Also available, for those with very little time left to prepare for the French written expression test, guidelines and study materials focused on ONLY what is needed to tackle and ace the test including:

• Grammar explanations
• Vocabulary and expressions used in the test
• Strategies to apply in various situations
• Advice and helpful tips
• My availabilty to answer any questions

To get more info or further details on this new featured service, enrollment and rates, please do not hesitate to contact me …

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Near the end of January 2009, I was informed that I had been hired by the Canada Border Services Agency. I signed the contract, but my hiring was under the condition that I received a “C” (advanced) on the oral part of the French Second Language Evaluation. While I had attended French immersion, I hadn’t had the opportunity to practice my French in years, so my oral French was extremely rusty.

I found Lyne’s website while researching the test, and signed on to take some course with her. Living in Winnipeg, all courses were held via Skype, on the computer. I took seven classes, and each time, Lyne would put me through real-life examples of what the test would be like. When I made a mistake that may affect my French level, she quickly corrected me. During my sessions with Lyne, my French improved drastically. Once I took the test, I found that I was very comfortable because I knew what to expect. I was also less self-conscious about my level of French, because I knew it had improved. Also, in hindsight, I found Lyne’s tests to be slightly more difficult than the one I took through the government. I passed the test and received my “C” level on my first try.

The cost of a course with Lyne was very reasonable, and had I not taken the time to practice with Lyne, I would not have passed the test on my first try. I recommend Lyne to anybody hoping to pass a government issued French exam.

Sean Best, Communications Officer, The Canada Border Services Agency, Winnipeg (MA), Canada

Lyne helped me achieve my “B” in oral interaction after only a few sessions!

I needed to redo my French qualification. I previously held a “B”, but my qualification was expired and for the last six years, I have spoken French only occasionally and mostly to order food or get directions. I was doing some work on my own, but didn’t really know what to practice for the test or how I needed to improve (I couldn’t really recognize my own mistakes).

The local French instructor assessed my French as NP4 and as I think that equates to an “X”, I was a bit worried!

Lyne was brilliant. I had three sessions with her and she simulated the test during each session, so when I went into the test I knew exactly what to expect. While we were practicing, Lyne gave me some excellent strategies for responding to the different types of questions as well as identifying the most problematic grammar mistakes that I was making and how to fix them. Although each of the sessions was only an hour, Lyne gave me written feedback and I was also able to review the lesson on-line: listen to myself to understand what I was doing wrong and review the on-line notes.

Essentially, Lyne showed me where to put my effort when I was studying and how to best respond to questions during the exam. I would definitely recommend her for anyone who must take the SLE!

Captain Lorri Shether, Human Factors Engineer, AETE, CFB Cold Lake (AL), Canada

I would like to thank Lyne Des Roberts for her expertise in helping me achieve my “B” level for the Written Expression SLE Exam! She prepared me for the daunting task of achieving the Intermediate Level which I was finding difficult to do since I just moved to Montreal from Toronto.

I am not allowed to work in my department here until I achieve a “B” rating in Reading, Writing and Oral! My nerves were shot! I was losing confidence by the day since I missed the “B” rating by a few marks when I first took it upon arriving in Montreal.

I was desperate and googled French websites and found Lyne under the top 50 French websites in the world! Lucky me!

Lyne taught me important strategies to implement when taking a timed Grammar Exam such as the SLE. I feel more knowledgeable now than after my University French training about 17 years ago. She also taught me to control my nerves and tackle the exam in a calm and methodical manner. I am so fortunate to have found Lyne. She is an amazing teacher and very flexible with her scheduling since I have a young child. Lyne shared her knowledge, expertise and helped me accomplish a feat that I thought was close to impossible. She has made not only me happy but my entire family! Lyne’s expertise is fast-circulating around the country and world.

Thank you Lyne from the bottom of my heart! Now I am going to achieve my “B” rating in the Oral SLE exam because Lyne has given me the inspiration and confidence that I need to learn the French language!

Lucy Maxwell, Adjointe aux Systèmes Centre d’expertise, Travaux publics et Services gouvernementaux Canada, Montréal (QC), Canada

As an immigrant, I did not have the chance to get early French immersion. My motivation of learning French is helping my professional development. Lyne really helped me in many aspects, from pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar to structural organization, even if  it was just one week. I quite enjoyed the online courses with Lyne. I’m sure you have come to the right place if you want not only to prepare the exam, but especially to improve your communication capability.

