The CELPIP Success Podcast

Building a new habit can feel like a monumental challenge, even when it comes to things we know are good for us, like exercise or improving our English skills. In this episode, I dive into my own struggles with two very different habits: stretching, which is crucial for my chronic back pain, and writing, something I’m passionate about but have trouble committing to. I’ve recently discovered a simp...

Struggling with repetition in your speech? You're not alone, and today we're diving deep into how to tackle this common issue. We’ll explore practical strategies to help you break free from overusing certain words and phrases, especially when it comes to speaking tasks in the CELPIP exam. One standout technique we discuss is "pre thinking," a method that encourages you to anticipate situations you...

In this episode I'm breaking down some key takeaways from a CELPIP webinar I watched recently about Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions. One of the key takeaways is that it's totally acceptable to rely on "going to" and "will" when making predictions about what’s happening in the picture. I also emphasize the importance of providing clear location details to help the test rater and your listeners...

Stepping out of your comfort zone is what you need to be doing to improve your English and CELPIP. In this episode, I talk about why pushing past that familiar bubble of safety is crucial for your growth. After 17 years of teaching, I've seen time and again that the folks who dare to engage in conversations—mistakes and all—are the ones who progress the fastest. I’m also sharing my own journey of...

Immigration can be a humbling experience, as Ana Canseco shares in our episode today. She reflects on her journey of moving to Canada, where despite having a law degree from Mexico, she found herself navigating unexpected challenges, from working as a telemarketer to realizing that she needed to go back to school. This episode dives deep into the emotional and practical readiness required for immi...

If you've ever found yourself racing against the clock during the reading section of the CELPIP exam, you're definitely not alone. Today, we dive into the essential skill of scanning, which can be a game-changer for your test performance. Instead of getting bogged down by every word, we’ll explore how to effectively hunt for key details like names, dates, and statistics that the questions specific...

Stop stressing about that CELPIP score! Focusing solely on chasing a specific number can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, you should be concentrating on building your English skills through real-life use and conversation. By tracking how often you engage in English each day, you can see real progress that will ultimately reflect in your test scores. Stop aiming for a perfect score...

If you're on the hunt for the best way to improve your speaking skills for the CELPIP, this episode is just what you need. Ready for a surprise? The answer is not more study time! The real secret to stronger speaking skills that will give you stronger CELPIP test results come from more time connecting with others in real conversations! Today I also tackle a FAQ from a reader about how long you sho...

This episode tackles the deep connection between our self-confidence and your ability to speak English fluently. We'll explore how negative experiences—like embarrassing mistakes or awkward moments—can really knock us down and make us hesitate to use our English again. I share some personal stories, drawing from my own struggles, to emphasize that you're not alone in feeling this way. We’ll also d...

Building self-confidence is crucial for improving your fluency skills and achieving better CELPIP scores. In this episode, we dive deep into how a lack of confidence can hold you back from using your English effectively, ultimately stalling your progress. Research indicates that a staggering 70% of students often struggle with self-confidence when it comes to their English skills. Today, we're exp...

Mindset plays a crucial role in how we engage in conversations, especially when it comes to using our English skills. I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences as an introvert learning Spanish, and I’ve noticed that without making a conscious decision to participate, I often find myself lingering on the outskirts of discussions. This tendency of not participating in conversations happening around...

Feeling stuck and overwhelmed? You’re definitely not alone, and today, we’re diving into a super simple strategy that can help you break free from that cycle that will take you just five minutes. I'll be talking about how small actions like a brief 2 or 3 minute conversation, can help you get moving forward again. It’s all about starting small. By following a few actionable steps, you can shift yo...

Many test-takers find themselves frustrated when they struggle to achieve the CELPIP scores they desire, especially when it seems like others breeze through without any preparation. This episode dives into the harsh realities of the CELPIP exam and will help you think carefully about the claims of people who "seem" to succeed effortlessly on the test, while most others have to work hard for good r...

Feeling mentally blocked or freezing when speaking English can be so discouraging, especially during the CELPIP exam. Today, I dive into some solid strategies to help you break through those barriers and improve your fluency. The key takeaway? Embrace the discomfort of stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just a mini step. I share practical tips to engage in more conversations, like as...

Finding enough time in our busy lives to prepare for the CELPIP exam can feel like an uphill battle, but you're not alone in this struggle. We all have the same 24 hours, yet how we fill them varies significantly, impacting our outcomes. In this episode, we'll dive deep into the challenge of competing priorities—balancing responsibilities like work, family, and personal goals while ensuring we car...

You gotta focus on making the most of your time, not just cramming more into your already packed schedule. It’s all about finding ways to combine your English and CELPIP prep into what you're already doing each day, so you don’t feel like you're adding to your plate. Think about your commute, breaks, or even what you watch on TV. In today's episode, we’re diving into how you can turn those moments...

This episode dives into the importance of actively recognizing your accomplishments, especially when it comes to language learning and preparing for the CELPIP exam. We explore how taking the time to jot down what went well this week, what you're currently working on, and any new ideas you'll try to use in the coming week, can transform your perspective and offer some badly needed encouragement wh...

Feeling the pressure of generating ideas on the CELPIP speaking tasks? You’re not alone! A lot of test takers freeze up when the clock starts ticking, struggling to come up with something to say in just 30 seconds. This episode dives deep into practical strategies to help you overcome that anxiety and start brainstorming effectively. We’ll explore three engaging activities to boost your creativity...

If you're working to increase your CELPIP speaking skills from an 8 to a 10, then you’re in the right place! Today, we dive into practical strategies that can help you make that happen. One of the most crucial things we discuss is the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. We all know it can feel intimidating to take risks, whether it’s speaking up in meetings or volunteering for present...

Today, I'll tackle a crucial question from a listener about the best way to prepare for the CELPIP exam. The main takeaway? Focus on your weakest skill, especially if speaking is where you struggle the most. Instead of compartmentalizing your English practice, integrate it into your daily life—whether through hobbies, work, or conversations with native speakers. I also emphasize the importance of...

Fear of public speaking is a common struggle, with around 75% of people experiencing it at some point. If you're feeling anxious about using your English, you're definitely not alone in this—many share this fear. In today’s podcast, I’m diving into four practical strategies to help you tackle that fear head-on and boost your confidence for speaking, especially when it comes to the CELPIP exam. We’...

Did you know that listening to podcasts at faster speeds might actually help you pay attention better? This episode dives right into the nitty-gritty of listening speed, encouraging you to experiment with speeds like 1.5x to see if it helps you stay focused on what you're listening to. I'll explore a study that shows students who listened to lectures at faster speeds were more engaged and less lik...

Active listening plays a crucial role in effectively engaging in conversations, especially when you’re learning English. In today's episode, we'll dive into the differences between passive and active listening, emphasizing how the latter demands your full attention and focus on the details being communicated. While passive listening helps you grasp general ideas, it often leaves you floundering wh...

Becoming an effective note taker is a game changer for boosting your CELPIP listening scores, and I’m all in on this belief. If you're aiming to elevate your score from a 6 to a 9, mastering the art of note-taking could be what makes all the difference for you. Today I dive into why this skill not only improves your test performance but also transforms your overall ability to listen and understand...

Building your attention span is important, especially when you're gearing up for something like the CELPIP exam. Today, we're diving into three practical strategies that you can start using right now to sharpen your focus and improve your listening skills. These tips will not only help you in your exam prep but also in everyday listening situations as well. Let’s get into it! Takeaways: Create ded...