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English on
Your Own
Self-study Ideas for
English Language
Learners
The Adult Language Training (ALT) Branch thanks
everyone who gave feedback and suggestions on this
resource. They were invaluable in preparing this
revised version of Practice English on Your Own: Self-
study Ideas for English Language Learners.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Canadian Language Benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Canadian Language Benchmarks - LEVEL 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Websites for Practising English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Listening Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Reading Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Writing Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Spelling Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Idiom Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Pronunciation Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Dictionaries Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Websites for Professionals and Trades People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Ways to Practise Your Medical English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Ideas for Practising English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
For Learners with Canadian Language Benchmarks 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
For Learners with Canadian Language Benchmarks 5+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Reading and Study Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Public Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Resources to Buy or Borrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Standardized Tests of English as a Second Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Academic English Program for University and College Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . .43
English Proficiency Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Your Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
1
Introduction
Now that you are living in Good luck as you practise your
Manitoba, you have many reasons English communication skills.
to improve your English.
Communicating well in English
will help you be successful at 1 It used to be common to say English as a
Second Language (ESL). Many people are
work and in your community.
starting to say English as an Additional
Language (EAL) instead of ESL because
In Manitoba, there are free adult English may be someone’s third or
English as an Additional language fourth language, not their second.
(EAL)1 classes for newcomers2. For
2 Newcomers are people from other
information about these classes,
countries who have immigrated to
go to the website: Canada. They are also called immigrants.
www.immigratemanitoba.com. Go
to the ‘Learning English’ section 3 A toll free phone number is a long
and then go to the ‘For Learners’ distance number you can call for free.
section. You can also phone 945-
4 A booklet is a small book. This self-study
6300 or 1-800-665-8332 toll free3 in guide is a booklet.
Manitoba.
5 To take charge of something means to
This booklet4 will help you take control, plan, or direct it.
charge of5 your own English
6 Canadian Language Benchmarks describe
learning. It will help you your ability to communicate in English.
understand the Canadian Language The lowest level is 1 and the highest
Benchmarks6, and give you ideas for level is 12.
practising English outside of
7 Learners are students.
class. It will also give you
information about some
standardized EAL tests. The ideas
in this booklet are from adult EAL
teachers and learners7.
2
Canadian Language
Benchmarks
The Canadian Language Benchmarks in an essay3.
2000 (CLB) is used for teaching and
testing in many adult EAL schools in Please remember to bring:
Canada. The CLB describes what
people can do in English. For 1. Your landing papers or
example, if you are at a CLB level 1, permanent resident card or
you can write your name and address. Canadian Citizenship card or
If you are at a CLB level 4, you can Letter of Nomination.
write a paragraph about your future 2. Your Manitoba health card.
plans. If you are at a CLB level 8, you
can write a business letter. CLB Checklists
The next few pages describe what EAL
The Canadian Language learners can do at each CLB level. Put
Benchmark Placement a checkmark4 beside what you can do
Test now. You can also make goals for
Usually, newcomers who want to take yourself. As your English improves,
an EAL class will first take the put a checkmark beside the new
Canadian Language Benchmark things that you can do.
Placement Test (CLBPT). In Winnipeg,
you can make an appointment for this For more information, please go to
test by phoning the Adult Language www.language.ca. You can read the
Training Branch at 945-6300 or 1-800- CLB 2000: English as a Second Language
665-8332. The test usually takes 2-1/2 for Adults document.
or 3 hours. It has three parts: a 1 A CLBPT assessor is someone with
listening/speaking test, a reading test, special training to give the test.
and a writing test.
2 Each question has one correct answer
Listening/speaking test: and several incorrect answers. You must
You will discuss some familiar topics choose the best answer. The website
with a Canadian Language Benchmarks www.testtakingtips.com/test/multiple.htm
Assessor1. You may also listen to a CD gives some tips for writing this kind of
test.
and tell the assessor what the speaker
said. 3 In an essay, you develop your ideas in
several paragraphs. Your first paragraph
Reading: should be an introduction and your final
You will read words, sentences, paragraph should be a conclusion.
paragraphs, and longer texts and
answer multiple choice questions2. You will 4 This is a checkmark: ✓
circle the best answer.
Writing:
There are three parts to the writing
test. In the first part, you will copy
some information. In the second part,
you will write a paragraph. In the third
part, you will develop your ideas more
3
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 1 Listening 1
❏ I can greet people: ❏ I can understand greetings:
4
LEVEL 1
Reading 1 Writing 1
❏ I can read the alphabet. ❏ I can write the alphabet.
