If you’re a newcomer to Canada, there’s a fun way for you to test your language skills. Depending on where you live, English and/or French are the languages you’ll need to navigate everyday life, meet new people, and interact with your colleagues at work, or talk to your peers at school, if you’re here as a student.
If so, a fun way to polish and test your language capabilities is to check out a series of handy quizzes that will test your grammar and syntax, punctuation, spelling, style and writing conventions, and vocabulary.
Available in both English and French, the quizzes on the Government of Canada’s Language Portal also have a vast general knowledge section, offering people the chance to brush up and test their familiarity with Canada’s rich heritage and diverse cultures.
With topics ranging from the country’s official languages and national anthems to its multicultural societies, including First Nations, people of French settler origin (known as Acadians), and its Black and Asian communities, the site is a treasure trove of information for people looking to understand Canada just a little deeper.
It’s also a great place to get a sneak peek into Canadian holidays, literature, and many rites of passage that young children go through, including the challenges they might face at school or university.
Also read: Language training options for newcomers and why it matters
The portal also features a Language Navigator that allows you to clear up any doubts you might have about languages or writing in English and French. Users of the site can either search for answers through keywords or by theme.
So, the next time you want to test your language skills or gain knowledge of what makes Canada the country it is today, do check out the site, and see how you get on!
Language proficiency in Canada
With English and French being Canada’s official languages, newcomers who plan on immigrating to the country need to show proficiency in at least one of them. Applicants who show proficiency in both languages have a significantly better chance of moving to the country.
People looking to migrate to Canada can give either the CELPIP or IELTS exam as proof of English language proficiency, while French-language tests include the TEF (Test d’évaluation de Français) or the TCF (Test de connaissance du Français).
Also read: Canadian Language Benchmarks standard, and what it means to newcomers
Before writing your exam, you can also use the CLB-OSA online self-assessment tool or a self-assessment test from the government.
If you’re in Canada, there are plenty of settlement services that will offer you free English and/or French language classes, based on the province in which you live. If you’re moving to Québec, you can also learn French for free through an online government course.
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