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 simple but effective method that’s really helped me stick to my daily stretching routine: setting a reminder on my phone and tracking my progress.

This approach can easily be adapted for anyone looking to make time for CELPIP prep or any other practice.

So, if you’ve been finding it tough to incorporate those important habits into your life, stick around and listen to today's episode—I'm sharing practical strategies that can help you take real steps forward!

Takeaways:

• Building a new habit can feel overwhelmingly hard, even when it's something you want to do.
• Setting a daily reminder can effectively help you stay consistent with your practice.
• Start small with your practice; even dedicating just two minutes can lead to significant progress.
• Tracking your habits can keep you motivated and help you see your improvement over time.
• Don't be discouraged by setbacks; simply pick up your habit where you left off and keep going.
• Finding a way to make your practice enjoyable or meaningful can boost your commitment to it.

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 might need to talk about and rehearse your responses in advance. This way, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also boost your confidence in expressing your ideas more fluidly. So, if you're ready to minimize repetition and maximize your speaking effectiveness, tune in for some actionable insights that might just change the way you communicate!

Takeaways:

• Repetition in language use can be a comfort zone trap; breaking free requires conscious effort.
• Utilizing pre-thinking strategies helps prepare for spontaneous speaking tasks and reduces repetition.
• Practicing vocabulary in everyday situations can increase fluency and minimize the urge to repeat phrases.
• Engaging in real-world conversations forces you to adapt and expand your language skills effectively.
• Identifying gaps in your vocabulary is essential for improving fluency and avoiding repetitive language use.
• Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for language development; take risks with your English regularly.

Links referenced in this episode:

Gretchen McCulloch's post mentioning "Pre-Thinking." - 12 Ways to stop freezing up when you try to speak a second language

Previous Podcast Episode: How To Stop Overusing Words and Phrases in English To Get A Higher CELPIP Score

My LinkedIn video post where I take a giant risk and post my first video.

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 in general, visualize the scene better.

Additionally, I'll explore how short, natural conclusions are perfectly fine, as they can add a nice touch to your responses.

Lastly, I will discuss the value of connecting elements together in the image you are describing, illustrating how one action can lead to another, creating a more engaging narrative in your description.

Takeaways:

• Using 'going to' and 'will' frequently is perfectly acceptable for making predictions in speaking task four.
• Specifying the location of subjects in your description helps the listener understand your context better.
• Short conclusions are valid as long as they feel natural and not rushed in the speaking task.
• Connecting elements in the picture can create a narrative, showing how actions impact each other.
• It's crucial to be aware that learning French for immigration requires substantial time and effort, not a quick fix.
• Maximizing your English proficiency before considering French is essential for a successful immigration strategy.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Speaking Task 4 Webinar (From the official CELPIP YouTube channel.)
• Rattandeep Singh, RCIC post about French as your immigration pathway.
• Dr. Veronica Sepher's comment
• How long it takes to learn French: AllianceFrancaise and Create Career College.