❏ I can read:
❏ I can write a short list.
Name
Address
Phone Number
5
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 2 Listening 2
❏ I can answer greetings: ❏ I can understand more
instructions:
Hello, I’m fine. How are you?
Can you show me some ID?
Nice to meet you.
Please write your name on
the line.
6
LEVEL 2
Reading 2 Writing 2
❏ I can read words that I see often. ❏ I can write in a birthday card.
❏ I can read a simple greeting card. ❏ I can copy prices at the store.
7
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 3 Listening 3
❏ I can say a few simple sentences ❏ I know when a greeting is formal
about familiar, everyday topics: my or informal.
work, family, daily activities, health,
the weather, etc. ❏ I can understand short sentences
when you speak slowly.
❏ I can answer simple questions with
single words or short sentences. ❏ I can understand questions about
myself.
❏ I can ask for help or permission.
❏ I can understand instructions
❏ I can ask short, routine questions. including place and measurements.
8
LEVEL 3
Reading 3 Writing 3
❏ I can read and understand a short ❏ I can write a short note or
story or simple news item. message.
❏ I can read words I know in a new ❏ I can copy information from lists or
context. schedules.
9
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 4 Listening 4
❏ I can introduce two people to each ❏ I can understand a conversation
other. on a familiar, everyday topic when
you speak slowly.
❏ I can participate in conversations
that are about what I need and ❏ I know what you are talking about
what I have done. because I understand some words
and phrases.
❏ I can ask and answer many simple
questions. ❏ I can understand many
simple questions.
❏ I can use short sentences to buy
something or talk to the doctor. ❏ I can follow simple oral
instructions.
❏ I can give someone simple
directions. ❏ I can use connecting words like
‘and’, ‘but’, ‘first’, ‘next’ and
❏ I can use the past tense with many ‘because.’
common verbs.
❏ I can follow instructions to find
❏ I have enough vocabulary for something on a map or picture.
everyday conversation.
❏ I can understand a short phone
❏ I use some connecting words message if I know what the topic
between my sentences, like ‘and’, is.
‘but’, ‘first’, ‘next’, and ‘because’.
❏ I ask people to repeat when I don’t
❏ I can use the phone for a very understand.
short conversation.
10
LEVEL 4
Reading 4 Writing 4
❏ I can read a simple story of 2 - 3 ❏ I can write a paragraph about a
paragraphs. personal experience.
11
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 5 Listening 5
❏ I can join in conversations on ❏ I can understand conversations if
familiar topics. people speak slowly.
12
LEVEL 5
13
Canadian Language Benchmarks
15
Canadian Language Benchmarks
16
LEVEL 7
❏ I can read authentic text that is ❏ I can write personal and routine
1 - 2 pages long and moderately business letters.
complex.
❏ I summarize longer texts without
❏ I can locate and integrate, or losing essential information.
compare and contrast information
from a variety of visually complex ❏ I write coherent paragraphs on
sources. familiar, concrete topics with clear
main ideas and some supporting
❏ I read for information, to learn details.
English and develop reading skills.
❏ I have a developing sense of
❏ I am also beginning to read for audience.
pleasure.
❏ I can write 2 - 3 paragraphs to
❏ I can follow everyday instructional narrate a sequence of events or
texts containing 10 - 15 steps. give a detailed description.
❏ I use an English dictionary for ESL ❏ I have fairly good control over
learners. Mostly, I use it for complex structures, spelling and
confirmation and to be precise. sentence mechanics although my
The language I read is both sentences may sound ‘foreign’ to
concrete and abstract, dealing with English readers.
facts, opinions and feelings.
❏ I can write down 7 - 10 points
❏ When I see a new word, I can from a clear, pre-recorded phone
sometimes infer its meaning by the message.
context or by the use of prefixes
and suffixes in the word. ❏ I can complete moderately
complex forms (40 items).
❏ I can paraphrase and summarize
the main points of a story. ❏ I can write a report comparing two
products or describing a process.
17
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 8 Listening 8
❏ I am comfortable speaking about ❏ When someone is speaking, I can
almost any topic that comes up in understand the main points,
normal conversation in social details, purpose, and attitude.
situations or at work.
❏ I can recognize different levels of
❏ I can manage a conversation, formality.
check comprehension, encourage
others and handle minor conflicts. ❏ I can understand some technical
conversations, especially about my
❏ I am able to address large groups line of work.
or participate in group discussions.
