CELPIP reading
Reading to Apply a Diagram
How to Master CELPIP Reading Task 2: Apply a Diagram
This task tests your ability to do one thing: read a graphic (like a chart, schedule, or map) and use that information to answer questions in a related email. It's a real-world skill, and it's all about finding details quickly.
What You Will Read
- Part 1: A graphic or diagram (e.g., a weekly event schedule, a company flowchart, a building map).
- Part 2: An email that discusses or asks about the information in the graphic.
- You will answer 8 questions total: 5 multiple-choice questions about the diagram/email, and 3 fill-in-the-blank questions in a reply email.
The #1 Trap to Avoid
The biggest mistake is missing the "fine print". Test-takers get the main idea but miss a tiny but critical detail in the diagram, like an asterisk (), a "Closed on Tuesdays" note, or a small fee listed at the bottom. The questions are designed to test if you saw these exceptions.
Key Strategies for a CLB 9+
- Step 1: Analyze the Diagram FIRST (1 min): Before you even read the email, look at the diagram. What is its title? What are the column headers? What are the footnotes ()? Get a mental map of where the information is.
- Step 2: Read the Email & Questions (1 min): Now read the email. You'll quickly see what information the person needs (e.g., "What time is the...?" "Is there parking...?").
- Step 3: Hunt for the Answers (4-5 min): Use the email questions as a "shopping list." Go back to the diagram and hunt for the specific answers. This is faster than reading the whole diagram.
- Step 4: Fill in the Blanks (2-3 min): For the 3 fill-in-the-blank questions, remember the rule from Task 1: The answer must match the tone of the reply email (formal, casual, etc.).
How to Practice
- Look at a real-world bus schedule or event flyer. Have a friend ask you 3-4 specific questions about it (e.g., "What's the last bus on Saturday?"). See how fast you can find the answer.
Ready to Practice This Skill?
Can you find the right detail under pressure? This task is all about speed and accuracy. The only way to improve is to practice scanning complex diagrams.
Our webapp has unlimited practice questions for this exact 2-part task, all with real, test-like diagrams and emails.