Practice English on Your Own - Self-Study Ideas and Resources for English Language Learners in Nova Scotia

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Terk

Self-study guide for adult immigrants in Nova Scotia learning English as an additional language (EAL). Provides practical, home-and-community practice ideas organized by Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) listening, speaking, reading, and writing levels, with checklists and examples. Includes guidance on setting personal learning goals, using internet resources, accessing libraries and community supports, and understanding English-language testing and available EAL programs for newcomers, supported by professional resource recommendations and test information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages58

Reading Time2 h 26 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

My English Learning Goals

Canadian Language Benchmarks

CLB Levels 1 to 4

Ideas for Practicing English: CLB Levels 1 to 4

CLB Levels 5 to 8

Ideas for Practicing English: CLB Levels 5 to 8

Reading and Study Tips

Libraries and Community Resources

Websites for Practicing English

Resources for Professionals

Recommended Resources for Learning English

Standardized Tests of English

Language Programs for Newcomers in Nova Scotia

Notes

Your Comments

Practice English on Your Own Self-Study Ideas and Resources for English Language Learners in Nova Scotia This project is funded by Nova Scotia Office of Immigration © 2018 Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) Table of Contents Introduction 3 My English Learning Goals 4 Canadian Language Benchmarks 5 CLB Levels 1 to 4 6 Ideas for Practicing English: CLB Levels 1 to 4 14 CLB Levels 5 to 8 18 Ideas for Practicing English: CLB Levels 5 to 8 26 Reading and Study Tips 29 Libraries and Community Resources 32 Websites for Practicing English 35 Resources for Professionals 39 Recommended Resources for Learning English 44 Standardized Tests of English 45 Language Programs for Newcomers in Nova Scotia 47 Notes 51 Your Comments 55 Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia 1 Practice English on Your Own Introduction Welcome to Nova Scotia! This booklet, Practice English on Your Own, was developed for adult immigrants who are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) . It has been modified from a resource originally developed by the Adult Language Training Branch, Department of Immigration & Multiculturalism, Government of Manitoba. ISANS would like to thank Margaret Pidlaski and her team for their generosity in allowing us to share and modify this resource for EAL learners in Nova Scotia. There are many classroom-based and tutor programs for immigrants in Nova Scotia, but in this booklet you will also find the following: • ideas to practice English on your own, at home and in the community • websites that can help you learn English on the internet • resources to help you learn English • information about tests of English as an Additional Language • EAL programs in Nova Scotia • information about the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) The internet is a valuable resource for practicing English on your own. This guide contains many helpful websites and resources. If you do not have a computer, contact your local library for information about public access internet use. Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) accepts no responsibility for the content or maintenance of the web sites listed in this resource. At the time of printing, they were all active and useful for the purposes identified here. Learning English is not easy and can take a long time. We hope that this resource helps you in your journey to improve your English communication skills. Good Luck! Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) 6960 Mumford Road, Suite 2120 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 4P1 Phone: (902) 423-3607 Toll free in Nova Scotia: 1-866-431-6472 [Website: www.isans.ca](Website: www.isans.ca) Email: [info@isans.ca](info@isans.ca) Practice English on Your Own 2 Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia My English Learning Goals Making goals for learning English is an important thing for learners to do. It will help you to make a plan and reach your goals. Some example goals are: -Understand a news story on television or the radio. -Tell the doctor about a health problem. -Write an email to my boss. Write your goals below: Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia 3 Practice English on Your Own Canadian Language Benchmarks Canadian Language Benchmarks The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) describe what people can do in English in daily communication. They were created by the Canadian government. They cover 4 skills-listening, speaking, reading and writing. In Nova Scotia, government-funded adult English as an Additional Language schools use the CLB for teaching and testing. The CLB is used in adult EAL schools across Canada. It gives information about 12 levels of English listening, speaking, reading and writing. CLB 1 is the lowest level and CLB 12 is the highest. Students at CLB 9 or above usually have enough English for university, college or professional communication. Many post-secondary institutions and e

FAQs

What are Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) used for in Nova Scotia?

CLB describe what learners can do in English for daily communication. In Nova Scotia, CLB are used in government-funded adult EAL schools for both teaching and testing.

How can learners find out their English level in Nova Scotia?

Learn English Nova Scotia (LENS) offers Halifax-based, rural and online CLB assessments, and immigrants are eligible for one free CLBPT assessment. There is also an online reading and writing assessment result that is unofficial.

What practice options does the booklet suggest for different CLB levels?

The booklet provides self-study ideas tailored to CLB Levels 1 to 4 and CLB Levels 5 to 8, plus reading and study tips and resources for practicing English at home and in the community.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Terk