❏ I can understand abstract and
❏ I can speak on familiar topics at
complex ideas on a familiar topic.
both concrete and abstract levels
(15 - 20 minutes).
❏ I recognize other people’s moods,
❏ I can present information, give attitudes and feelings.
instructions, propose and
recommend. ❏ I can understand many local
idioms and expressions and can
❏ I can provide descriptions, opinions follow detailed stories of general
and explanations. interest.
18
LEVEL 8
Reading 8 Writing 8
❏ I can follow main ideas, key words ❏ I can write routine business letters
and important details in a text of and personal and formal social
2 - 3 pages on a familiar topic. messages.
19
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 9 Listening 9
❏ I can provide and exchange ❏ When someone speaks clearly and
important information in social in a familiar accent, I can
and academic situations or at understand a broad range of
work. I can prepare a 15 - 30 general interest topics and
minute formal presentation. technical topics in my field. I
sometimes miss some details and
❏ I can help to manage a discussion may not always understand
or debate in a work meeting or humour, infrequently-used idioms,
academic seminar. and cultural references.
20
LEVEL 9
Reading 9 Writing 9
❏ I can read a wide variety of ❏ I can write formal and informal
authentic multipurpose texts: notes or emails to schedule, cancel
newspaper articles, short stories, or reschedule business or academic
novels, academic materials, appointments.
manuals and business documents.
❏ I can write a coherent essay or
❏ I can read clearly written texts of report of 3 - 5 typed pages to
3 - 5 pages on abstract, conceptual present information on a
and technical topics. researched topic.
❏ I can identify and explain a writer’s
❏ I can summarize and convey the
intent and point of view.
main ideas of an article and
❏ I can read formal advisory, support them with details.
instructional texts on familiar
processes and procedures: policy ❏ I can fill out complex and detailed
and procedure manuals, equipment forms with over 40 pieces of
installation manuals, user product required information.
guides and health and safety
advisories. ❏ I can write summary reports of
data, lab inspections or meetings.
❏ I can locate and integrate
information across paragraphs or ❏ I can write outlines or summaries
sections of texts to correctly of material taken from several
interpret and follow instructions sources.
for a familiar process or procedure.
❏ I use paragraphs but my writing
❏ I can understand flow charts, still lacks flexibility in tone and
graphs, pictographs and diagrams style;
and explain them to others in an
alternate way. ❏ Occasionally I still make errors
in grammar and spelling.
❏ I can use several complex sources
of information (reports, charts,
graphs, emails) to complete ❏ I use accepted formats for formal
academic or business tasks and informal documents such as
letters, essays, reports, emails.
❏ I can find a specific piece of
information through a complex ❏ I can proofread and make revisions
search using on-line search to my own work; sometimes i need
engines and libraries. input from others.
21
Canadian Language Benchmarks
Speaking 10 Listening 10
❏ I can obtain, exchange and present ❏ When people speak at a normal
information, ideas and opinions for rate, I can understand most
important social and academic general interest and technical
tasks or at work. topics in my field. I occasionally
miss a topics change and may not
❏ I can prepare a 20 - 40 minute always understand cultural
formal presentation. references and humour, especially
when people speak quickly.
❏ I can manage routine meetings
and discussions or debates in a ❏ I can identify and explain the
small familiar group.
personal attitudes, emotions and
intentions of speaker to one
❏ I can actively participate in
another and to the topic being
business meetings and in social
and academic discussions on discussed.
complex, detailed and abstract
topics. ❏ I can understand 30-60 minute
complex discussions, meetings,
❏ I can persuade, counsel, assess presentations and training sessions
basic needs, or evaluate detailed and extract detailed information,
information in one-on-one routine ideas and opinions.
situations.
❏ I can follow and evaluate the
❏ I can provide complex multi-step organization, development and
instructions for familiar procedures reasoning of a detailed argument.
and processes in demanding and
sometimes stressful situations. ❏ I can understand and critically
evaluate a lot of “unspoken”
❏ I can respond appropriately to information. I can follow extensive
perceived hostility, blame, and detailed oral instructions and
putdowns, sarcasm, lies or carry out multi-step complex
condescension. instructions for a familiar
procedure or process.
❏ I speak fluently and accurately; any
errors in grammar, vocabulary and
pronunciation are not a barrier to
communication.