 Yong Chang Liu, Montreal (QC), Canada

I first contacted Lyne when I was desperate for help with my upcoming SLE exams. I had no idea what they were like and was extremely nervous about how I would fare. Lyne immediately calmed me down, explaining to me in detail what the tests involved, and how exactly she would help me to prepare. Lyne’s sympathetic reassurance was key in helping me face the tests with the confidence I needed to pass. Our lessons were based around exactly what was needed to ace the tests – no confusing extraneous details. Her humour and patience turned studying for a boring exam into an enjoyable exercise I looked forward to each lesson. With her help, I not only attained the results I needed on the SLE, I actually surpassed them – a feat I owe to her invaluable strategic tutoring. I would immediately recommend Lyne to anyone I knew who was faced with the SLE test, or who was just interested in learning French for fun – Lyne tackles both goals expertly.

Allison Kealty, Policy Analyst, Passport Canada, Ottawa (ON), Canada

I came to Lyne looking for help attaining my “B” levels only a short time ago. In that short period of time, Lyne gave me the proper strategies and focused instruction for me to obtain my “B” levels. Lyne’s teaching style is very focused, but is entertaining at the same time. Lyne will push you to achieve more than what you think you are capable of and for that I am truly thankful.

Neil S. Pittumbur, IT systems Analyst, National Defence, Ottawa (ON), Canada

I first contacted Lyne early in 2009 to help me prepare for my SLE exams in written expression and reading comprehension. I had been a French immersion student, but it had been many years since I had used my French language skills. In just one hour, Lyne was able to provide me with a very good overview of what to expect and how to strategically prepare myself for both exams. She also provided me with outstanding study materials. To my surprise, I achieved the required level “C” for the position – only missing level “E” by three questions on both exams.

A few months later, I was invited to participate in the Oral Interaction exam. I was absolutely panic stricken because I only had one week to prepare. I immediately contacted Lyne for assistance. She was able to run through multiple simulation exercises with me online. It was also very helpful that I was able to download and review the recordings of our sessions. I truly believe that, had I not worked with Lyne’s instruction and advice for these assessments, I would not have passed this exam. Lyne was critical in helping me achieve in excess of the required “C” level for the position – I actually obtained level “E” in oral interaction!

There is no doubt in my mind that there is no better instructor available to help individuals prepare for the SLE exams. Her approach is very strategic and focuses on the critical parts of a student’s development needs – saving individuals both time and money. I would not hesitate to recommend Lyne as a language instructor.

Merci beaucoup Lyne!

Jennifer LaPointe, Human Resources Leader, mabe, Moncton (NB), Canada

A BIG “Thank You” to Lyne for helping me achieve my “E” in my oral interaction exam! I found out about her and first contacted her three days before my exam. I was worried, anxious, and totally unsure about what to expect and how to tackle the exam. Together, we came up with a plan to review and practice the different sections of the exam over the next 3 days.

Lyne is persistent, tough, rigorous, yet friendly, funny and an absolute delight to work with. She has high expectations of her students, and never settles for less. She is there whenever you need her, and will make you sweat and work hard to get you to do your best (thus her well-deserved “Dame dragon” reputation). She notices your weaknesses, and makes it a point of getting you to overcome them before your test. She is quite versed on the oral interaction exam given how she has been helping federal government employees for years and years tackle the SLE exam.

I would recommend Lyne to anyone undergoing the SLE Oral Interaction test and looking to achieve his required level (and even higher just like in my case).

Lyne… you rock!

Mohamed Issa, PhD Candidate, Civil Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton (NB), Canada

Lyne is both a great teacher and an enthusiastic champion of the French language. She refreshed my knowledge of the language, offered guidance and tips for handling the different tests, and she built up my confidence and reassured me prior to the tests. I looked forward to each of our sessions and her instruction was invaluable for succeeding at the PSC language tests.

Christina Towers, Industry Canada/Industrie Canada, Ottawa (ON), Canada

It’s Friday morning 9:00AM… My French oral is scheduled the very following Monday at 11:00AM, so I have only a weekend to study. Needless to point out what a nervous wreck I am. Only 72 hours to make a miracle happen. And that’s exactly what happened when I came across Lyne’s blog. I was reading testimonials on her blog when I came across an individual who appeared to have been in the same boat as I. I immediatly contacted Lyne to see if she could work her magic on me. Born and raised in Montreal to English parents, I did have French background having studied in French schools for most of my life but, as I reside in Toronto, it’s not at all that easy to maintain. I’d previously done the reading & writing exams, for which I obtained levels C and E, but the mere thought of this oral test made my insides shiver. Lyne thankfully agreed to help me out. That very Saturday & Sunday we got to work. Ultimately what she taught me was that no magic was necessary as I had the ability to obtain the grade needed. Lyne is a passionate teacher with tons of personality, allowing you to feel comfortable (à l’aise as she would point out ) at once.

