Common Questions
I would like to change to a different EAL school. Do I need a new assessment?
You may not need a new assessment to change to another school or EAL program. If you completed a full or part time term at one school, you may receive a report from that school about your progress in English with your new CLB scores. You can then make an appointment at WELARC for a referral to a new EAL school.
Some schools can do an internal transfer from one program to another. You can always ask your teacher about the rules for that program.
If you change schools in the middle of a term, it may not be possible for you to receive an exit report from the school you are leaving. In that case, WELARC can make a new referral based on your previous assessment.
How can I find out about other EAL schools and classes in Winnipeg?
Your teacher may be able to tell you about the other schools and classes in Winnipeg. You can phone the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) (943-5387) to talk to one of the assessors. They can help you choose the school or course that will best fit your plans and goals.
You can also find information about EAL classes on the Manitoba Government website at www.immigratemanitoba.com.
My English is better than my friend's English, but he/she is at a higher level. How did this happen?
It's difficult to know another person's language level. Most people are placed in class according to Listening and Speaking levels. Sometimes people have language skills that aren't easy for other learners to see. Confidence is difficult to measure, but plays a big part in one's ability to communicate.
Your friend may be able to read or write more English. Maybe your friend is more comfortable using English than you are. Maybe your friend uses more complex sentences or has more vocabulary than you do.
If you want to know what you need to move up to the next level, ask your teacher. Your teacher can tell you what you do well and what you need to improve.
I studied English in my home country. Why am I having trouble communicating in Canada?
Canadian English and the way Canadians communicate may be different from your home country. For example, Canadians have a different accent and may use different vocabulary, expressions and idioms that may be new to you.
How long will it take for me to move up one CLB level?
There are many factors that affect how quickly someone can learn language. Things such as the number of years of education, length of time in class, time spent practicing and studying English outside class time, difference between first language and English, motivation, age, etc. are all factors to consider.
Every student learns at a different speed.
Do I need to take a new test if I want to take a job training course?
Most Private and Technical Colleges will have their own process for testing your readiness to enter their program. They may ask you to prove your English language proficiency, but they should not ask you for your Canadian Language Benchmarks.
However, at the end of a term of EAL, your teacher, who has seen your work in class, will give you a report on your progress. In some circumstances, you may be able to use that report for entrance to a job training program if they need to know about your English language readiness for study.
I need a higher benchmark level to be accepted into a training program. Can my teacher change the number for me?
The Benchmark levels that your teacher gives you are not just numbers. They are a way to describe your skills. Each Benchmark number is linked to things that someone at that level can do. Your teacher has carefully matched your language skills to the standards that are used by teachers and assessors across Canada.
The important thing, when entering a training program of any kind, is that you have the skills you need to be successful.
The teacher will give you an honest assessment of what you can do based on what she/he sees in class every day. If you would like to read more about the Canadian Language Benchmarks, you can find them on the website at www.language.ca
Someday I want to take a training course or high school courses. How will I know when my English level is high enough to do that?
Different training programs need different skills and levels of English for entrance. The best thing to do is to talk to the school about the course that you want to take. Ask about what is required to start the course.
Some training courses or schools have decided what Benchmark level is necessary to start the course. These schools have carefully looked at what is needed to be successful in the classes. They consider:
- How students use English in the course and on the job once the course is finished
- The reading that students must do (text books and exams)
- The listening and speaking that students and teachers will do in class
- The writing that is needed in class and on tests and exams
If you would like some help making choices to prepare for your education, you could talk to an education counsellor. The Immigrant Centre, Adult Education Services can help (www.icmanitoba.com). Phone 943-9158 and ask for an appointment with the education counsellor.
If my language level is high enough to enter a course, does that mean that I will be successful?
Success in a course depends on more than just language. Many things affect our success. Factors such as previous education, training or experience in the field, the level of motivation and study skills also influence what happens. Time available for study, family pressures and stress are also important factors.
How soon can I take another Canadian Language Benchmark Test?
If you had an assessment in the last year but have not taken any EAL classes, your language skills are likely to stay the same. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure you go to the right EAL classes for you to meet your goals. If the best placement can be determined without another assessment, then we will refer you to a suitable program.
