₦airaland Forum

ayandee:
I'm in the same situation. I maxed out my ielts score( LWSR 8.5,7.5,8,9) and having noticed that crs draws have been on 450 for some time, I started learning french from scratch since 1st April. I got a private tutor (not cheap, but I am determined). We hold 3 classes per week (Monday 1hr, Tuesday 2hrs, Thursday 2hrs). Most times, he exceeds the hours. I do a lot of learning on my own too. I watch easy French, rfi, tv5monde, watch French in action videos, all on youtube. I also downloaded some TEF materials from this thread. I had to read this thread from the beginning and I've been following quietly for some time.

Now, I can read to an extent. Listening is still an issue, a big one. I think French people talk too fast. But I still practise listening daily even though I can only pick a few words. My teacher encourages me to listen all the same. I listen while driving, cooking and whenever I have some spare time. I've started practising speaking too. We hold 20minutes french conversation (he talks, i just listen) at the beginning of each class. He talks about world politics, the society etc. After conversation, we do grammar. Last week, he introduced role play after grammar lesson (e.g buying stuffs from shops, asking and giving directions, just simple everyday stuff).

I also joined Duolingo, a French meet up club in Lagos. We watched a movie last month (Les tontons flinguers). Another meeting is coming up this weekend and they would be discussing "les couleurs" and " Les vetements".

I am still learning and simply enjoying myself while at it. I still have a lot to learn. For books, I got Bescherrelle for French verbs, French dictionary and few novels. I downloaded Schaum's outline on French grammar. Be ready to use a lot of internet data. For now, I do not "economise" on data.

My teacher says 8months is doable depending on how well I immerse myself. I'll join Alliance Francais TEF class before taking the exam. No date in mind yet as it's such a humbling journey.

Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing this...

You're doing great with the immersion. Well done. If you can lay your hands on short stories (for kids) in French, I found them very helpful for improving my reading and writing.
Many of us probably can't recall what it took us to learn our first language, but I suspect it involved reading a few kiddies' books and short novels.
Best wishes.

Detreasure:
Hello All Great TEFarians
I'm very glad to be here and will like to express a sincere appreciation to every contributor(s) on this thread. May we all achieve our individual heart desires.
Please myself and my spouse are intending to stat the EE process soon. After evaluating our scores using the CRS tools we discovered that we fall below the 450 points which is about the average points score according to the current trends in the draw. Hence, we discovered that if we try TEF exams and passed at 7 CLB on all 4 areas, we will be well above 470 points which is more than enough to receive ITA as of now.
My spouse will be our PA because of my age, but She will start from scratch as to French language.
Questions:
1. Is 8 months reasonably possible to learn, write and pass the TEF exams with a 7 CLB?
2. I'm planning on writing the TEF too, does my own result also count? I asked because the CRS tools only requests for PA's second language.
3. Is there any learning group we can join immediately?
4. What resources (Video or Books) can you recommend for a complete beginner (Newbs/Rookie)?
5. Can I evaluate only my HND and BCS IT certificate as two or more certificate?
Thank you as you assist with your advice.

Note: We are planning to ace IELTS as well.

Hi...best wishes on this journey. While its true the dependant spouse gets no additional CRS points for being bilingual, I think being comfortable with both English and French would increase your attractiveness to potential employers.
So, keep at it! Meilleurs voeux.

Question 5: to qualify for "2 or more certificates", one of them should have involved studies of at least three years...like a Bachelors degree.
If your HND does...you should be good. Unfortunately, you might not know for sure until you have the certificates assessed.

Mamaroon:
Merci DM. Thanks for the fait divers tip. I think what did me in last time was that they said a "biche" entered a supermarket...I didn't know the word....I guess I should have just formulated an outrageous ending....found out later it means doe

For the essay, I'm ashamed to say I didn't use counterargument technique even though we had discussed it here and AY even gave a link saying it's the style of writing in French. My AF prep tutor had a different view and I just went with his view. I think it's a factor for me to adapt in the next attempt.

I'm indebted...thanks.

Mine was during Exp Orale: we were asked to convince a friend de passer le weekend dans une yourte. Na the picture save me - had no idea yourte na tent!

