My CELPIP Test Experience
I have been preparing for CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) Test for processing Canada PR. CELPIP is completely computerized test, even speaking is computerized which is why I selected CELPIP over IELTS. The CELPIP test has 4 sections Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Study materials and support are less available compared to IELTS.
Preparation
1. MAD English TV: - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2-SI2qqn8uSQXIgGsEAWKf6IMh9muHMp
Almost 2-3 months, I have been referring youtube videos, CELPIP materials to familiarize with the test. I was not fluent in english as I was coming from non-english language background. Along with me, my friends also joined for the CELPIP mission. We met together in google meet and solved many sample questions. This was very effective and we have improved a lot by learning and sharing. At least we have learnt more english which made us more confident.
Obviously, speaking was the most difficult in the beginning. It has 8 tasks. I have initially followed MAD English youtube channel. It was very useful as we got many tips from his videos. Basically you need to have good ideas and speak the whole time without mistakes. In all the tasks, give an introduction, explain your content and conclude. Be polite and positive while you speak.
- Task1-Giving advice: Difficult if question is long and tough. Need to speak 90 seconds. can use: It will be good, if you..., I would suggest..., I would recommend...,
- Task 2-Talk about past experience: Use past tense. Mention date, time, place, feelings ...
- Task 3: Describing a scene: vocabulary is important. Also start with an intro and describe things in the picture.
- Task 4: Making predictions: can start thinking about predictions from the previous task itself. Try to make interesting predictions. Use future tense. Eg: will be, is going to,...
- Task 5- Compare and persuade : This task has more time and easy to make sentences as points are already given. Make sure you understand the situation. Acknowledge the other option. Eg: Hi John, I know you want to go with option 1, but I think option2 will be a better option because of several reasons... Try to use better vocabulary, like comparing prices you tell one is cheaper or expensive instead of calling out prices.
- Task 6- Dealing with difficult situation: comparatively easy as preparation time is 60 seconds. Understand the situation, be polite and soft.Eg: I am so sorry about that..., I hope you understand my situation...
- Task 7-Expressing opinions: may not get enough time to prepare and need to speak for 90 seconds. So it will be difficult if questions is tough. Try to find out 3 points as opinions and elaborate. Add stories and facts if you are not getting anything to speak. eg: I think..., In my views...
- Task 8- Describe unusual situation: This is the toughest task for me. We won't get time to read and understand question. Usually this phone call task, So you need to call and introduce yourself. eg: Ho John, this is Jim here.... We will get some strange pictures and it will be cross between animals or some strange thing that we have never seen. Describe as much as you can and try to accomplish task completion.
After speaking, listening is the second most difficult section and it is the first section in the exam. Listening has 6 tasks including a video section. I felt it difficulty level increases from 1 to 6. We have purchased study materials from CELPIP and worked out it. Some of the sound recordings were easy to understand but some are difficult. Also, the questions are tricky sometimes. I used to take note for listening tasks. But many of my friends find it difficult to take note and scored high when they are just listening.
Reading was somewhat a relief that we could score at least 7 in every practise test we took. It has 4 sections. Here also, difficulty level increases from 1 to 4. Task 3: Reading for information. We need to find the paragraph A,B,C, D corresponding to the statement or E which means statement belongs to none of the paragraphs. For this you can read all paragraphs first and match the statements which I am following. But my friend used to read first paragraph and find all options belongs to that paragraph, then go to the next paragraph and so.
Writing has only 2 tasks email writing and responding to survey questions with enough time. I followed MAD english videos and books, and it was useful. Please find below some useful phrases and sentences.
- Greeting: Informal- Hi John. Formal: To whom it may concern, Dear John, Dear Store manager, Dear Mr. John
- Ending: Thanks, Thanks and Regards, Warm regards, Sincerely, Yours faithfully
- I am writing to you to inform you...
- I am writing to express a concern I have about a...
- I just wanted to send you a quick email to...
- I am writing this email in response to your earlier email to...
- I am writing this email to seek your assistance to...
- It would appreciate if you can send...
- I am writing to you in regard to...
- It looks much better now
- I would be happy to provide you with any other information you might need...
- I appreciate the opportunity to provide input on this issue.
- I will be eagerly waiting for your response.
- I look forward to your response.
- Looking forward to seeing you next month.
- I would like to bring to your attention
- I would like to suggest
- Thank you for taking this into consideration, and I look forward to...
- May I suggest /propose implementing
- I'm so sorry to say that a situation has come up...
- I really appreciate your kindness and patience!
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- I am afraid that I may not be able to..
- I will not be in a position to support..
- Accept my sincere apology for the inconvenience caused and I look forward to your support and co-operation in this matter.
- on Friday, May 10, 2020, at 5:45 p.m., at Square one mall.
- I would be happy to provide you with any other information you might need.
- I believe this information to be true to the best of my knowledge.
Survey
- I personally think
- Even though public transport is slow, people can save money in commuting and parking.
- Considering these reasons, I believe it would be better for..
- I appreciate the opportunity to provide input on this issue.
- Another reason why I think
- I prefer...
- First of all, ..., in addition to that
- Moreover, ...
- Again, these are my personal belief, but I will support whatever the company decide to do.
Exam experience
I was very confident for the CELPIP test as I was prepared well. We had put a lot of effort and was ready to take any scenario for speaking tests. The exam was 3 hours and due to pandemic I had to wear mask during the exam. Also, I haven't given such a long exam in recent times. So after listening and reading, I was completely burnt out. I could somehow complete writing section. But once speaking started, I was so tired and time was flying like rocket. The speaking sections went very fast and I was not able to perform well. I was so disappointed after the exam. My suggestion to you is to take complete test while you work out mock tests, which was one mistake we did during our practise. Also I was expecting some questions from CELPIP materials, but nothing repeated. Anyway, I am sure that one day I will crack the CELPIP test.