What are the 4 parts of CELPIP Reading?

Part 1 is Reading Correspondence (11 questions) with emails and messages. Part 2 is Reading to Apply a Diagram (8 questions) where you interpret charts, schedules, or maps. Part 3 is Reading for Information (9 questions) focused on locating details and main ideas in articles and notices. Part 4 is Reading for Viewpoints (10 questions) requiring analysis of opinions, reasons, and disagreements.

Is there negative marking in CELPIP Reading?

No, there is no negative marking in CELPIP Reading. Wrong answers do not subtract points, so it is better to guess than to leave a question blank. Use elimination to narrow options quickly when time is short. Manage pacing so you can answer every item.

How is the Reading score reported?

Your performance is converted to a CELPIP level from 0 to 12. Many programs reference CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks), which align closely with CELPIP levels. Use an official score chart to understand level mapping and implications for immigration profiles. Reading forms part of your overall language profile alongside Listening, Writing, and Speaking.

What are the best strategies for CELPIP Reading?

Skim headings and paragraph openings for the main idea, then scan for names, numbers, and keywords. Expect paraphrasing: learn common synonym pairs to avoid traps. Practice under realistic time limits and use elimination to dismiss options that contradict details. Build a simple note style (ticks, arrows) to track constraints in diagram tasks.

How many questions are there in total?

There are 38 questions across all four parts. The distribution is 11 + 8 + 9 + 10 respectively. Each part has its own time pressure and skills focus, so practice each type strategically. Aim to answer all items — skipping provides no advantage.

CELPIP Reading Test 2025 | Practice Questions & Strategy Guide

Q: How long is the CELPIP Reading test?

CELPIP Reading takes about 55–60 minutes in total. The section is computer‑delivered and timed automatically, so pacing matters. Time is distributed across four parts that together include 38 questions. Plan roughly a minute per question and leave a brief buffer to review flagged items.

Part 1: Reading Correspondence

11 questions • 11 minutes • emails, messages, notices

11:00

Progress: 0/1

What you’ll read

Short emails or messages between coworkers, inquiries, notices, or service replies. Focus on tone, purpose, and next steps. Common skills: identifying request, matching responses, inference.

Strategies

Skim first line and closing to get tone and purpose.
Underline dates, times, numbers, names — typical traps.
Match reply options to keywords in the prompt.
For inference, ask “What is implied but not said?”.

Sample Email + Question

From: HR Department

Subject: Training Schedule Update

Hi Team, the Health & Safety training originally planned for June 15 has been moved to June 22 due to room availability. Please confirm if you can still attend the 9:00 AM session. Those who cannot attend will be rescheduled for July. — HR

Question:

What should an employee do if they cannot attend the new date?

A. Arrive at 9:00 AM on June 15 B. Ask HR to cancel the training C. Confirm attendance for June 22 D. Request a July reschedule

Common mistakes

Reading only the subject line and guessing.
Missing time/date changes hidden in the middle.
Confusing “confirm” with “reschedule”.

Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram

8 questions • 9 minutes • schedules, maps, charts

09:00

Progress: 0/1

What you’ll read

Functional graphics: bus timetables, shifts, maps, product charts. Match constraints (time windows, capacities) to realistic choices.

Strategies

Read the legend first: axes, labels, units.
Mark constraints: earliest/latest times, “except” cases.
Eliminate options that violate any one constraint.

Sample Diagram + Question

Bus Schedule (Route A — Weekdays)

Downtown departures: 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00. Travel time: 35 minutes. Express (E) runs only at 08:00.

Question:

Jane must arrive downtown by 09:10. Which departure should she take?

A. 07:30 B. 08:00 (Express) C. 08:30 D. 09:00

Common mistakes

Ignoring units/legends.
Forgetting special cases like Express/Except.
Not adding travel time to departure time.

Part 3: Reading for Information

9 questions • 10 minutes • articles, notices, web pages

10:00

Progress: 0/1

What you’ll read

Expository texts that require locating details and paraphrased ideas. Key skills: scanning for facts, identifying main idea, distinguishing opinion vs fact.

Strategies

Skim first/last sentence per paragraph for gist.
Scan with specific keywords, not whole lines.
Watch for synonyms/paraphrases in options.

Sample Article + Question

Excerpt:

Community gardens have increased in number across the city, offering residents access to fresh produce and a chance to connect with neighbours. However, limited plot availability means waitlists can stretch for months.

Question:

What is one challenge mentioned regarding community gardens?