22
LEVEL 10
Reading 10 Writing 10
❏ I can read a wide variety of complex ❏ I can write effectively for most
multipurpose texts in printed or academic and business tasks and
electronic format: charts, tables, for most audiences: detailed
forms, letters, and research papers. minutes of meetings, conferences
and symposia; faxes, memos;
❏ I sometimes have difficulty with email and reports.
infrequently-used idioms and
cultural references. I can ❏ I can write a complex, research
understand 5 - 10 pages of dense
paper or formal report of 10 typed
complex texts on abstract,
pages. I can write to inform,
conceptual topics, some of which
may be new to me. express opinions and ideas,
communicate solutions and
❏ I can interpret and convert data decisions, present an argument,
from documents such as and persuade.
questionnaires, surveys, schedules,
programs and timetables. ❏ I can fill out complex forms with
over 50 items of required
❏ I can understand and summarize information.
complex instructional texts on
familiar processes and procedures, ❏ I can reproduce complex
even when they are not sequential: information and ideas from several
legal and administrative procedures; sources to prepare reports,
scientific and experimental summaries or abstracts for other
procedures. people to use.
❏ I can locate and interpret
❏ I organize my writing well with
information from several complex
texts, forms, graphs: standard legal only occasional minor errors in
contracts, formal reports, surveys, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and
complex tables and other documents. punctuation.
I can transfer the data to other
business or academic forms or reports. ❏ I can edit and proofread the work
of others.
❏ I can search through several
displays of complex information
and integrate explicit and implied
information.
23
Websites for
Practising English
There are many good websites for learning English as an additional
language. Try the following websites to practise vocabulary, grammar, and
reading. Also try a puzzle, game or quiz. Please note that the Adult
Language Training (ALT) Branch is not responsible for the content of these
websites or third party links.
24
Net Grammar Learning English with the BBC
Grammar activities at various Listening, music, reading,
levels grammar and more
netgrammar.altec.org/ www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/ind
ex.shtml
25
Listening Websites Reading Websites
These websites are helpful for These reading websites have
practising English listening and English reading activities, which
pronunciation. are based on current events and
news from Canada and around the
www.soundsofenglish.org world.
www.englishlistening.com www.breakingnewsenglish.com
www.elllo.org/ www.cbc.ca/ottawa/esl
www.esl-lab.com www.english-zone.com/reading/index.html
English Trailers
Improve your English by watching Writing Websites
movie trailers.
www.english-trailers.com Yes English Guide to Punctuation
Tutorial covering all aspects of
this subject
Radio Listening Websites www.davidap.com
www.eflclub.com/
www.web-pop.com/flashindex.html
www.antimoon.com/other/shaggydog.htm
26
Spelling Websites Dictionaries and
These websites are for anyone Encyclopedias Online
who would like to improve their
spelling in English. AskOxford.com
Online dictionaries from
www.spelling.hemscott.net Oxford University Press
www.askoxford.com
www.say-it-in-english.com
Cambridge Dictionaries Online
Includes Advanced Learners’
Idiom Websites Dictionary
www.dictionary.cambridge.org
ESL Idioms and Slang
www.iteslj.org/links/ESL/Idioms_and_Slang/ Yahoo Dictionary
A source of dictionaries for many
languages
Pronunciation Websites www.dir.yahoo.com/Reference/Dictionaries
27
Websites for also has a medical dictionary.
Professionals and Trades www.medicinenet.com/script/meain/hp.asp
People
Canadian English for Professionals Other Resources for
Website Medical Professionals
This site has information about
communication classes for The Neil John McLean Library at
internationally trained Health Sciences Centre
Engineering Professionals, Anyone can visit and use the
Teachers, and Nurses. resources in this library. You need
www.cefp.ca
a library card to borrow books.
770 Bannatyne Ave. Winnipeg
Canadian English Language
Benchmarks Assessment for Nurses Phone: 204-789-3342
(CELBAN)
If you completed your nursing Health Sciences Centre Bookstore
education in another country and This bookstore sells a wide
you speak English as Additional selection of medical books as well
Language, you may want to take as medical software, clothing, and
this test. For more information, instruments.
see the website. 770 Bannatyne Ave. Winnipeg
www.celban.org
Phone: 204-789-3601
Medline
College of Physicians and Surgeons
This site has tutorials for
practising listening skills and a of Manitoba
medical news section. www.cpsm.mb.ca
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorial.html
The Association of Foreign
English Med Medical Graduates of Manitoba
This site has exercises, animated (AFMGM) has established a
dialogues, and video clips. You collection of resources to help
can have limited access without a
foreign-trained doctors. If you
membership or full access with a
membership. would like to use these resources,
www.englishmed.com please contact:
28
The following books may be Medical Television
helpful: and Radio
Watching television and listening
Educational Commission for Foreign to the radio can be good ways of
Medical Graduates English Test practising your English. You can
Author: Rudman improve your listening skills,
ISBN: 0837350433 expand your vocabulary and
practise your pronunciation.