I think the counter argument style works. First paragraph is the intro, tell the editor why you are writing. 2nd paragraph, acknowledge the other side. 3rd paragraph, present your own position using connectors (par contre, en revanche, etc). 4th paragraph summarize and conclude, maybe by sharing a personal experience. It kinda worked for me, really.

Mamaroon:
Thanks DM.

CRS moved from 431 to 434 (my previous TEF attempt was updated).... ....I can't even laugh well...in these days of 450!!!!

What must I do to move from CLB 5 to CLB 7 in EE? I actually thought I did well with the letter (maybe not). I wonder if AF can critique one's past paper?

So...with the CLB7 and above, na the heights of 460+ you go de? Wow!
You have to give it another shot.

Spend some more time reading fait divers stories - I think the more you read them, the better your writing becomes. As for the essay, did you try introducing some counter arguments before arguing your position? Like acknowledging reasons why tourism may indeed make all countries similar, before listing the reasons why you think countries are still unique...?

Mamaroon:
merci et bonne chance a vous....we live to try again

That's the spirit, @Mamaroon!
You have come too far to close shop...

Mamaroon:
Ok peeps. So it's some good news and some not so good news

CE 242 C1 CLB8 3 points
CO 267 B2 CLB7 3 points
EE 267 B1 CLB5 1 point (abeg who I offend )
EO 339 B2 CLB7 3 points

NJ, DanMisla I need epp, una fit tutor me for this EE. I feel like giving up but in reality I can't quit.

I thought I could do a DanMisla and go for French as first language but I need CLB 7 in all....any other way out?

You did brilliantly. Na EE come fall hand small...
But, you can't quit na.
How does this change your overall CRS scores though?

Hello folks,
I wonder if anyone has written about their experience with additional medical tests.
I've provided samples to rule out TB; been scrolling through the last threads but haven't seen anyone carrying a similar cross.

etrange:
Oh yes. It's actual cool if you asked me. Once people hear TEF could boost their score, they quickly run to AF to do the exam hoping they'd luckily pass. This has increased the rate of failure. Asides the fact that candidates waste their money, it'd not be good for the reputation of AF if it's said that they only collect people's cash for the sake of it. Besides, that will no do any good to our statistics when French ministry of education releases the statistics of TEF results by country. Lol.

If one is really preparing for TEF (targeting B2), being tested for B1 shouldn't be a problem. I don't think AF is saying you should have DELF B1 certificate, they are only saying your French should be at B1 level, at least, before you attempt the exam.

OK.

Mamaroon:
Yes na!!! 160k is not beans

...but B1 is 1 point so they are still right because anything less than B1 gives zero points so why allow someone to spend money and get zero points for it....after waiting for 8 weeks o.

Wey our PPR na?....this Ontario people should take time o!

He he he he!
Na their money Abegggiiii!

Ontario don answer me since.
PPR ke? My AOR is mid-April. I don go renew gym membership...

Mamaroon:
Yep! My AF tutor and the AF Director were discussing this during one of my classes...I guess they feel it's not ok to charge so much when many people get A1 and A2...

What like their conscience de worry dem?

There are some people that wish to write TEF with the hope that a CLB 7 or 8 somewhere can give them the 4pts they need to get an ITA. Anyway, if Lagos no gree...PH or Abuja still de...

etrange:
Hello everyone! It's your guy, etrange.

So I've got good news for those sitting for TEF in Lagos. The one month preparatory class is now free for those who can make it to their new headquarters! The slots are limited though and it's on a first-come-first-server bases. Hurry now!

For our fellow francophiles typing in French above, please, remember not to use accents so aunty spam butts will not catch you!


_{Let me go back to my prayers for those awaiting their results and those yet to write.}

B1 Level required to sit the exam?

Mamaroon:
Not yet o...I tiya

Oh shucks...they aren't upping their game sha...

Mummychichi:
Mamaroonnnnnnn how far?

