Canadian Language Benchmark Test (CLB) - how to prepare for it?

[emamabd]

Hi All,

I'll be sitting for the english language CLB test in a few days and would like to know more about the exam,if anyone in the forum has gone through this experience before - i'd be grateful if i can find answers to the below:

how long is it? How much time is given for listening/reading/writing/speaking...etc and are there any sources online for sample tests (i searched on google and couldn't find any ...)

I've done IELTS before - but somehow it seems the CLB is different so i'm trying to gather info - so as to know what to expect. Any tips would also be useful,

thanks to all

 

[cec_asp_2014]

HI

You can post this question in IELTS group. You may get some hits on your queries

 

[Loulou79]

Hi there

You can call the new commers centre and ask them for the website where u can practice the rest. I had the test in May, it was very easy. Wayyyyyy easier than the IELTS. I got 7.5 in All the band of IELTS and 8 in all the bands of the Canadian test. The examples of the test posted innthe website are somehow difficult, while the actual test is very straightforward and easy.

 

[Loulou79]

http://www.clb-osa.ca/home

 

[Loulou79]

Speaking and listening are done together with the examiner. I forgot the time for reading and writing, maybe 20 minutes each. For the writing, I asked for an extra 2 minutes. You will be asked to wait , and the results will be given to you withing maximum 10 minutes.

Do not worry, with your English. I am sure you will get the highest score.

 

[emamabd]

Speaking and listening are done together with the examiner. I forgot the time for reading and writing, maybe 20 minutes each. For the writing, I asked for an extra 2 minutes. You will be asked to wait , and the results will be given to you withing maximum 10 minutes.

Do not worry, with your English. I am sure you will get the highest score.

thanks for the website, the details and the encouragment, you made my day

+1 for you

 

[emamabd]

i did the CLB test around 8 days ago, I'll share some tips here based on my own experience, which might be useful for anyone who'll be taking the exam for the first time:

my score was 8 on all parts L/S/R/W...the listening and speaking part were about 20 minutes in total, while the reading and writing tests were 30 minutes each.

CLB is easier than ielts, it takes a lot of preparation to achieve a very high score in IELTS, but the clb test just requires relaxation, avoiding being nervous and high concentration - specially in the listening part - where a brief conversation will be played and you'll be asked to recall the key details.

The remaining parts are quite easy, but its important to keep track of time, in the reading section - there's not enough time to read the whole texts ... but scanning/skimming is enough to answer the questions...the writing part of the test is really basic nothing to worry about here as well. I've observed that the examiners are a bit flexible with time also...a few candidates requested 2 or 5 minutes more to complete their work and were given the time they needed without any issues.

surprisingly, although it says on the web that CLB scores range from 1 to 12, but the examiner informed me that 8 is the highest possible score for CLB

 

[sharat_joshi77]

The remaining parts are quite easy, but its important to keep track of time, in the reading section - there's not enough time to read the whole texts ... but scanning/skimming is enough to answer the questions...the writing part of the test is really basic nothing to worry about here as well. I've observed that the examiners are a bit flexible with time also...a few candidates requested 2 or 5 minutes more to complete their work and were given the time they needed without any issues.

surprisingly, although it says on the web that CLB scores range from 1 to 12, but the examiner informed me that 8 is the highest possible score for CLB

Yes. CLB is much easier than IELTS. Actually, you will see that CLB is not known to many employers. This is only seen by the bridging courses like LINC, COSTI, AccesEmployment etc. if you mention this to any of the employers, 90% chances are they wont know it. I also gave it and realized it after that....
but anyways, its good that you got 8 in all....

 

[kimodz]

Hi All,
In the clb exam:
how many question in the writing test? how it will be?
the speaking test is the same given in the ielts speaking test?

Thanks

 

[Prodip]

this exam is a joke, if you want you could do a basic preparation. I went in without any preparation and got 8

 

[Hasni]

Dear emamabd, thanks for sharing your experience, feeling bit relaxed now. can we repeat this test anytime if needed !

 

[emamabd]

Dear emamabd, thanks for sharing your experience, feeling bit relaxed now. can we repeat this test anytime if needed !

yes you can, but i think you have to wait 6 months to retake.

 

[Hasni]

Dear Emamabd, would you mind sharing your cell no. , want to have few tips for my test which is scheduled tomorrow. Thanks

 

[nimishd]

i am appearing tomorrow for the test .....searching for practice test on line .

 

[Jdunchik]

Please tell me topic starter meant CELPIP exam?