Building a Medical Vocabulary
Author: Peggy Leonard Medical news stories can be seen
ISBN: 0721699422 on television stations such as
CBC and Global News. More
English in Medicine: A Course in detailed information can be found
Communication Skills on the CBC and Global websites.
Author: Beverly Holmstrvm The CBC website has an area
ISBN: 052159569X called Health and Science where
you can listen to live broadcasts
International Medical Communication of current headlines and news
in English stories (www.cbc.ca).
Author: John Maher
ISBN: 0472081748 There are several medical dramas
and documentaries on television,
Grammar and Writing Skills for the which use medical terminology
Health Profession and medical situations. Some of
Author: Lorraine Villemaire these medical dramas are:
ISBN: 140187374X E.R. (Emergency Room)
House
Medical Investigation
Gray’s Anatomy
Scrubs
29
Ideas for Practising
English
1. Talk to people. You could talk 2. Make a study group. Meet
about: with other English learners
The weather once a week to practise
(It’s snowing again!) speaking. You could all read the
Your children same article or book and then
(How old are your kids? talk about it.
What school do they go 5. Make an English club. Meet
to?) once a month with other
Events in the community English learners and/or first
(How was your garage language speakers for an
sale? Did you go to the activity. You could have a
concert at the community supper club or a movie club.
centre?) You could go on field trips or
Work listen to music together. You
(What do you do?How did could show pictures and talk
you find that job?) about your country. Make sure
Your children's’ school you only speak English.
(How is your son’s
teacher?) 6. Volunteer. Go to a community
centre1 or your children’s school.
2. Invite someone for tea or Ask if you can volunteer. You
coffee. You could talk about can be helpful and practise
life in your country, your family, English.
your life and goals in Canada,
your job, and your free-time 7. Watch television and Listen to
interests. the radio and listen to English
CDs. Relax and try to
3. Listen to the speaker. Did you understand some words. What
understand? Repeat what you is the topic? Listen and repeat
hear to check. the same rhythm and pitch.
30
8. Record yourself speaking 11. Understand the main idea of
English. Listen to your voice. what you read. After you read
How do you sound different for a few minutes, tell yourself
than a first language speaker? the important ideas. Don’t
Many people from other worry if you don’t understand
countries should open their everything.
mouth more and make some
vowels longer. 12. Read children’s books with
your children and talk about
9. Use the Yellow Pages. Call the pictures in English.
204-784-9000. Listen to the
recorded voice. Enter a four- 13. Read signs, flyers2, and
digit number. For example, if maps. Learn the names of the
you enter 6990, you can listen streets you use.
to information about Winnipeg
weather. Enter 6989 for 14. Write a note to friend or
Brandon weather. Look at pages teacher.
13 and 14 in the Yellow Pages
phone book for more 4-digit 15. Keep a journal. Practise
numbers. writing letters and words in
English. Write down highlights3
10. Go to the Library and borrow of your day. Write about your
books for free. Ask about EAL favorite family photographs.
books and kits and bilingual Write about you memories.
books. Ask for a tour of the
library. There is more 16. Write new words that you
information about Winnipeg hear or read. Review the words
libraries on page 38 and on every day. Use the words.
the website:
http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/contact/branc
hes/branches.asp
31
17. Send emails to your friends. 1. To find a community centre in Winnipeg,
enter “community centres Winnipeg” in
18. Write your shopping list in the box on this website:
English. Talk to the cashier at www.google.ca/maps. If you live
the grocery store. Try easy outside of Winnipeg, enter the name of
English recipes. your city or town.
19. Use these phrases: 2. Flyers are papers telling about sales in
Please repeat that. your neighborhood. They are often
What does ____ mean? delivered to your house.
How do you spell ____?
Sorry, I don’t understand. 3. Highlights are the most important things.
For example, you could say “the
20. Practise other phrases you highlight of my day was meeting my
will use in your life. friend at the mall.” This means that
meeting your friend was the best thing
21. Speak English with your about your day.
family a little bit each day.
