The 4 CELPIP reading parts
Reading comes second and takes 43 to 56 minutes. Each part has its own timer, so you cannot borrow time from one part for another.
| Part | Questions | What you read |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reading correspondence | 11 | A personal letter or email, then a reply with blanks to fill |
| 2. Reading to apply a diagram | 8 | A diagram, schedule or table, and an email that refers to it |
| 3. Reading for information | 9 | A factual passage split into paragraphs; match statements to paragraphs |
| 4. Reading for viewpoints | 10 | An article with different opinions, then a reader's comment with blanks |
That is 38 questions in total. As in listening, a few unscored trial questions may appear.
Tips that raise reading scores
- Watch each part's clock. Divide the time by the number of questions and check your pace halfway.
- Read the questions first in Part 3. Then scan the paragraphs for the matching idea, not the matching word.
- Use "not given" carefully. In Part 3, choose it only when no paragraph contains the idea.
- Track who thinks what in Part 4. Note each person's opinion in a word or two as you read.
- Never leave blanks. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so always pick something.
What a reading session looks like
Your coach times you on practice passages, then goes through each wrong answer to find the pattern: running out of time, matching words instead of meaning, or misreading opinions. You get a pacing plan for each part.
Get to the last reading question
A coach finds why you lose points and builds your pacing plan.
Questions
How many questions are in CELPIP reading?
There are 38 scored questions across 4 parts, and the section takes 43 to 56 minutes.
How do I finish CELPIP reading on time?
Set a time per question for each part, read the questions before the passage, and skip and return to hard items instead of rereading.
Is there negative marking in CELPIP reading?
No. A wrong answer does not cost extra points, so answer every question.