CELPIP · Reading · R4

CELPIP Reading Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

CELPIP Reading Part 4, Reading for Viewpoints, is the last and longest reading part. You read an article that presents different opinions on an issue, then a reader's comment about it. In 13 minutes you answer 10 questions: 5 multiple-choice questions on the article and 5 blanks that complete the comment.

Questions: 10: 5 about the article, 5 blanks in the comment
Time: 13 minutes
Texts: An opinion-based article and a reader's comment
Answer type: Four options per question or blank
Scoring: Counts toward your CELPIP Reading level (1 to 12)

How it works

1The article appears first, presenting an issue and the views of different people or groups.
2Answer 5 multiple-choice questions about the article.
3A reader's comment appears with 5 blanks.
4Complete the comment so it agrees with the article's facts and the commenter's own position.

Sample question

Original sample · not from an official test

Article (excerpt) The town wants to replace its outdoor rink with a year-round indoor arena. Hockey parents support the plan, citing longer seasons. Some residents object to the $12 million cost. The mayor says the province will cover half. Comment (excerpt) As a taxpayer I was worried, but if the province really pays ______, the town's share seems reasonable to me.

Athe full cost
Bhalf the cost
C$12 million more
Dnothing at all

Show answer

Answer: half the cost

The article says the mayor expects the province to "cover half". The commenter's softened position depends on that detail, so "half the cost" is the only option consistent with both the article and the comment.

Tips that work

As you read, note each viewpoint with its owner: parents, residents, the mayor, experts. Many questions ask who believes what.
Find the article's overall purpose. Is it reporting a debate or arguing one side? A question on purpose is common.
Read the whole comment before filling any blank. The commenter's stance decides which option fits.
This is the longest part, so budget time: about 7 minutes for the article questions leaves 6 for the comment.

Common mistakes

Confusing the article writer's view with one of the opinions they quote.
Filling comment blanks one by one without reading how the comment ends.
Running out of time because the article was read too slowly on the first pass.

Questions candidates ask

Why is Reading Part 4 considered the hardest?

The article is the longest text in the section, the vocabulary is more abstract, and the questions focus on opinions and reasoning rather than simple facts. It also has 10 questions, so it carries real weight in your Reading score.

Does the commenter always agree with the article?

No. The comment might support one side, disagree, or take a middle position. Work out the commenter's stance from their words before choosing options for the blanks.

How long do I have for Part 4?

13 minutes for 10 questions, the longest time limit of the four reading parts. Use the extra time for the article, which demands the most careful reading.