E don comot?
:-)

peek:
I mean when you applied for the PNP online before invitation to apply. Abi am the one not getting you. Am new...
And which program is FSSW

FSSW: French-Speaking Skilled Workers stream

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-express-entry-french-speaking-skilled-worker-stream

This is one of the "passive" ones...they have to invite you (send a Notification of Interest) before you complete the online application.

peek:
Please when did you drop your EOI for OINP abeg

I got the NOI 8 Feb and applied 20 Feb.

BootyliciousHon:
Wow congrats! You were fast with your submission. I wish you all the best...we will all get the dream PPR in the end...one way or another. Congrats again!

Many thanks.
I had everything ready after completing the OINP application.
Hv you submitted?

Bellerin:
Won't be long. God's speed and loads of success to you. Happy Easter holidays!

Merci 1000 fois.
T'amuse bien...

Like @BootyliciousHon, 600pts finally came though.

Ontario nominated me last week (FSSW), I got ITA on Wed and submitted yesterday. Hopefully, I didn't miss anything important.
And so, the long wait's begun.

Thanks to everyone for your help. Happy Easter holidays!

BootyliciousHon:
Hi all, seems I will no longer be needing TEF. Just got a provincial nomination. Bonne chance à tous!

Congrats!! Brilliant news!
You probably don't need TEF again, unless your own nomination nobi 600pts!
Best wishes with the ITA (hopefully today, yeah?) and the rest of the process.

babiechic:
please can I choose French as my first language if I pass TEF exams more than IELTS?

you should...

Mamaroon:
Merci mes amis !

Enfin...c'est fini

April, June...peeps...Courage !

Best wishes Mamaroon!

Bonne chance @Mamaroon!
Like play, like play.
You have our best wishes. Come back n gist us how your take scatter...

Mamaroon:
Bon

Le 30 mars est arrivee!
Bonne chance a tous.

#CandidatDuTEF

Hi folks,
I hear results and attestation for the 05/Feb TEF exam in PH was ready by 15/Mar.
Maybe CCI has stepped up their game.

Congrats NJ!
Thanks for all your support and encouragement to folks in the TEF thread. You've been simple brilliant.
Best wishes as you complete the final rites here.
En esperant que tu ne nous quittes pas trop vite...

njbybrthnly:
Hi guys and gals, it's COPR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still can't believe it. COPR dey my hand! The packaging alone o...very sexy. Me likey. God has been so goooooood.

My timeline below:
Decision to Migrate: Since I started thinking independently, finally took the bull by the horns January 2018
IELTS: Feb 10, 2018 LRSW - 9 9 7.5 7.5
ECA: WES March 26,2018 (Bachelors degree)
Dive into the Pool: March 26, 2018 CRS - 420
Birthday: CRS - 415
TEF: October 10, 2018 CO CE EO EE - 256(B2) 227(B2) 346(B2) 327(B2) (CRS 457 )
ITA: December 12, 2018
AOR: December 14, 2018
MEP/BIL: January 24, 2019
Biometrics Updated: January 25, 2019
PPR: February 20, 2019 (dated February 19, 2019)
Passports submitted: February 20, 2019 (via courier)
COPR received: March 20,2019
Family of 5

PPR testimonies have always inspired me. I'm not one for many words but here goes:

Congrats @njbybrthnly on your COPR!
Best wishes!!!

I wrote last December. There was little or no prep time.
When I got the attestation, I noticed we are evaluated for our response to situations "prevues ou imprevues".
It would be nice to have some prep time, but you could expect not to have any...

Bonne chance!!!

Scard:
My dear, the jacking is not here oh. I have made up my mind to write April 29th, as it is the only to really test where I am.

There are times I feel on top of the roof like I'm going to score C2 all the way, but there are times I wonder whats up with me. In all I will say I am making progress.

For those who have taken the exam this year, did they give the 10-15mins preparation time for speaking? Because, towards the end of last year, there were complaints about it not being given.

Well done @Mamaroon and everyone else, and all the best in your Mar 30 exam.

Please January and February peeps, don't do this to us naa, come and share your experiences so we can learn a thing or 2

For added motivation...

Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities:
https://novascotiaimmigration.com/move-here/labour-market-priorities/

Criteria for the March 20, 2019 draw are as follows:

Have selected French as their first official language and have a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 7 or higher in French in all language abilities.
Have English as a second official language with a Canadian Language Benchmark score of 5 or higher in English in all language abilities.
Hold a bachelor’s degree OR have completed a program of three or more years at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute.
Candidates who submitted an expression of interest to the Express Entry pool on or after September 20, 2018.
*Candidates must include copies of both language tests and proof of education to meet a bachelor’s degree or higher with their application.

Mamaroon:
Come come come.....

So because:
NJ has gotten PPR
Etrange has ITA
DanMisla is doing Ontario
Ayboye has gotten a job
Na only Bellerin still dey

.....sooooo nobody wants to talk again ABI!!! Issorai

Ok o..... me I'm a March 30 candidate. AF have moved from yaba...they say we may write our exam in Ikeja.

For EE I'm cramming everything from address to how to introduce yourself....intro at the beginning and the summary paragraph...leaving my worries to be reduced to the actual 3 arguments depending on the topic on the day.

AF prep classes have been useful. They are 9 to 3pm starting the first weekend of the month of each TEF exam.

Mariah? How did it go in Feb?
Scard? How jacking?
BootyliciousHon? Did you decide to write in the end?

A tous....bonne chance! Courage...

....et joyeux semaine de la langue francaise et de la francophonie

Salut @Mamaroon!!
Lovely update. March 30 no far again ooo! All the best. You sound like you have a great plan - nothing do you. You have our best wishes.

NJ must be incredibly busy packing. Etrange/Ayboye too. Me, I full ground - before Ontario PNP comes through...then ITA. My journey still far.

Seems you have nothing to lose...

BootyliciousHon:
No fee required to apply

Best wishes as you prepare, Scard.
I remember at my centre we debated before the exam whether or not to start Section B with the addresses. I didn't eventually and scored ok in EE. I won't worry too much about the addresses - but if you do include them, you'd need to make sure the spellings, format, et al are correct.
Secondly, while it obviously depends on your comfort levels, you really don't have to use that many complex sentences. Short, punchy and active sentences are just as fine, I think. Where you can use a variety of verbs, you should. And throw in different tenses where possible (imparfait, PC, subjontif, gerondif), to demonstrate your knowledge.
Bonne chance!

Scard:
Well done everyone for your various contributions to this group. It continues to be a tremendous source of help to me, and I'm sure so many others.

So, I have been able to break down the writing into bite size using the Section B format.

Name and address of both sender and recipient
Solid introduction and conclusion
Use of connecting words
Arrangement of Paragraphs.

For the above, I would say I am making good progress. However, the only major challenge now is the actual sentence construction. I am realising that writing single simple sentences is far different from writing complex sentences that forms an essay or journal. I pray I am able to get around that pretty quickly.

I have to be careful now.
Your post really got me laughing. Well done!

Mamaroon:
vous avez utilise les accents...NL en a efface

Fantastic news!!! Thanks for being such an inspiration here, @njbybrthnly. You deserve all the good news, including a speedy route to PPR!
Hopefully, the headache has gone down a bit now. :-)
Congrats!

njbybrthnly:
Hi guys. I hope we're all progressing along steadily in our studies for the French exam. I have a few words that may encourage us even more:







I HAVE GOTTEN PPR!!!!!!!!!!!!
AOR: December 14, 2018
PPR: February 20, 2019

I remember when my TEF results came out, hubby always used to say that our app processing time will be very short because Canada is looking for bilingual people . I just used to nod in agreement but it's like IRCC decided to prove him right o.

That aside though, I give God all the glory. He has come through for me in a very specific way (honestly I feel like before now He had left me in the care of His angels and then sometime last year, He singled me out and decided to place His hand on my head...blessings upandan, left, right and centre) and I didn't even need to beg and cry. First, with the TEF (which I did as a trial run not knowing He had other plans), and now this, PPR in 9 weeks 5 days post-AOR, with loads of other blessings inbetween. Words can't express how grateful I feel right now.

So, in case you're looking for something extra to motivate you, let's test my oga's theory which states that, EE applications with good IELTS and additional points from TEF/TCF results have a very short processing time

Who knows? Hubby might be on to something . Let's keep at it guys, you could be next.

_{I'm so overwhelmed that my head is even paining me}