Last Minute Time Saving Tips for CELPIP Exam

Introduction

International students take the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) to demonstrate their English language proficiency and be admitted to Canadian universities for higher education. The four sections that make up CELPIP are Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading. The candidates will have three hours to finish these assignments. A crucial component of this exam is the CELPIP Reading Test. Your reading comprehension, vocabulary, coherence, and task-accomplishment abilities will be evaluated during this test. For a better understanding, it is crucial to comprehend the CELPIP Test’s format. As we explore essential strategies for success in CELPIP in this blog, we’ll ensure you’re equipped to overcome its language barriers and seize the opportunities it presents. 

Why Take CELPIP?

You must apply to the CELPIP to study in Canada and extend your horizons there. It’s a fantastic substitute for the TOEFL and IELTS exams. Some of the reasons you have to take the CELPIP test are listed below:

• CELPIP is a test that may be taken in one sitting, in contrast to other exams that require two sittings.
• Despite being a single language, English has a variety of dialects that not everyone can comprehend. CELPIP uses only the North American accent.
• The results are sent to you in only 4-5 days, so you don’t have to wait weeks or months to receive them.
• You will receive free practice exams, webinars, and preparatory courses as soon as you register for the exam. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts the CELPIP General test for professional designations and permanent residency. The test is appropriate if you’re trying to get work in Canada. However, only a few colleges accept CELPIP as evidence of English language competency. The CELPIP General test tracks your performance based on your English language reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. The Listening and Reading portions of the General Test contain “two unscored items” utilized in test development. You cannot identify which question falls within the category of unscored items, even if that specific test will not be scored. Thus, it would be ideal to give each question your best effort. 

How to Manage Your Time During the CELPIP Reading Section?

For the reading section, consider the following time-management advice: You will have 9–13 minutes for each of the 38 questions in each activity.

There are 38 questions on it and four activities to complete. One has between nine and thirteen minutes for each distinct task, and each isolated task should take nine to thirteen minutes. One must swiftly scan the provided text and respond to multiple-choice questions in the little time allotted.

• Task 1:

Spend some time going over the first set of multiple-choice questions related to the first letter. After reading the questions, proceed to the letter and respond. You can spend 70 percent of your time here. For the remaining thirty per cent, reply to the letter. Because you will already know what the actual letter is about, you won’t need to spend as much time alternating between the questions and the original letter, saving you time when writing the response letter.

• Task 2:

The best course of action here is to read the questions and then glance at the picture and answer them. Dedicate 80% of your time to this exercise. At the end of this exercise, there are three to four questions that have nothing to do with the picture. Instead, they discuss the two people’s relationship in the letter. You need to spend 20% of your time here because you will understand the relationships between people rather than having to look at the picture again. 

• Task 3:

You don’t need to allocate your time in any particular order because all the questions are included simultaneously. Go through each question, mentally note the keywords, and then proceed to the paragraphs to respond to them. What remains will be “not given.”

• Task 4:

Like assignment 1, spend roughly 70% of your time reading the first letter and the first set of multiple-choice questions. Since the next section of this assignment will be based on the tone of the first one, you will only need to spend a little time reviewing it because you will eventually comprehend it; hence, you should only give it 30% of your time.

How to Manage Your Time During the CELPIP Listening Section?

This part has 38 questions, divided into six sections. You will have five to eight minutes to reply to each. Three minutes will pass throughout the recording. Listening to podcasts is the most excellent method for enhancing your listening skills and acquiring the focus, understanding, and attention span needed to follow the story.

Regarding the time division, you need to complete precisely three things: listen, take notes, and respond. The most important part is the time you spend taking notes. At home, work on your writing speed. You will take a ton of notes if you do this. Your writing will aid you when it comes time to respond to questions since the more you have written, the closer you will be to the transcription. 

How to Manage Your Time During the CELPIP Speaking Section?

There are eight sections of CELPIP speaking. The countdown will begin automatically, giving you sixty to ninety seconds to answer each question orally. Since all examiners will be conversing with candidates in the same room, you must also focus when speaking in a noisy atmosphere. Using the eight tasks, the time division operates as follows: 

• 30-sec prep + 90 sec speaking time
• 30 sec prep + 60 sec speaking time
• 30 sec prep + 60 sec speaking time
• 30 sec prep + 60 sec speaking time
• Two slots of 60-sec prep each + 60-sec speaking time
• 60 sec prep + 60 sec speaking time
• 30-sec prep + 90 sec speaking time
• 30 sec prep + 60 sec speaking time

How to Manage Your Time During the CELPIP Listening Section?

The writing section has two sections, each with a word count. It is preferable to focus on writing and then appropriately organize it. To achieve excellent quality, give proofreading three to four minutes. You should also give yourself two to three minutes to think to ensure you don’t overlook the arguments you originally made. Remember that the introduction and conclusion should always be shorter than the body paragraphs, so give them less time. 

Importance of Mock Tests 

Mock tests are very important when it comes to CELPIP prep. Remarkably, 87% of students do better on mock exams when incorporating them into their study regimens. This is because these simulations act as a link between theoretical understanding and real-world application. Playing through realistic exam scenarios helps you improve your skills, become more comfortable with the actual test atmosphere, and boost your confidence. It’s not just about knowing things; it’s also about applying those things to an exam setting. Accept sample exams as your go-to tool for accelerating your achievement on the CELPIP.

• Simulated Testing Environments: To foster resilience and adaptation, simulate exam settings, including time limits and distractions, as much as possible during mock exams. 
• Reviewing Errors: Examine and comprehend the errors made in practice exams, concentrating on your weak points. This will help you structure your upcoming study sessions more skillfully.
• Test-Taking Routines: To reduce test-day anxiety, create a familiar and comfortable atmosphere by establishing pretest rituals and routines during mock exams.
• Rotating Practice: To ensure you’re ready for any surprises on the exam, rotate through practice exams and expose yourself to various question forms.
• Post-Test Reflection: To have a good attitude throughout your preparation process, evaluate your performance following each mock test, noting areas for growth and acknowledging accomplishments. 

Conclusion

Another alternative to IELTS for students wishing to immigrate to Canada on a student visa is CELPIP. While many students prefer to take the IELTS exam, CELPIP offers another avenue for admission to Canada. Exam-wise, CELPIP is less complicated than IELTS. However, the CELPIP Test is also a challenging exam to pass. However, the desired outcome can be attained with great determination and by applying the advice above.