If you are one of those people who need to see it to believe it, go ahead and try it yourself. Nothing to lose, but the world to gain. I gained my confidence and a level C. I will definitely be recommending her to peers as thank you is simply not enough.

Danièle Dennis, Administrative Coordinator, Service Canada Call Centres, Toronto (ON), Canada

Lyne is a teacher who takes great pride in her work and truly cares about her students. Before contacting Lyne, I was seeing a private tutor from a very well-known and established French school in Ottawa to prepare for my SLEs. At the school, I felt like a number and just didn’t feel like I was getting enough from my lessons. Shortly after, I contacted Lyne and stopped going to the French school. From my first lesson with Lyne, I knew I was in good hands. I learned a tremendous amount of French in only a short time with her. Lyne is experienced, knowledgeable, sharp and she will give you the push that most students need. I feel very lucky that I was able to find such a great French teacher and would recommend her for anyone looking for help with their SLEs.

Eva Lam, Health Canada, Ottawa (ON), Canada

Twenty years ago I had been considered bilingual, but without speaking French in those years, I lost it. I needed help in brushing up my French in order to achieve the required levels to work in government. I was referred to Lyne through a colleague of mine. My intent at our first session was to do the work to get the required levels, but through the one on one work with Lyne, she helped me rediscover my genuine appreciation for the French language. With Lyne’s constant encouragement, honesty, and practicality, I was able to achieve my goal within a short period of time. What I did not expect was to reignite my interest and enthusiasm for the French language and the desire to continue my exploration of the language. Merci beaucoup Lyne!

Melissa Houston, CGA, Transport Canada, Ottawa (ON), Canada

After only three sessions with Lyne and three weeks of studying during the evenings, I improved my results on the Written Expression and Oral Interaction exams from B‘s to C‘s. The study materials she provided covered all of the most important areas that the Written Expression exam targets. In our virtual sessions, Lyne helped me recognize and avoid the examiners’ favorite traps. For the Oral tests, she helped me break my bad habits, and gave me strategies to “take control”, focusing the discussion on topics I was comfortable with. Thank’s Lyne, you were a great help!

David, Toronto (ON), Canada

Ah Lyne… where does one start with Lyne…

First, I must say that Lyne is unlike your traditional teacher, in so many senses… You just have to meet her to know what I mean! She is certainly everything you have read or heard about: she is demanding and strict. One might even say that she can be mean -  La Dame dragon in every sense of the phrase. However, she is also fun, caring, accommodating and empathetic. So, what is it that makes her so special? One might say that it is her overall knowledge of the SLE exams and the PSC processes. However, I personally respect and appreciate her overall determination to succeed. When her students are preparing for exams, she puts herself into their shoes to assess how to best teach and mentor them, based on their particular learning style. Beyond that, she treats her students with the utmost respect, and makes it her personal goal to see each one succeed; when her students are nervous, she is nervous for them, and when they lack confidence, she gives them the confidence they need to focus on the exams.

I am happy to say that I have not only found my new French Tutor in Lyne (I am continuing to study with her, after passing all of the SLE exams), but a true friend. Merci Lyne, vous êtes une étoile.

Christy DiFelice, directrice, Orchestre symphonique des Jeunes de Toronto, Toronto (ON), Canada

I found La Dame dragon while searching the Internet for tips on how to pass the SLE tests. I decided to go for an assessment, and after our first meeting, I knew that her services would help me tremendously. I was a little apprehensive at the beginning about doing my French lessons online, but honestly it was a great way to learn… and the best part was I didn’t need to leave the house! Lyne has a “no nonsense” approach to teaching which I appreciated and loved.

When my test date arrived I felt 100% prepared, and sure enough I got the B I required.

Now that I’ve got my BBB, it’s time to strive for CCC and I know that when I need help, Lyne will be the first person I contact!

Merci beaucoup Lyne

Amy Muldoon, A/chief, Procurement and Contracting, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa (ON), Canada

I would not hesitate to recommend Lyne to anyone preparing for the SLE exams. A few months before taking the oral exam, I came across Lyne’s website and was intrigued by her virtual training method. I immediately began taking courses with Lyne and was impressed by her efficiency and professionalism, combined with a great sense of humour. Her thorough knowledge of the exam and the testing process was invaluable. I felt confident going into the exam knowing what to expect, making the exam seem easier than one of  our practice sessions.

