CELPIP Reading: The Four Parts, Score Chart and Tips

The reading test at a glance

Reading is the second part of CELPIP-General, after listening. You read on screen and click your answers. You get paper and a pen for notes, but you can’t highlight or mark the screen.

Each part’s text and questions appear on one screen. You can change your answers until that part’s time runs out, then the test moves on and you can’t go back. There may also be one unscored part used to test new questions, and you won’t know which one it is, so treat every part as real.

Part 1: Reading Correspondence

You read an everyday email or letter, for example a neighbour asking for help or a friend describing a trip. Six questions ask about the message. Then you read a short reply with five blanks, and you choose the best option for each blank.

What it tests: understanding the purpose of a message, details, and the relationship between the writer and the reader.

• Read the first and last paragraphs first. They usually say why the person is writing and what they want.
• For the reply, read the whole sentence around each blank. The right option fits both the grammar and what the original email said.
• Watch for tone words (unfortunately, I’m afraid, luckily). They often decide between two similar answers.

Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram

You get a diagram: a schedule, a price list, a flyer or a brochure. Below it is an email about the diagram with five blanks. Then three questions ask about the email.

What it tests: matching what a person needs with the information in a table or image.

• Read the email first, so you know what the writer is looking for: the cheapest option, a free evening, something for a child.
• Then look at the diagram only for that. Check the conditions in small print, such as “weekdays only” or “members save 10%”.
• Do the arithmetic on paper. Many questions turn on a total price or a time difference.

Part 3: Reading for Information

You read a text of four paragraphs, labelled A to D, on a topic such as a new technology or a local history. Nine statements follow. For each, you choose the paragraph that contains that information, or E if none of the paragraphs says it.

What it tests: scanning for specific information and recognising the same idea in different words.

• Before reading the statements, write one or two words that sum up each paragraph.
• The statements use synonyms, almost never the same words as the text. Matching a word is a common trap.
• Choose E only when you have checked all four paragraphs. If a paragraph says something close but not the same, the answer is often E.

Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

You read an article that presents two or more opinions on an issue, such as remote work or a city plan. Five questions ask about the article. Then you read a reader’s comment with five blanks.

What it tests: following an argument, telling opinions from facts, and knowing who thinks what.

• As you read, note each person or group and their position in a few words: “mayor: for”, “business owners: against, cost”.
• Look for words that signal a change of view: however, critics argue, on the other hand.
• In the comment, decide first whether the reader agrees or disagrees with the article. That rules out half the options.

Part 4 has the most to read, so it is where time runs out. Keep a steady pace in parts 1 to 3.

CELPIP reading score chart

A computer scores reading. Each question is right or wrong, the raw score is adjusted for how hard your version of the test is, and then it is converted to a level. Paragon publishes an approximate chart, and notes that the cut-offs shift slightly between versions.

The ranges overlap because they are approximate. As a rule of thumb, CLB 7 needs about two thirds of the questions right, and CLB 9 about five in six. See what each level means for immigration in the CELPIP score chart.

A time plan

• Read questions before the text in parts 2 and 4. Knowing what you are looking for saves rereading.
• Don’t get stuck. If a question takes more than a minute, choose your best answer and move on. You can come back within the same part.
• Answer everything. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, and a blank always scores zero.
• Watch the timer on screen. When a part ends, the test moves on with whatever you have selected.

How to practise

1. Start with the official free practice tests. Paragon offers two free practice tests with answer keys, and a free Reading Pro study pack, on celpip.ca.
2. Review every wrong answer. Find the exact sentence that proves the right answer. This trains the skill parts 3 and 4 test.
3. Read Canadian everyday texts daily. Community newsletters, city websites, store flyers and opinion columns are close to what the test uses.
4. Time yourself by part. Practise part 4 under 13 minutes until it feels comfortable.

Preparing for the whole test? Our four-week CELPIP study plan puts reading alongside the other three skills.

Sources

Test format, timing and scoring: celpip.ca, test format and scoring, celpip.ca, test results and Paragon’s Reading Pro study pack (2026). Free resources: celpip.ca, free resources. Example question written for this guide. Checked October 7, 2026.

Questions