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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
Information on Taking the TOEFL exam and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying in Ottawa (Kanata & Goulbourn).
Ottawa
Ontario |
TPS - TOEFL Exam Prep in Ottawa, Kanata & Goulbourn
In Ottawa, studying and taking the TOEFL test is relatively easy since there is no shortage of services. TOEFL classes, which used to be quite numerous are harder to find now but the good news is that TOEFL self-study material are probably the easiest to obtain; there are loads of it in bookstores, libraries and online. Be sure that you get IBT TOEFL resources and not the older paper based test (PBT).
Issues to consider before registering for TOEFL rather than IELTS
Your decision to take TOEFL as opposed to IELTS may result from a number of different issues.
1) You have taken IELTS and find it frustrating. This occurs often, and there are many that feel that TOEFL may give a more objective assessment particularly in the area of speaking where the assessor judges a recording rather than attempts to assess and invigilate at the same time. You may find that TOEFL gives an equivalent score but at least it is more precise in a quantitative way (eg perhaps having a 79 is more telling than a band 6).
2) You are not afraid of giving answers to a computer. This means you do not mind typing in an essay or speaking answers to a computer. If this makes you feel nervous, do not take TOEFL.
3) You do not mind time pressure in the exam. Every standardized test has time pressure but TOEFL seems to rush you a lot in the speaking and task 2 section. for example in speaking you get only 15 seconds to prepare for part 1 & 2. The essay in task 2 is 30 minutes as opposed to 40 minutes in IELTS.
4) Your listening is perhaps your strongest sub-skill. TOEFL is an integrated test meaning its writing (Task 1) and speaking (parts 3-6) also require listening skills to respond.
5) You feel spelling is a weakness. In TOEFL, aside from the writing section, there are no questions that require you to key in short answers, unlike IELTS where incorrect spelling in the reading and listening sections can cost you marks.
6) You are good at multiple choice questions. If you have good deduction skills in multiple choice questions, you may find TOEFL a better test, since listening and reading are tested in this way.
7) You are budget conscious. TOEFL is a cheaper test at $245 instead of IELTS' price of $295. It may not seem that much, but if you take the test many times, then this price difference can add up a lot.
1) You have taken IELTS and find it frustrating. This occurs often, and there are many that feel that TOEFL may give a more objective assessment particularly in the area of speaking where the assessor judges a recording rather than attempts to assess and invigilate at the same time. You may find that TOEFL gives an equivalent score but at least it is more precise in a quantitative way (eg perhaps having a 79 is more telling than a band 6).
2) You are not afraid of giving answers to a computer. This means you do not mind typing in an essay or speaking answers to a computer. If this makes you feel nervous, do not take TOEFL.
3) You do not mind time pressure in the exam. Every standardized test has time pressure but TOEFL seems to rush you a lot in the speaking and task 2 section. for example in speaking you get only 15 seconds to prepare for part 1 & 2. The essay in task 2 is 30 minutes as opposed to 40 minutes in IELTS.
4) Your listening is perhaps your strongest sub-skill. TOEFL is an integrated test meaning its writing (Task 1) and speaking (parts 3-6) also require listening skills to respond.
5) You feel spelling is a weakness. In TOEFL, aside from the writing section, there are no questions that require you to key in short answers, unlike IELTS where incorrect spelling in the reading and listening sections can cost you marks.
6) You are good at multiple choice questions. If you have good deduction skills in multiple choice questions, you may find TOEFL a better test, since listening and reading are tested in this way.
7) You are budget conscious. TOEFL is a cheaper test at $245 instead of IELTS' price of $295. It may not seem that much, but if you take the test many times, then this price difference can add up a lot.
Home Tutoring
The most comfortable and efficient way to study it is in the comfort of your home, with a customized program, please check the TOEFL Tutor Katana and Goulbourn page to see what is open. Look at the IELTS courses page to see if it fits your needs and the registration page.
Outside of the Home Tutoring
If you would rather take lessons outside of you home, but with a one-on-one, tailor made, program, lessons can be set up at TPS and conducted at any nearby Ottawa Public library or Community center. These classes would be in a private room booked in advance. Please send in a request to arrange this.
Self-Study
There are many places that sell TOEFL books such as Chapters. Honestly speaking, it may be best to just use these places to see which you like and order them on Amazon under TOEFL books. If you can, buy your TOEFL textbooks overseas as they are much cheaper. Your first stop should be at the Ottawa Public library as there are many TOEFL books on the shelves. Make sure you get IBT resources, and if doing practice tests, you will need a program software to practice it since practicing it on paper is practically useless.
Taking Classes
There are many centers providing TOEFL classes but make sure they are fully equipped to teach IBT TOEFL with a computer program. Avoid roll-over classes that enroll students at any point of a program because it means you may be entering in on the mid-way point and made to practice the test without being really ready to take it.
Test Taking
There is a testing center in Katana and it is the only place to take the TOEFL test in Ottawa. It is at 450 March Rd Suite #101. I have listed times and dates. Currently you can register online at the ETS website (just register as a new user) and find out the updated dates (you need to sign up to see the exact locations).
The TOEFL test is slightly cheaper than IELTS at $245.
The TOEFL test is slightly cheaper than IELTS at $245.
Online
Go through our TOEFL exam page for information on study tips, and a blog with strategies, with skills and topics and the most current exams. Check out pages on practice exams in speaking and writing where you can take some simulation writing tests that you can take and through e-mail you can receive a score. There are external links to other sites such as Exam English, English Club and Wikipedia.