|
Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Information on taking the IELTS exam in Gatineau Hull, Alymer or Plateau and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying IELTS in Gatineau Hull, Alymer and Plateau.
Gatineau
Quebec |
TPS - IELTS Exam Prep in Outer Gatineau (Hull, Alymer, Plateau)
This page is meant as an information source for students in Hull/Aylmer/Plateau who wish to take tutoring lessons, self-study the exam, or take the IELTS test in Outer Gatineau.
In Hull, Aylmer, and Plateau, studying and taking the IELTS test is difficult as there are fewer places providing training and all the test centers are in Ottawa. Home tutorials are more worth your time and money, and we advocate that self-study is important. No matter what is your chosen course of study, there are a number of issues to consider.
In Hull, Aylmer, and Plateau, studying and taking the IELTS test is difficult as there are fewer places providing training and all the test centers are in Ottawa. Home tutorials are more worth your time and money, and we advocate that self-study is important. No matter what is your chosen course of study, there are a number of issues to consider.
Issues to Consider
The first issue to consider is whether the test is the right test for you. Universities in Canada typically offer 3 choices: IELTS, TOEFL, or the ESL Foundation program (usually for a year). It is recommended to research all 3 of these options. Both IELTS and TOEFL have their advantages and disadvantages. You should not ignore the ESL Foundation choice if you know your level is low. A course cannot do much for you if you have not yet developed enough high-frequency vocabulary or basic grammar structures to function with the reading and listening demands.
The second issue concerns you. What time commitments are your willing to make: which day(s) to study, the duration, the amount of self-study you are expected to put in towards practice tests and doing Task 1 and 2 writings? Have you reduced the time a tutor needs to tell you about the test by doing a bit of research about the IELTS parts and its scoring system?
The second issue concerns you. What time commitments are your willing to make: which day(s) to study, the duration, the amount of self-study you are expected to put in towards practice tests and doing Task 1 and 2 writings? Have you reduced the time a tutor needs to tell you about the test by doing a bit of research about the IELTS parts and its scoring system?
Home Tutoring
The most comfortable and efficient way to study IELTS is in the comfort of your home, with a customized program. Please check the IELTS Tutor Outer Gatineau page to see what is open. Look at the IELTS courses page to see if it fits your needs and the registration page if you decide to book a time.
Outside of the Home Tutoring
There is another option if you prefer to study outside of the home but still receive a custom-made program, tutorials can be arranged at TPS and conducted at any nearby Gatineau Public Library (the best one at Bibliothèque Guy-Sanche on 855, boulevard de la Gappe).
Taking Classes
It is difficult to find learning centers in Gatineau for IELTS training, so Ottawa is your best bet. There are seemingly hundreds of learning centers that provide IELTS classes in Ottawa but shop around. Typically such programs are roll-over programs that give non-sequential lessons, which is a problem because a good program should be structured and sequential. There are colleges such as Algonquin College and learning center ILAC that offer more structured programs. While colleges are generally better than learning centers, they often require you to wait for the class starting date.
Self Study
Self-study help books in Gatineau are not too difficult to find. There are many places that sell IELTS books (Chapters and Librairie du Soleil). It may be better to look them up in these stores, then order them on Amazon under the section IELTS books. If you can, buy Cambridge IELTS 4-9 books overseas as they are much cheaper.
Before shelling out a few hundred dollars on books, visit the Bibliotheque Municipale de Gatineau. There are 4 or 5 IELTS books in the 428 section there, and you can also find them in the main library in Ottawa. The IELTS test has not changed significantly since 2001, so finding an up to date test is unnecessary. The library is not only a good place to find IELTS books, but also to find ESL resources. Reading English storybooks and listening to dialogues from ESL textbooks can also be a good way to sharpen language skills.
Before shelling out a few hundred dollars on books, visit the Bibliotheque Municipale de Gatineau. There are 4 or 5 IELTS books in the 428 section there, and you can also find them in the main library in Ottawa. The IELTS test has not changed significantly since 2001, so finding an up to date test is unnecessary. The library is not only a good place to find IELTS books, but also to find ESL resources. Reading English storybooks and listening to dialogues from ESL textbooks can also be a good way to sharpen language skills.
Test Taking
There are no IELTS testing centers in Hull, Plateau, and Alymer, or Gatineau, but there are 4 testing centers in Ottawa. The nearest ones are the Conestoga: University of Ottawa Test Venue (IDP) on 75 Laurier Street and Saint Paul University (British Council) venue on 223 Main Street. Further out are at the Canada College (British Council) situated at the University of Carleton and at Algonquin College on 1385 Woodroffe Avenue. To get specific addresses and information on these locations, go to IELTS test Locations Ottawa.
You may wish to ask other test takers about the quality of the venue for IELTS. It is common to read comments about the quality of the speaking examiners of one venue to the other, but keep in mind that the British Council and the IDP independently train the examiners. The quality of an examiner is more dependent on the individual him/herself rather than the testing center. It doesn't matter where you take the listening and the reading tests, as the administration of them are the same.
You may wish to ask other test takers about the quality of the venue for IELTS. It is common to read comments about the quality of the speaking examiners of one venue to the other, but keep in mind that the British Council and the IDP independently train the examiners. The quality of an examiner is more dependent on the individual him/herself rather than the testing center. It doesn't matter where you take the listening and the reading tests, as the administration of them are the same.
Online
Go through our IELTS exam page for information on study tips, strategies, skills and topics, and the most current exams. On this site, you can also find practice exams in listening and reading and as well, some speaking and writing tests you can take and through e-mail you can receive a score. There are external links to other sites and blogs such as the IELTS Essentials site, the IELTS Blog and the DC IELTS blog which do give you things that are worthwhile for free.