A. Gardens are too expensive to maintain B. Few residents are interested C. Not enough plots for all applicants D. Produce quality is poor

Common mistakes

Reading every word instead of scanning.
Choosing options that restate background but not the answer.
Missing paraphrases: “limited plots” ≈ “long waitlists”.

Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

10 questions • 10 minutes • opinions, letters to editor

10:00

Progress: 0/1

What you’ll read

Opinion pieces with contrasting viewpoints. Focus on claims, support, bias, and author’s stance. Identify agreement/disagreement and reasons.

Strategies

Highlight claim words: “I believe…”, “should”, “must”.
Track each person’s stance with symbols (+ / –).
Match reasons, not just conclusions.

Sample Viewpoint + Question

Author A: The city should expand bike lanes to reduce congestion and improve public health.

Author B: Bike lanes are useful, but they remove parking, which harms local businesses.

Question:

Which statement summarizes their disagreement?

A. Whether biking is healthy B. Whether bike lanes reduce traffic C. Whether parking loss outweighs benefits D. Whether businesses support cycling

Common mistakes

Confusing author’s tone with stance.
Ignoring counterarguments and concessions.
Picking answers that are true but irrelevant.

Reading Strategies That Work

Skimming vs Scanning

Skim for main ideas (titles, first/last sentences). Scan for specifics using keywords, numbers, and names. This boosts reading speed and comprehension.

Time Management

Move on when stuck; mark and return. Aim ≈ 1 minute per question. Use elimination aggressively.

Vocabulary

Build a bank of paraphrases (e.g., “increase” ≈ “rise”, “lack” ≈ “shortage”). This directly helps Parts 3–4 comprehension.

CELPIP Reading — FAQ

How long is the CELPIP Reading test?

CELPIP Reading lasts about 55–60 minutes overall. The test is fully computer‑delivered and the clock runs continuously, so pacing is essential. Time is split across four parts with a total of 38 questions. Plan roughly a minute per question and keep a small buffer for review.

What are the 4 parts?

Part 1 is Correspondence (emails/messages) focusing on tone, purpose, and next steps. Part 2 involves applying information to a diagram such as schedules, maps, or charts and respecting constraints. Part 3 is Information texts where you locate details and main ideas efficiently. Part 4 is Viewpoints, comparing opinions, reasons, and areas of agreement or disagreement.

Is there negative marking?

No, there is no negative marking in CELPIP Reading. That means a wrong answer does not subtract points, so guessing is better than leaving blanks. Use elimination to reduce choices quickly under time pressure. Aim to attempt every question.

How is the score reported?

Results are reported as a CELPIP level from 0 to 12 rather than a raw percentage. Many immigration programs reference CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks), which align closely with CELPIP levels. Review the Score Chart to see mappings and what they mean for your profile. Reading is combined with other skills to form your overall language result.

Top strategies to improve?

Skim for gist using titles and topic sentences, then scan for names, numbers, and keywords. Expect paraphrases and synonyms, especially in options, and train your vocabulary to spot them. Practice with strict timing and use elimination to remove options that contradict the text. Keep concise notes for constraints in diagram questions.

Target CLB Scores for Reading

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) is Canada’s language proficiency scale (0–12). For Reading, many test takers aim for CLB 7–9 because those levels often meet immigration program requirements and contribute more points in selection.

Why these target levels

CLB 7: a common minimum threshold for several immigration pathways.
CLB 8–9: a competitive range for Express Entry profiles that typically boosts overall CRS scores.
CLB 10–12: advanced literacy; strengthens academic/career applications and demonstrates confident comprehension of complex texts.

Note: exact thresholds and points allocation depend on current policy. Always verify IRCC requirements and use the tools below.

CLB 7

CLB 8

CLB 9

CLB 10–12

10–12

For full score mapping, see CELPIP Score Chart and estimate your level with the CLB Calculator.

CELPIP Reading Test: Complete Practice Guide

Part 1: Reading Correspondence

What you’ll read

Sample Email + Question

Common mistakes

Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram

What you’ll read

Sample Diagram + Question

Common mistakes

Part 3: Reading for Information

What you’ll read

Sample Article + Question

Common mistakes

Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

What you’ll read

Sample Viewpoint + Question

Common mistakes

Reading Strategies That Work

Skimming vs Scanning

Time Management

Vocabulary

Quick Practice: 3 Reading Questions

CELPIP Reading — FAQ

Target CLB Scores for Reading

Why these target levels

Resources for Practice

CLB Calculator

Score Chart

Practice Plans

Ready to Master CELPIP Reading?