Hey Pal,

😴Are you tired?

😴😴Are you exhausted?

😴😴😴Are you drained?

Those three words ALMOST mean the same thing, however, there is a difference in the severity of each. Here's the deal with CELPIP, if you want to get a high score, you need to start slowly increasing your vocabulary.

Word Choice in CELPIP is Important!

Sometimes, your word choice can bring down your CELPIP score in CELPIP speaking and writing, you can't use the same words again and again. In CELPIP Speaking and Writing, you need to use a variety of words. This blog post is going to teach you how to upgrade your CELPIP vocabulary so you can score higher and secure your place in Canada!

CELPIP speaking scores

Check out that picture above. As you can see, there is a difference between a 9 and a 10, and part of that is down to vocabulary used!

If you want a score 12 in CELPIP speaking, you need to:

😁Use a very board range of concrete and abstract language

If you want a score 10 in CELPIP speaking, you need to:

🙂Use a range of concrete and abstract language

However, if you want a score 6 in CELPIP speaking, you need to:

🙃Use common words

Read that again. With your current level of English, what score are you hitting? Are you using concrete and abstract language or are you still using common words? Check out this video:

By using some of the words that are in that video, you can certainly jump from a 6 to a 7 to an 8 and all the way up to a 10 (of course you need more than JUST words, but it's a start).

CELPIP Vocabulary Examples: From Basic to Advanced

Use 'Exhausted' in CELPIP Writing Task 1 (Write an email)

• I woke up early to let the technican into my apartment. However, they didn't appear. I was exhausted all day at work.

• Becuase I got up early to let the technican into my apartment, I was exhausted all day at work and found it hard to concentrate.

• Because my airplane seat did not recline, I couldn't sleep and I was exhausted when I finally arrived at my destination.

Use 'Drained' in CELPIP Speaking Task 2 (A personal experience)

• After that hike, I was absoutely drained, I feel asleep so fast that night.

• I remember returning home from Wonderland and I was drained!

• I finally completed the marathon and of course, I was drained after, but i twas 100% worth it.

Why Being Safe is Actually Dangerous

I know you might want to use words like 'happy' or 'sad' - and believe me, these are perfectly good words - but in CELPIP speaking and writing, you might want to consider using some other words to describe how you feel.

For instance, if you are answering CELPIP Speaking Task 1 and you say something like:

• I was so sad when I failed my first college exam (score = 6)

You will get a decent score, but here's how you could get a higher score:

• I was devestated when I failed my first college exam (score = 9+)

What's the difference between 'sad' and 'devestated'? Devestated is just a higher level of sadness compared to sad - it's that simple! The safe option (sad) is not always the best option. Does this mean I can't say 'sad' in CELPIP? No, you 100% can say sad in your CELPIP exam, but maybe it's time to start trying to increase your CELPIP vocabulary and start using some alternatives and to start using them naturally, not robotically.

I don't sound natural using these words

That's because they are new for you. Whenever you start using something new, you never sound natural. You need to give it time. I've given you some ways to pracftice below:

Questions

• When is the last time you were elated?

• When is the last time you were freezing?

• When is the last time you were petrified?

• When is the last time you were furious?

Answers

• The last time I was elated was when...

• The last time I was freezing was when...

• The last time I was petrified was when...

• The last time I was furious was when...

When you do this, you are using the target vocabulary. I know, it's weird at first. However, as time goes on you will start using these words more naturally.

Where can I learn more of these?

Don't worry, I got your back. I've created a Playlist on my YouTube channel which goes through different ways to say the same thing. Check out the playlist here:

The Golden Rule: Balance Is Everything

Don't only used advanced vocabulary in CELPIP, you need to have a good balance.

1. Learn in Groups - Not Isolation

   Whenever you learn a new word, try to find some OTHER ways of saying it.

   Tired - Exhausted - Drained - Pooped (slang!)

2. Practice USING the new words

   Whenever you practice for CELPIP, try to use some of the new advanced words. Not all of them, only some of them. Use them in your daily life, make them more natural for you!

3. DON'T OVERUSE THEM

   Do not, 100% do not use them in EVERY sentence you say or write. This will bring down your score. You need to have a BALANCE!

4. Record your Answers

   Whenever you pactice for CELPIP speaking, record your answers. Listen back and try to identify some of the more advanced vocabulary that you used.

I need more help with CELPIP speaking

Well you are in the right place. My name is Ronan and I have everything you need to get a high score in CELPIP speaking for only $10.

I put together all my knowledge for CELPIP speaking into this one nifty workbook for you! This workbook is only $10 and is the perfect way to kick-start your CELPIP journey, all you have to do is hit the button below 🙂

And that is it for today my friends. It's coming up on 8am in BC and I'm about to take my friend's dog for a walk. When I'm out, I'll probably come up with more ideas for helping you ace the CELPIP exam. For now, practice using new words in CELPIP and secure your place in Canada!

Bye for now,

Ronan

THE CELPIP TEACHER