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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 who wish to either take tutoring, self-study the exam or take the IELTS test in Outer Gatineau
In Hull. Alymer and Plateau studying and taking the IELTS test is somewhat difficult since there are fewer places that give training and all the testing centers are in Ottawa. IELTS test preparation is one of the most common programs offered in learning centers throughout Hull and Alymer. We would argue that your time and money is best spent on home tutorials as opposed to group classes, but we do advocate that much of your effort be done through self-study as well. Whatever your chosen course of studies, there are a number of issues to consider.
In Hull. Alymer and Plateau studying and taking the IELTS test is somewhat difficult since there are fewer places that give training and all the testing centers are in Ottawa. IELTS test preparation is one of the most common programs offered in learning centers throughout Hull and Alymer. We would argue that your time and money is best spent on home tutorials as opposed to group classes, but we do advocate that much of your effort be done through self-study as well. Whatever your chosen course of studies, there are a number of issues to consider.
Issues to Consider
The first issue is whether you are sure it is the right test for you. Universities in Canada typically offer 3 choices - IELTS, TOEFL or you can take the foundation ESL program for usually a year. It is beneficial to research all 3 of these options. Bothe IELTS and TOEFL have their advantages and disadvantages. The ESL Foundation choice is not to be ignored if you know your level is low. A course can do little 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, namely the right day(s) to study, the duration, the amount of self-study you are expected to put in towards practicing 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 IELTS parts and its scoring system?
The second issue concerns you. What time commitments are your willing to make, namely the right day(s) to study, the duration, the amount of self-study you are expected to put in towards practicing 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 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 (Bibliotheque) (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 so you could be at any point of a program, 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 quality than learning centers, they often require you to wait for the class starting date and this can be a problem if you are trying to start say in February.
Self Study
Self-study help in Gatineau is not difficult to do if you are willing to make a few worthwhile visits. There are many places that sell IELTS books such as Chapters and Librairie du Soleil. Honestly speaking it may be best to just use these places to see which you like and order them on Amazon under IELTS books. If you can, buy Cambridge IELTS 4-9 books overseas as they are much cheaper.
Before paying out a few hundred for books and such, make your first stop at the Bibliotheque Municipale de Gatineau. There seems to be 4 or 5 in the 428 section there but if you are willing to travel a bit further into Ottawa you can find quite a few at the main library. The IELTS test has not significantly changed since 2001 so having an up to date test is unnecessary. Not only is this a good place for IELTS books but also a range of ESL resources in general. Don't forget that reading simplified English story books and listening to dialogues from ESL textbooks can also be a good way to sharpen test taking skills.
Before paying out a few hundred for books and such, make your first stop at the Bibliotheque Municipale de Gatineau. There seems to be 4 or 5 in the 428 section there but if you are willing to travel a bit further into Ottawa you can find quite a few at the main library. The IELTS test has not significantly changed since 2001 so having an up to date test is unnecessary. Not only is this a good place for IELTS books but also a range of ESL resources in general. Don't forget that reading simplified English story books and listening to dialogues from ESL textbooks can also be a good way to sharpen test taking skills.
Test Taking
There are no IELTS testing centers in Hull, Plateau and Alymer nor in Gatineau city itself 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 at 223 Main Street. Further out are at the Canada College (British Council) situated at the University of Carleton and at Algonquin College at 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 examiners are independently trained by the British Council and IDP, so the quality of an examiner is more dependent on the individual him/herself rather than the testing center. With regards to the listening and reading, it really doesn’t matter where you take since the administration of them is 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 examiners are independently trained by the British Council and IDP, so the quality of an examiner is more dependent on the individual him/herself rather than the testing center. With regards to the listening and reading, it really doesn’t matter where you take since the administration of them is 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 DCIELTS blog which do give you things that are worthwhile for free.