CELPIP Reading Task 1 (Reading Correspondence) — Strategies · Scoring · High‑Score Training

1) Overview (aligned with official structure)

Reading has four parts. Task 1, Reading Correspondence, presents an everyday/work email (main text) plus a short reply with blanks (second text). You have ~11 minutes for 11 questions in this part. Questions target main idea, specific details, tone, and inference.

2) How scoring works

The Reading test contains 38 scored questions. Each correct answer earns 1 raw point. One part may be unscored (not identified). Your final CELPIP level is computed from raw points and item difficulty via equating. No penalties for wrong answers.

Approximate raw‑to‑level mapping (Reading):

Raw (/38)CELPIP Level (approx.)
33–3810–12
31–339
28–318
24–287
19–256

Note: bands may shift slightly across forms due to equating.

3) Core skills & common question types

Question types: (1) Global meaning (main idea) (2) Specific detail (locate facts) (3) Inference (tone/attitude/purpose).

Essential skills: skimming & scanning, spotting paraphrase/synonyms, using context to infer word meaning, identifying tone/register.

4) Suggested pacing (Task 1)

Follow this ~11‑minute rhythm: Preview 30s → Identify key info 1.5m → Main text Q1–6 in 4m → Reply Q7–11 in 4.5m → Review 30s.

5) High‑score tactics

1) Questions first: scan stems/options to lock onto non‑paraphrasable anchors (names, numbers, quoted phrases), then locate in the text.

2) Paraphrase awareness: don’t wait for verbatim matches (as soon as possible ↔ at your earliest convenience).

3) Tone & purpose: look for greetings/thanks/requests to judge attitude and intent typical of polite, cooperative emails.

4) Time control: stick to the rhythm; if stuck, move on and use the last 30s to ensure every item answered.

5) Vocabulary strategy: when you hit an unknown word, use part‑of‑speech and context clues; don’t dwell too long.

6) Four‑week practice plan

Week 1: Learn format & pacing; do untimed sets; annotate evidence sentences; start an error log.

Week 2: Move to 9′30″–10′30″ timed sets; target “detail‑location” and “inference” drills.

Week 3: Full Reading (all 4 parts) every other day; compile a paraphrase/synonym bank and high‑frequency chunks.

Week 4: Full mock test (L/R/W/S) under test‑day timing; aim for Task 1 raw ≥ 8/11; review by error type.

Volume matters: use PrepAmigo to mass‑practice with a large bank (thousands of items across CELPIP task types). Combine Do → Mark evidence → Review paraphrase → Timed redo for fast gains.

7) Sample (English, wrapped in a card)

Reading Correspondence — Sample (11 questions)

Text 1: Email Text 2: Reply with blanks Task: Choose best answers / fill blanks from bank

Text 1 — Email

Subject: Custom Graduation Cake Inquiry (June 18 Pickup)

Hello Sunny Bakes Team,

My daughter Lily is graduating this month, and I’d like to order a custom cake. Here are the details:

  • Date/Time: pick up on Tuesday, June 18, around 3:00 p.m.
  • Size: serves 12–15 people (an 8‑inch round is fine)
  • Flavor: vanilla sponge with fresh strawberry filling; whipped cream frosting (not too sweet)
  • Design: simple white frosting with a small black graduation cap outline and a gold ribbon on the base
  • Message: “Congratulations, Lily!”
  • Dietary notes: one guest is gluten‑sensitive, so I’ll also buy 2–3 gluten‑free cupcakes if available
  • Budget: up to $75 for the cake; cupcakes priced separately
  • Contact: Please confirm availability and a quote; you can reach me at 416‑555‑0134.

If you need a deposit, I can stop by this Friday after 5 p.m.

Thank you!
Angela Park

Questions 1–6 (choose ONE option)

  1. What is the main purpose of the email?
    A. To complain about a previous order B. To request a custom graduation cake C. To apply for a part‑time job D. To reserve a table for a party
  2. When does the writer want to pick up the cake?
    A. Friday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m. B. Tuesday, June 18 around 3:00 p.m. C. Tuesday, June 18 around 5:00 p.m. D. Wednesday, June 19 around 3:00 p.m.
  3. Which combination matches the request?
    A. 10‑inch chocolate, message “Best Wishes, Lily!” B. 8‑inch vanilla with strawberry filling C. 8‑inch chocolate fudge with caramel D. 12‑inch lemon with raspberry buttercream
  4. What additional items does the writer mention?
    A. Two vegan brownies B. A dozen macarons C. 2–3 gluten‑free cupcakes D. A sugar‑free pie
  5. Which best describes the tone of the email?
    A. Urgent and annoyed B. Polite and appreciative C. Humorous and casual D. Formal complaint
  6. What can be reasonably inferred?
    A. The writer has already paid a deposit B. The writer is flexible about the pickup date C. The writer prefers a cake that is not too sweet D. The bakery does not sell cupcakes

Text 2 — Reply (Fill in the blanks)

Subject: Re: Graduation Cake for June 18

Hi Angela,

Thanks for your message. We can prepare an [1] ____ round cake that serves 12–15 for June 18 with vanilla sponge and strawberry filling. The message on the cake will read [2] “_____”, and we’ll add a small [3] _____ outline as requested. The price for the cake is $72 before tax. Gluten‑free cupcakes are available at $4 each; we will reserve [4] _____ of them for you unless you tell us otherwise. To confirm the order, please [5] _____ by this Friday after 5 p.m., or call us at the number below to pay the deposit by card.

Warmly,
Sunny Bakes

Option Bank (choose 5): A. 8‑inch    B. 10‑inch    C. “Congratulations, Lily!”    D. “Best Wishes, Lily!”    E. cap    F. three    G. stop by the shop

Answer Key & Explanations

Q1–6: 1‑B; 2‑B; 3‑B; 4‑C; 5‑B; 6‑C (“not too sweet” ⇒ preference).

Blanks: [1] A; [2] C; [3] E; [4] F; [5] G.

Evidence: All answers are directly located in Text 1 or inferred via tone/meaning, reflecting Task 1’s mix of detail and inference.

8) Wrap‑up & next steps

Master questions‑first reading, keyword anchoring, paraphrase detection, and strict timing. Use PrepAmigo for high‑volume drills (thousands of items, all CELPIP types), tagging errors and re‑doing sets under time to lock in gains.