CELPIP Reading
Part 1 of 4
Reading Correspondence
You read a piece of personal correspondence — a letter or email — and answer questions on its content, then a short related passage such as a reply. It tests careful reading of tone and detail, not just the main idea.
- whole test
- 53–60 min
- questions in the test
- 38
- parts
- 4
163 practice taskssign in (free) to start
Select a practice
A taste of the set — 163 in total. The first is free; a free account opens the rest.
What a Part 1 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real reading part, with notes on how to read it.
You read an email from Ana to her former coworker Luis about her move to Saskatoon and a job offer she turned downnote 1. After it, you complete Luis's reply by choosing the best option for each blanknote 2. Sample question: "Why did Ana decide not to take the job?"note 3
- 1 The writer and reader: former coworkers, so the tone is friendly. Questions on tone and purpose are common.
- 2 The second passage: the reply depends on the first email, so check each blank against what Ana wrote.
- 3 What this question tests: a reason stated in the email, usually in different words from the answer options.
How to prepare for Reading Correspondence
- Read the letter or email for both facts and tone, because questions test how the writer feels as well as what they say.
- Cross-check the reply against the original message, since some answers depend on how the second writer responds to the first.
- Watch for the relationship between the writers, as their connection shapes the level of formality and the intent behind the message.
How CELPIP Reading is scored
CELPIP Reading is scored by how many questions you answer correctly across its four parts. Your total is converted to a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, with no separate marking criteria.
Keep going with Reading Part 1
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Reading Correspondence: frequently asked questions
You read a piece of correspondence such as a letter or email along with a short reply, then answer questions about the details and the tone.
Look at word choice and phrasing that signal emotion or attitude, since the writer's feelings are often implied rather than stated outright.
The reply lets the test ask how one writer responds to the other, so some answers require reading both messages together.
No, Reading is scored by the number of correct answers converted to a level from 1 to 12; the four written criteria apply only to the Writing test.