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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Information on taking the IELTS exam in Winnipeg and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying IELTS.
Winnipeg
Manitoba |
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TPS - IELTS Exam Prep in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has a number of places to take the test and they are listed in our IELTS test locations for Winnipeg site. To my knowledge, 4 organizations run the test: The British Council, Heartland International English School, Conestoga, and Robertson College. Another option is to take the IDP Online Test (online and can be done at home anytime) but this is only for the Academic Test.
Group Classes
I always encourage test takers to prepare with both group classes and one-on-one tutoring. Some of the more reputable places include Red River College Polytechnic. MITT Winnipeg South. Brandon University and Balmoral Hall School.
Self-Study
Exhaust the free resources at the Winnipeg public libraries before going out to buy IELTS books. There are IELTS prep books. Do not worry about picking up an older book since the IELTS test has not significantly changed since 2001. You can buy newer versions at or just pay them a visit, see what you like and then order them on Amazon under “IELTS books”. There are a number you can sign out. The best books to get are the Cambridge official test books but the other big names such as Barrons, Princeton and Kaplan all have their merits and weaknesses.YouTube has a umber of IELTS prep videos and even practice tests. Be wary of gimmicky YouTube sites that promise high scores or to "crack the code". While strategies and test taking skills are crucial, a large component of the test is your English proficiency so miracle tips may not be as magical as they seem to be. Test takers must work hard, even to increase one band level.
Questions to Ask Yourself
1) Do I really need to take the IELTS?
There are a growing number of options besides the IELTS for many institutions. For example, those taking the IELTS for immigration purposes can also now select the General CELPIP test. Those applying for University have the option of taking TOEFL (or in some cases the Academic CELPIP). Another option is taking the time to go through an ESL program. An IELTS class is suited for those in the Band 5-6 or intermediate to an upper intermediate category. It is not a course for those still in the upper elementary or pre-intermediate range because at these levels a student still needs to work at their foundation in vocabulary and grammar (and others) before specializing in an academic test.
2) Do I have the time and commitment?
It is easy to commit yourself to an ambitious program of tutorials in the beginning, but you have to sustain this motivation and energy, This can be hard to do when you have other things going on in your life. Plan your study journey wisely, giving yourself enough time to adequately prepare, and taking into account that self-study will be as important to you as the tutorials.
3) How much do I know about this test and my own strengths and weaknesses in it?
If you browse around this site, learn about the content, structure, scoring of the IETS test and take a few practice tests, you can then see which areas give you the most difficulty. This will be very helpful in your conversations with your tutor.
There are a growing number of options besides the IELTS for many institutions. For example, those taking the IELTS for immigration purposes can also now select the General CELPIP test. Those applying for University have the option of taking TOEFL (or in some cases the Academic CELPIP). Another option is taking the time to go through an ESL program. An IELTS class is suited for those in the Band 5-6 or intermediate to an upper intermediate category. It is not a course for those still in the upper elementary or pre-intermediate range because at these levels a student still needs to work at their foundation in vocabulary and grammar (and others) before specializing in an academic test.
2) Do I have the time and commitment?
It is easy to commit yourself to an ambitious program of tutorials in the beginning, but you have to sustain this motivation and energy, This can be hard to do when you have other things going on in your life. Plan your study journey wisely, giving yourself enough time to adequately prepare, and taking into account that self-study will be as important to you as the tutorials.
3) How much do I know about this test and my own strengths and weaknesses in it?
If you browse around this site, learn about the content, structure, scoring of the IETS test and take a few practice tests, you can then see which areas give you the most difficulty. This will be very helpful in your conversations with your tutor.
Home Tutoring
If you are not willing to drive or take the bus out to and prefer studying in comfort and with more efficiency, please check out the IELTS Tutor Ottawa (Nepean) page and see the available courses. If not yet sure what a course involves, look at the IELTS courses and the registration page and see whether it fits your needs.
Outside the Home Tutoring
For some, studying outside their homes is a better alternative, yet they still would rather have a one-on-one class. In this case, tutorials can be arranged and students and tutors can meet outside. To do this through TPS, please send in a request. Unfortunately, booking private meeting rooms at the public library is not free and limited to a few locations. However, we can still arrange tutorials in the library as a low-volume conversation in certain areas is common and accepted by the staff.
Online
For those less familiar with the IELTS exam, it may be useful to visit the IELTS exam page for study tips. It includes strategies, skills and 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 absolutely free. I also have some external links to other sites and blogs such as the official IELTS Practice Site, Liz IELTS, British Council and IELTS Blog.