Reading skill and its tasks

The CELPIP Reading section takes 55 minutes and contains 38 questions across four parts. All questions are multiple-choice. The texts are drawn from realistic Canadian contexts — emails from a landlord, signs at a recreation center, a newspaper column, or a blog post about a local issue.

Part 1: Reading Correspondence (11 questions)

You read an email, letter, or text message. Questions test whether you can identify the writer's purpose, pick out specific details, and understand how the ideas connect.

• Text type — Email, letter, memo, or instant message
• What it tests — Purpose, tone, factual details, and the writer's implied meaning
• Common question types — Why did the writer send this? What does the highlighted word mean? What can be inferred from paragraph 2?

Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram (8 questions)

You read a document that includes a diagram, chart, or form — such as a bus schedule, registration form, or a set of instructions. Questions ask you to locate information and apply it to real scenarios.

• Text type — Schedule, form, table, flowchart, or sign with accompanying text
• What it tests — Locating specific data, interpreting visual information alongside text
• Common question types — According to the schedule, when does the event start? Which option fits these conditions?

Part 3: Reading for Information (9 questions)

You read a longer informational passage — a newspaper article, community newsletter, or factual report. Questions focus on the main idea, supporting details, vocabulary in context, and what the author implies but doesn't state directly.

• Text type — Newspaper article, report, or informational passage
• What it tests — Main idea, factual details, vocabulary in context, inference
• Common question types — What is the main purpose of this article? What does "significant" mean in paragraph 3?

Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints (10 questions)

You read an opinion piece, editorial, or persuasive text. Questions target your ability to identify the author's position, understand how arguments are structured, and distinguish fact from opinion.

• Text type — Editorial, opinion column, or persuasive essay
• What it tests — Author's stance, tone, argument structure, distinguishing fact from opinion
• Common question types — What is the author's attitude toward this policy? Which sentence best supports the author's main argument?