Take Advantage of Time in CELPIP

1. Reading

Reading Time: 55-60 minutes

Tasks: Part 1 – Practice Task, Part 2 – Matching, Part 3 – Gapped Text, Part 4 – Multiple Choice

Advice and Examples:

• Skim and Scan: Don’t read every word. Skim the text to get a general idea, and then scan for specific details when answering questions.
  • Example: For a question asking for the main idea, skim the entire passage. For a date or name, scan quickly to locate the detail.
• Prioritize Questions: Start with questions you find easier and return to difficult ones later.
• Stay Calm: If a passage seems difficult, don’t panic. Focus on what you understand and use context clues.

2. Listening

Listening Time: 47-55 minutes

Tasks: Part 1 – Practice Task, Part 2 – Listening to Problem Solving, Part 3 – Listening to a Daily Life Conversation, etc.

Advice and Examples:

• Note-taking: Quickly jot down main points and keywords while listening. This aids in remembering details.
  • Example: If the conversation is about planning a party, note down: “Party – Saturday, John’s house, bring snacks.”
• Focus on the Context: Listen for the general idea first, then concentrate on details.
• Predict Answers: Try to anticipate what information might be asked based on the conversation topic.

3. Writing

Writing Time: 53-60 minutes

Tasks: Part 1 – Writing an Email, Part 2 – Responding to Survey Questions

Advice and Examples:

• Plan Ahead: Spend the first few minutes outlining your main ideas.
  • Example: For an email task, jot down: “Greeting, Purpose of the email, Main Points, Conclusion/Request.”
• Stay on Topic: Always refer back to the given prompt to ensure you’re addressing the main points.
• Proofread: Leave 2-3 minutes at the end to review for grammatical errors or missing information.

4. Speaking

Best speaking resource: Click here

Speaking Time: 15-20 minutes

Tasks: Part 1 – Giving Advice, Part 2 – Talking about a Personal Experience, etc.

Advice and Examples:

• Think Aloud Strategy: Since you’re given some preparation time, quickly jot down main points you want to cover.
  • Example: For a topic about your favorite vacation, note down: “Bali, 2019, beach, delicious food, cultural dance.”
• Stay Structured: Stick to a simple structure – introduction, main points, conclusion.
• Practice: Before your exam, practice speaking on various topics to build confidence and fluency.

In all sections, be mindful of the clock. It can be helpful to wear a wristwatch (if allowed) or keep an eye on any clock in the testing room. Practicing full-length sections or even full-length tests under timed conditions can also help you get a feel for the pacing.