My Experience in Calgary: Preparation, Challenges, and Re-Evaluation

• Test Location and Scores:

  • I took the test last week in Calgary.

  • My scores:

    • Listening: 12

    • Writing: 11

    • Speaking: 10 (after re-evaluation)

    • Reading: 10

• Speaking Re-Evaluation:

  • Initially, I was given an 8 in Speaking.

  • I was certain I deserved a higher score, so I submitted a re-evaluation request.

  • After 72 hours, my score increased by 2 points to 10.

• Preparation:

  • I purchased and completed 11 sets of practice tests from the CELPIP website.

  • I focused heavily on Listening because even with 4 mistakes, your score can drop below 10.

  • My Listening and Reading scores consistently ranged between 10 and 12 during practice, giving me confidence that I was ready.

• Exam Day Challenges:

  • Listening:

    • This section was much harder than any practice test I had taken.

    • From the very first question, the options were similar, the vocabulary was difficult, and the passages were complex.

    • I had to guess on at least six questions, using a 50/50 approach.

    • Fortunately, some test questions are ungraded, and I was lucky overall.

  • Reading:

    • The passages were straightforward except for Reading Task 3, which was more difficult.

    • I guessed on two questions in that section.

  • Writing:

    • This section was fine for me, as the practice questions prepared me well.

  • Speaking:

    • I spoke well until Task 6 and felt confident.

    • Task 7 was a repeated question I had practiced, but I got flustered and didn’t perform well.

    • Task 8 had unusual images, which made it a bit challenging, but I managed to give average responses.

• Advice for Others:

  • If you believe your score doesn’t reflect your performance, don’t hesitate to request a re-evaluation—it can make a difference.

  • Sometimes, an unqualified evaluator might grade you initially, so standing up for yourself can pay off.

Shared by Reza