32
Ideas for Practising
English
For Learners with Canadian Language
Benchmarks 5+
English learners of all levels will benefit from the study ideas listed on
pages 30 to 32. Learners with a CLB 5-8 can also try the following ideas.
33
5. Audit1 a regular university course. 7. Play English Games. Look for
Auditing a course costs about board games2 in a department
half the price of taking the store or a thrift store. Buy a
course. You can phone the deck of cards and then look up
University of Manitoba rules for some common games
(204-474-8880) or the University at www.pagat.com/. You can also
of Winnipeg (204-786-7811) or find some freeware games to
contact a local university in download.
your area for more information.
1. To audit a course means to take the
6. Listen to CBC Radio One (990 on course without getting credit. You can
your am radio dial) to practise go to all the classes and do the
listening. This radio station has assignments, but will not get a grade.
much more dialogue than other You will probably not write the final
stations, and you will hear a exam. The tuition is usually about half
lot of interesting topics. Try the price.
listening with a friend or family
member and then discussing 2. Monopoly is a popular board game where
the topic afterwards. players roll a die and move around a
game board. Scrabble is a popular board
game where players make words and
connect them to other words on the
board. Pictionary and Scattegories are
popular party games. They are played in
teams.
34
Reading and
Study Tips
Make a plan of articles in an English
Think about your week. You might Newspaper.”
be very busy with work, classes,
meals, taking care of your You could use the Canadian
children, or special events. It can Language Benchmarks on pages
sometimes be hard to find time to 4 to 23 set goals. Try setting goals
study English. Making a schedule1 one CLB level higher than your
can help. Schedule some study level now.
time each day. If you like to study
with a partner or a group, set a Keep a record of your goals and
regular meeting time. Find a time your progress. Reward yourself3
and a place where you will not be every time you achieve a goal.
interrupted too much.
“Two months from now, I want to Some people learn best by doing.
use the past tense when I tell They can try drawing pictures and
stories about the past.” diagrams and making things with
their hands.
“When summer comes, I want to
be comfortable making small talk There are many good ways to
with my neighbors.” learn. Choose activities that work
for you.
“In 3 months, I want to be able to
read and understand 90 per cent
35
Tips5 for understanding Read groups of two or three words
and remembering what together. Groups of two or three
you read words have more meaning than
Before you read, look at the title, single words.
pictures, and headings6. Can you
guess the topic and main ideas? If you don’t know a word, say the
This prepares your mind to learn. word out loud. Maybe you will
know the meaning if you hear it.
Underline7 or highlight8 important
ideas. If you don’t know a word, read the
sentence it comes from and try to
Draw pictures and diagrams about guess the meaning.
important ideas.
Remember that you don’t always
Write notes about the text. need to understand every word.
36
Tips for Learning New 4. Flashcards are pieces of paper with words
Vocabulary or phrases on them. Use them to learn
new words or important information.
Write down important new words
you hear and read. Keep a
5. A tip is a suggestion.
vocabulary journal.
6. Textbooks and newspaper articles have
Use flashcards to practise; write a
one main title. Smaller sections of the
new word or expression on one
text also have titles, called headings.
side of a piece of paper or an
Use the heading to quickly find the
index card. Write the definition, or
topic of the section.
draw a picture on the other side.
Review your words regularly. You
7. Underline means to draw a line under
can even practise on the bus or
the word.
during a coffee break.
8. Highlight means to use a coloured pen,
Use your new words in
to identify important words and ideas.
conversation and in writing.
37
Public Libraries
If you live in Winnipeg, you can borrow books for free from any branch of
the Winnipeg Public Library. If you live outside of Winnipeg and want to
borrow resources from the Winnipeg Public Library, you can get a Non-
Resident Card for an annual fee. Some rural municipalities will give some
or all of this fee back to you.
The library has a variety of materials you can borrow including books,
audio books, magazines, CDs, videos, and DVDs. Some branches have
books in different languages.
West End
823 Ellice Avenue West
38
West Kildonan
365 Jefferson Avenue
Canadian Library Directory
Westwood Links to select libraries
66 Allard Avenue throughout Manitoba and all of
Canada
Windsor Park www.canadianculture.com/librarie
955 Cottonwood Road s.html
Munroe www.lists.webjunction.org/libweb/
489 London Street Canada_main.html
Fort Garry
1360 Pembina Highway
Henderson
1-1050 Henderson Highway
Louis Riel
1168 Dakota Street
39
Resources to Buy or Borrow
40
range from a benchmark 2 to
about a benchmark 5 or 6.
