlier for you. All prospective IELTS candidates and students should consider asking themselves these questions:
1) Have I carefully considered the various test options?
It surprises me when students opt only for the IELTS, not exploring any others like the TOEFL or CELPIP. Some work fields like nursing have their own alternative tests, such as CELBAN.
2) How much do I know about the IELTS?
IELTS is a communicative-style test designed by Cambridge. The test essentially aims to determine your input and output functions in language, be it for daily life, or for a future academic setting. The Academic Module is designed to assess if you're ready for the readings, social dialogues, lectures, and writing and speaking assignments typically experienced at universities. You should understand the parts of the test (including the number of questions in each section), the writing and speaking marking criteria, and how scores are calculated.
3) Which IELTS testing areas give me the most difficulty?
The reading and listening tests have various testing mechanisms (T/F/NG, MCQ, headings, short answers, diagrams). Writing consists of 2 tasks, while the speaking part contains 3 stages. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses in these tasks and stages, you can help a tutor design your learning program.
1) Have I carefully considered the various test options?
It surprises me when students opt only for the IELTS, not exploring any others like the TOEFL or CELPIP. Some work fields like nursing have their own alternative tests, such as CELBAN.
2) How much do I know about the IELTS?
IELTS is a communicative-style test designed by Cambridge. The test essentially aims to determine your input and output functions in language, be it for daily life, or for a future academic setting. The Academic Module is designed to assess if you're ready for the readings, social dialogues, lectures, and writing and speaking assignments typically experienced at universities. You should understand the parts of the test (including the number of questions in each section), the writing and speaking marking criteria, and how scores are calculated.
3) Which IELTS testing areas give me the most difficulty?
The reading and listening tests have various testing mechanisms (T/F/NG, MCQ, headings, short answers, diagrams). Writing consists of 2 tasks, while the speaking part contains 3 stages. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses in these tasks and stages, you can help a tutor design your learning program.
Home Tutoring
If you are an Ottawa resident, you have several options for studying or taking the IELTS test. If you are interested in studying IELTS in the comfort of your home with a customized program, please check the IELTS Tutor Ottawa page for availability. There you can select a convenient time to study.
Outside of the Home Tutoring
For those that wish to study outside of the home, but still in a private setting, tutorials can be arranged at any nearby public Ottawa library or in the Central Public Library in Ottawa. Drop us a request and we’ll get it arranged.
Taking Classes
At TPS, we encourage you to take classes in IELTS, in addition to TPS tutoring. If you wish to go this route, there are several options. You can take IELTS at many of the local language schools. However, do shop around. Many of them offer "roll-over" programs, meaning that they take in students at any time, even midway through a program. Other than the Algonquin College and St Paul University programs, which are reasonable, the quality of many others is questionable so you might be better off to take an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) class at the University of Ottawa or Ottawa Carlton District School Board (OCDSB). They generally cover skills for a variety of standardized tests. Again, research these IELTS programs well. Just because an IELTS course is offered from a big institution, doesn’t mean that it is the right program for you. Find out what other students are saying about the program. The colleges are generally more reputable places to take classes, but a big disadvantage is that the starting dates may be inflexible and unsuitable for your needs. As for some of the "free IELTS classes” offered at government institutions and volunteer organizations such as churches, I commend the volunteers for their service but can only state that you get what you pay for, and when paying nothing, you often do not get much.
Self-Study
Self-study help in Ottawa is not difficult to find. Your first stop should be at the Ottawa public, college, and university libraries. You can find many good local libraries such as the Rideau and the Rosemount Public Library. The best one is the Main Public Library in Ottawa. There, you can save time and head to the 428 catalogued section of IELTS books. The IELTS test has not significantly changed since 2001 so using an older book will not hurt. Research the difficulty level of the reading and listening practice tests because often they are too easy. This might give you a false sense of confidence - not necessarily good for you in the end.
Test Taking
For those taking the test in Ottawa, there are 4 institutions authorized to give the test. If in the central area, the closest ones are the Conestoga, University of Ottawa Test Venue (IDP) at 75 Laurier Street and Saint Paul University (British Council) venue at 223 Main Street. The other two are at the La Citie Canada College (British Council), located at the University of Carleton and Algonquin College (IDP) , located at 1385 Woodroffe Avenue. For more complete information, go to IELTS test Locations Ottawa
Some students may tell you that examiners at one testing center are better than those at another. This view is often just based on conjecture or rumor. IELTS examiners receive the same training, and all testing material is devised by Cambridge, not the testing center. If by some strange coincidence there are many bad examiners at one testing center, only the writing and speaking tests might be affected. These are the only areas where the quality of the speaking examiner or writing marker could make a difference.
Despite the generic nature of the IELTS test, I would still advise shopping around a bit. Learn what extras the exam center may provide, such as free preparation courses or mock exams. Also, observe the quality of the testing room. How is the lighting in the room? Is there sufficient spacing between examinees and is the exam clock in full view?
Some students may tell you that examiners at one testing center are better than those at another. This view is often just based on conjecture or rumor. IELTS examiners receive the same training, and all testing material is devised by Cambridge, not the testing center. If by some strange coincidence there are many bad examiners at one testing center, only the writing and speaking tests might be affected. These are the only areas where the quality of the speaking examiner or writing marker could make a difference.
Despite the generic nature of the IELTS test, I would still advise shopping around a bit. Learn what extras the exam center may provide, such as free preparation courses or mock exams. Also, observe the quality of the testing room. How is the lighting in the room? Is there sufficient spacing between examinees and is the exam clock in full view?
Online study
If you are looking for online information, browse through our IELTS exam page and get information on study tips, strategies, skills , topics and information on recent exams. I have also posted links to practice exams for listening and reading. As well, I have a page for practice exams in speaking and writing where you can even take a mock test and be scored. There are external links to other sites and blogs such as the Liz IELTS site, the IELTS Blog , the British Council IELTS site and the DCIELTS blog which are all definitely worth visiting.