How to build arguments
Speaking on the spot can certainly be stressful. But your response still needs a clear structure, even when you are improvising…
Alena Kopalina
An examiner’s perspective
Articles by Alena Kopalina: An examiner’s perspective.
What natural speech looks like at B2
Language exams are all about assessment criteria. Test designers describe them in detail; for TCF/TEF, it is best to consult the CEFR directly. Most people know that grammar, vocabulary and linking words will be assessed.
A certificate is not a guarantee of peace of mind
A case worth knowing about — to stay informed, not to panic. A former student gave me permission to share her story without identifying her. It is an unusual situation that may be useful to anyone preparing for exams or who has already taken them. She received an invitation to apply from IRCC, gathered her documents, submitted the application and waited for it to be processed.
Why does your speech fall apart?
Why does your writing fall apart even when it contains no errors? One student and I once joked that my corrections were competing with ChatGPT, after he sent me a text thoroughly edited by AI. Everything looked flawless: the vocabulary was good, and so was the grammar.
Grammar in speech
Today I want to discuss a persistent concern. It is one of the most frequent and pressing questions in lessons and exam preparation: how important is grammar, and how should you demonstrate it? Many people build their speaking preparation around grammar…
CLB-7 ≠ B2
If you are preparing for language tests for Canadian immigration, you are 100% familiar with the claim that CLB-7 equals B2 on the European CEFR scale. At least, that is what all those neatly arranged equivalency tables tell us. You look at them…
Which is easier: TEF or TCF?
Before deciding which exam is easier, we need to ask: easier for whom? The answer depends on each person’s circumstances.
A personalized TEF/TCF preparation plan
Today I will share some thoughts on creating an individual study plan to make the preparation process…
The key to successful TCF and TEF preparation
When looking for the ideal strategy, it is especially important to understand the drawbacks of each approach, not just the benefits. Those drawbacks often arise when…
The ideal strategy for preparing for TEF and TCF
Is it possible to develop a universal strategy that guarantees success on the first try? Let's figure it out together.