Thanks alot Lyne!

Daniel Standing, Department of Justice Canada, Ottawa (ON), Canada

I had the best experience with La Dame dragon. In just two months, she was able to build the skills and instill the confidence necessary for me to obtain my C levels across the board. She is patient, and a driven educator who will stop at nothing to provide her students with the very best learning programs, tailoring them to each one’s precise needs. She provided all the tools, strategies and support that I needed to ace the oral interaction test. In fact, thanks to her help, I will never have to go through the oral interaction process ever again, as I was able to obtain that most sacred of goals: an exemption from further oral testing. I plan on contacting her again in five years to obtain an E in written expression to complete my set of SLE exemptions.

Merci mille fois Lyne!

Stephen Campbell, Kingston (ON), Canada

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Lyne for your help during all my French training needs. You have been absolutely wonderful, co-operative, pleasant and took a lot of my worries away. I just can’t thank you enough. I am so grateful and lucky to have you as my teacher. I am very happy that I got my B‘s and can’t wait to get started on getting my C‘s now. I will be glad to recommend you to anyone I know who is looking for real French training! Your service was absolutely outstanding.

Again THANK YOU!

Tammy McGibbon, Program Consultant, Program Development, HRSDC, Ottawa (ON), Canada

Thanks Lyne! I had not studied, or thought in, French for years and when I was suddenly asked to take my SLEs, I found your website. However, your sessions gave me the confidence to realize my true potential. Your patience, and enthusiasm of the French language was fantastic. Without your help, I do not believe that I would have obtained my B. You are terrific at what you do, and I thank you again!

Steven Heard, Passport Officer, Passport Canada, Toronto (ON), Canada

My wife had been to see La Dame dragon (or Lyne as I would come to know her) for some sessions prior to her public service oral interaction. She told me how much help the sessions were. She achieved her B level, and it was obvious to me that the money was well spent. I had received a date for my own oral interaction and had ten days to wait and practice. My wife convinced me to see Lyne in order to maximize my chances of success. I was able to schedule three sessions in the time prior to my interaction. I can honestly say that these were the best three hours of instruction and encouragement that I have experienced in a long time. The lessons were constructive, to-the-point and very useful. The key to the whole process for me, was that Lyne taught me specific strategies on how to approach the test and how to approach answering the questions. The insight and knowledge that I gained was invaluable. I can honestly say that I was originally going into the test with the attitude of “I’ll give it a shot and see what happens”… but after my sessions with Lyne, I was more confident and actually thought I’d have a shot at my B. I got the results a few days after my test, and low and behold I obtained my B level. I owe a huge THANK YOU to Lyne and her methods. I encourage anyone who reads this to use the services of La Dame dragon!

Murray McGibbon, Health and Safety Officer, National Defence, Ottawa (ON), Canada

 Lyne is great! With her knowledge and experience, she helped me get my B that I needed. She’ll challenge and support you in a professional way that’s infused with her humour. Thanks, Lyne!

Samantha Tong, Vancouver (BC), Canada

As part of the post-secondary recruitment hiring process, I was asked to complete SLE testing.  Knowing that a BBB could expand my eligibility to a much wider and more promising pool of positions, I set about preparing myself for the looming exams.  Frustrated by my futile attempts to prepare independantly, I eventually sought the help of Lyne Des Roberts, whose website I discovered in a moment of despair.  It was one decision that I will never regret.  Lyne calmly and expertly guided me through the labyrinth of SLE testing, built my confidence, and armed me with practical, manageable tips and tools to succeed.  Empowered by her advice and examples, I moved from hopelessness to success, and pulled off an E-B-B!

I found Lyne’s blog and after reading about other students’ experiences with her teaching, I knew I had to get in touch!  I needed to receive a B in the oral exam, and having hardly any experience in speaking French, I was nervous.  Lyne gave me the tools I needed to study, helped me understand the exact format of the exam and gave me the guidance I needed to better prepare.  I went into the exam confident, knowing Lyne’s tutoring was a huge help.  There weren’t any surprises during the exam!  After only 4 lessons, I was able to obtain my B level.  I highly recommend Lyne – she is a fantastic teacher and her services are a valuable investment in a public servant’s career.  Thank you Lyne!

Lyne helped me prepare for the exam by simulating its parts and by helping me practice for the presentation part. My sessions with her were invaluable, and she most certainly helped me in obtaining my C! I absolutely recommend seeing her if you live in Ottawa, or signing up for her online courses if you don’t. Her sessions will help you develop the confidence and strategy needed for this type of testing.

More testimonials here…