41
Standardized Tests of English
as a Second Language
Canadian Language Benchmarks CLBPT test results are used by
Placement Test classroom teachers as a starting
www.language.ca point for the lessons. All
government funded Adult EAL
This is a streamlined assessment programs use the CLB as guide
tool for CLB levels 1-8 for low for teaching. Classroom teachers
stakes purposes only, i.e., results will assess student’s proficiency
should not be used for hiring or periodically throughout the term.
post secondary admissions. At the end of the course or at the
Results from the CLBPT can end of the school year, the
inform decisions about readiness student receives a report. It gives
of the learner and be included as CLB exit scores. If a student
one of several indicators for leaves the course before the end,
potential success on the job, in he/she can ask the teacher for exit
an academic setting or in scores.
vocational training.
Do CLB levels Predict
In the CLBPT, the four skills Success?
(listening, speaking, reading and Although CLB levels can assist in
writing) are assessed through a making informed decisions about
number of task-based activities. readiness and potential for
This is the tool used for success on the job and in post
placement in Adult EAL classes in secondary programs, it is
Manitoba. Test takers are important to be aware that CLB
reminded that the assessment is levels are only one indicator of
not a grammar or vocabulary test. success. The CLB was meant to
It is a test to find out what a open doors; to allow immigrants
person can do in English. There is access to educational and
no need to prepare or be nervous employment opportunities that
about taking the test. In may have been denied to them
Manitoba, after the assessment, due to an unclear expectation of
an assessor will discuss the the level of English language
results with the test taker and proficiency required. Other
together they will decide which factors can compensate for lack of
program or class is the most EAL skills such as EAL supports
appropriate for the student. while in training or on the job,
skill level (background knowledge
in the subject matter, trade or
42
profession), motivation, and the descriptions and scoring of the
opportunity to use the first standardized language tests.
language. The University of Winnipeg
admission requirements are found at:
Academic English www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/internationa
Program for University l-engprofrqmts.
and College Entrance Students can show results from the
Academic English Program for following tests: TOEFL, CanTEST,
University and College Entrance IELTS, CPE, MELAB or CAEL.
(AEPUCE) is not a test but a high The University of Manitoba has the
level English for academic entrance requirements posted on
purposes course offered at the this website:
University of Winnipeg, the www.umanitoba.ca/student/admiss
University of Manitoba and Red ions/international/english/. U of M
River College. It is a bridge course also accepts results from the tests
to university and college listed above.
admissions. The course enables
potential college and university
students to improve their CLBA - Canadian Language
academic communication skills. Benchmarks Assessment
www.language.ca
On successful completion,
students will have met the English This is the original test developed
requirements for the University of when the CLB was introduced in
Manitoba, the University of Canada. The four skills (listening,
Winnipeg and Red River College. speaking, reading and writing) are
assessed through a number of task-
English Proficiency Tests based activities. This is the tool
The following summary provides used for placement in many Adult
some basic information about EAL classes in other provinces.
some of the most commonly used This test can take up to 4 hours.
English proficiency tests. It is not There is an online version being
a comprehensive list and it is developed for use abroad.
intended as an introduction to
language proficiency tests and not
as an endorsement of the tests or
their use. Please refer to the
websites for the most current
information about costs, test sites,
43
CELBAN - Canadian English TOEFL - Test of English as a
Language Benchmarks Assessment Foreign Language
for Nurses www.ets.org/toefl/
www.celban.org
TOEFL measures the ability of
This is the first national, non-native speakers of English to
occupation specific, CLB use and understand North
referenced assessment tool. American English as it is used in
CELBAN is endorsed by most of college and university settings.
the licensing bodies that license This test is required by many
nurses in Canada. There is a universities in Canada. TOEFL has
readiness self-assessment recently changed the test to be
available online. more communicative, i.e. to
measure someone’s effectiveness
in using the language. It is now
the TOEFL Internet Based Test
CanTEST - Canadian Test of English (TOEFL iBT). The new TOEFL
for Scholars and Trainees became available in Canada on
www.cantest.uottawa.ca October 22nd, 2005 and will be
available worldwide in 2006. There
There are several versions of this
are numerous preparation courses
test. The Centre for Canadian
and resources available.
