CELPIP · Reading · R3

CELPIP Reading Part 3: Reading for Information

CELPIP Reading Part 3, Reading for Information, gives you an informational passage divided into four paragraphs labelled A to D. You have 10 minutes to match 9 statements to the paragraph that contains each piece of information, or to choose E when the information is not given anywhere in the passage.

Questions: 9 statements
Time: 10 minutes
Text: An informational passage in four paragraphs, A to D
Answer type: Choose paragraph A, B, C or D, or E for not given
Scoring: Counts toward your CELPIP Reading level (1 to 12)

How it works

1The passage appears with its four paragraphs labelled A, B, C and D.
2Each statement has five choices: the four paragraphs plus E, not given.
3Read each statement and find the paragraph that states the same idea in different words.
4Choose E only if no paragraph contains that information.

Sample question

Original sample · not from an official test

Passage (excerpt) B. Community fridges began appearing in Canadian cities as a simple way to share surplus food. Volunteers check them daily and remove anything past its date. C. Most fridges accept fresh produce, bread and sealed packaged goods. Home-cooked meals are usually refused because their ingredients cannot be checked. Statement: Food prepared in someone's kitchen is often not accepted.

AParagraph A
BParagraph B
CParagraph C
DE: Not given in any paragraph

Show answer

Answer: Paragraph C

"Food prepared in someone's kitchen" paraphrases "home-cooked meals", and "often not accepted" matches "usually refused". Paragraph B mentions food removal, but for a different reason. Part 3 statements almost never reuse the passage's exact words.

Tips that work

Skim all four paragraphs first and give each a two- or three-word label in your head, such as "history", "rules", "costs".
Match meaning, not words. If a statement shares a striking word with a paragraph, check that the idea also matches before you choose it.
Use E carefully. Choose it when the topic is mentioned but the specific claim is not, or when the statement goes further than the passage.
Do not expect the statements to follow paragraph order. Each one can point anywhere.

Common mistakes

Matching on a shared keyword while the paragraph actually says something different.
Avoiding E entirely, or choosing it whenever a statement feels difficult.

Questions candidates ask

How often is the answer E in Reading Part 3?

There is no fixed number you can count on, so judge each statement on its own. E is correct when none of the four paragraphs contains the information, even if the general topic appears.

Can two statements match the same paragraph?

Yes. There are 9 statements and only four paragraphs, so several statements will point to the same paragraph. Do not rule out a paragraph because you have already used it.

What kind of passage appears in Part 3?

An informational article, for example about a trend, a community initiative or a practical topic. It is written for a general reader, so no specialist knowledge is needed; the difficulty lies in paraphrase.