Language Benchmarks endorses
the CLB aligned versions of the
CanTEST. These versions establish
TOEIC - Test of English for
a relationship between
International Communication
achievement on CanTEST and
www.ets.org/toeic
CLB levels 7-11. The test is
suitable for academic and TOEIC measures the everyday
professional purposes such as English skills of people working in
university admission, profession an international environment.
accreditation and vocational There are two sections to the test,
training. It includes all four skill listening and reading. There are
areas and takes just less than TOEIC preparation books
three hours to complete. It is available.
available at Red River College
(institutional version), the
University of Manitoba and the
University of Winnipeg.
44
IELTS - International English An optional speaking test is also
Language Testing System available. A variety of English
www.ielts.org/ language learning materials is
available at bookstores and
This is a Citizenship and
libraries.
Immigration (CIC) approved test
and is used by British universities
to assess the proficiency of
TOWES - Test of Workplace
applicants whose first language is
Essential Skills
not English. There is a
www.towes.com
speaking/listening section, a
reading section and 2 writing TOWES assesses essential skill
tasks. There are some specimen competencies in the areas of
materials available. The test is not reading text, document use and
available in Manitoba. There are numeracy. Test results are
only 4 test sites in Canada. correlated to the 5-point scale
used in the International Adult
Literacy Survey (IALS) and by
CAEL - Canadian Academic English Human Resources and Skills
Language Development Canada (HRSDC) to
www.cael.ca determine the complexity or
difficulty of tasks associated with
CAEL assessment approximates
specific occupations. TOWES is
the experience of joining a first
different from other tests because
year introductory university
it uses authentic documents -
course. There is an oral
such as catalogues, order forms,
assessment, a taped lecture to
labels, and schematics - as source
listen to, some reading tasks and
material. Questions range in
essay writing task on the topic of
difficulty and mimic actual
the test itself. There are practise
workplace tasks by having the test
materials online.
taker assume the role of a worker
who needs to use information
embedded in documents. To
MELAB - Michigan English
support the development of
Language Assessment Battery
essential skills, the creators of
www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/melab.htm
TOWES have developed
The MELAB consists of three curriculum and training plans
parts: a composition, a listening designed to address skill gaps.
test, and a written test containing
grammar, cloze, vocabulary, and
reading comprehension problems.
45
CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in CELPIP - Canadian English
English Language Proficiency Index
www.cambridgeesol.org/index.htm Program
www.ares.ubc.ca/CELPIP/
Cambridge ESOL exams include a
range of assessment tools. The Citizenship and Immigration
exams are linked to the Common Canada (CIC) has approved the
European Framework of Reference CELPIP tests as measures of
for Languages, published by the English language proficiency, and
Council of Europe. There are awards immigration points based
several general English tests as upon CELPIP test score levels. It
well as the CAE (Certificate in was developed at the University of
Advanced English), an advanced British Columbia and is a set of
exam, and the CPE (Certificate of computer-delivered English
Proficiency in English) which is a language proficiency tests used to
very advanced level exam. assess functional skills in English
Cambridge also has a skills-based for listening, speaking, reading,
assessment called CELS and writing. There are two test
(Certificates in English Language types. A general assessment of
Skills), which provides modular proficiency levels consists of five
assessments of the four English parts and is based on everyday
language skills (listening, reading, general reading and writing tasks.
writing, speaking). There are some This general assessment is
Business English certificates and accepted by CIC and suitable for
the YLE (Cambridge Young use in certain post-secondary and
Learners English Tests) which is employment training programs in
assessment of English of children which functional reading and
between the ages of 7 and 12. writing skills are required. The
other test is the Academic
assessment for testing the
proficiency of beginning college or
university-level reading and
writing. The academic test
consists of four subtests:
sentence structure, reading
comprehension, English usage,
and essay writing. The test is
available only in British Columbia
and China.
46
Your Comments
This is the second version of Practise English on Your Own: Self Study Ideas for
English Language Learners and we intend to revise it for future editions.
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47
4. Was it useful to include the CLB pages? ❍ Yes ❍ No
If yes, why? If no, why not?
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6. What are your suggestions for changes or additions to the next edition?
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7. Other comments:
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48
For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
Adult Language Training Branch
5th floor – 213 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1N3
Telephone: 204-945-0351
Fax: 204-948-2148
Toll free: 1-800-665-8332
Email: joanne.pettis@gov.mb.ca
Website: www.immigratemanitoba.com
March 2007