Master the CELPIP Reading for Information Task: 10 Question Types, Strategies & Practice Exercises

The Reading for Information Task assesses your ability to extract key details, infer meaning, and understand practical texts. Let’s dive into 10 common question types and how to master them with examples and exercises.

Section 1: Identifying the Main Idea (Question 1)

What’s Asked?
Find the primary purpose or central theme of the passage.

Strategy:

Skim the first and last sentences of paragraphs.
Focus on repeated keywords or phrases.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"The City Council has announced new recycling guidelines starting January 1st. Residents must separate paper, plastic, and glass into designated bins..."

Question:
What is the main purpose of this notice?
a) To advertise recycling bins
b) To announce new recycling rules
c) To criticize residents’ habits

Answer: b) To announce new recycling rules

Exercise:
Read a short notice about a community event. Write down the main idea in one sentence.

Section 2: Locating Specific Details (Question 2)

What’s Asked?
Find explicit information (dates, names, rules).

Strategy:

Scan for numbers, names, or keywords from the question.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 15th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Central Library."

Question:
When does the workshop end?
a) 10 AM
b) 12 PM
c) 2 PM

Answer: c) 2 PM

Exercise:
Read an email about a job opening. List all dates, times, and locations mentioned.

Section 3: Understanding Vocabulary in Context (Question 3)

What’s Asked?
Determine the meaning of a word based on context.

Strategy:

Look at surrounding sentences for clues.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"The company will terminate its partnership with the vendor due to delayed shipments."

Question:
What does "terminate" mean here?
a) Begin
b) End
c) Improve

Answer: b) End

Exercise:
Find 5 unfamiliar words in a news article. Guess their meanings using context clues.

Section 4: Inferring Implied Information (Question 4)

What’s Asked?
Draw conclusions not directly stated.

Strategy:

Ask: What is the writer hinting at?

Example Passage Excerpt:
"Due to budget cuts, the annual staff picnic has been postponed indefinitely."

Question:
What can be inferred about the picnic?
a) It will happen next year.
b) It might not happen at all.
c) It was unpopular.

Answer: b) It might not happen at all.

Exercise:
Read a notice about a canceled flight. Write two inferences about passengers’ options.

Section 5: Matching Headings to Paragraphs (Question 5)

What’s Asked?
Match a heading to a paragraph’s content.

Strategy:

Focus on the first sentence of the paragraph.

Example Passage Excerpt:
Paragraph 1: "To apply for the scholarship, submit your essay by June 30th."
Paragraph 2: "Winners will receive $5,000 and mentorship opportunities."

Question:
Which heading fits Paragraph 2?
a) Application Process
b) Benefits of Winning
c) Eligibility Criteria

Answer: b) Benefits of Winning

Exercise:
Read a blog post with 3 paragraphs. Create headings for each.

Section 6: True/False/Not Given (Question 6)

What’s Asked?
Determine if a statement is true, false, or not in the text.

Strategy:

Avoid assumptions; stick to the passage.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"All participants must wear safety helmets during the tour."

Question:
Safety helmets are optional for children.
a) True
b) False
c) Not Given

Answer: b) False (the rule applies to "all participants").

Exercise:
Write 3 statements about a recipe. Label them True/False/Not Given.

Section 7: Sequencing Events (Question 7)

What’s Asked?
Arrange steps or events in order.

Strategy:

Look for chronological keywords: first, next, finally.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"To reset your password: 1) Click ‘Forgot Password,’ 2) Enter your email, 3) Check your inbox for a link."

Question:
What is the second step?
a) Enter your email
b) Click ‘Forgot Password’
c) Check your inbox

Answer: a) Enter your email

Exercise:
Read instructions for using an ATM. List the steps in order.

Section 8: Identifying the Writer’s Tone (Question 8)

What’s Asked?
Determine the attitude (e.g., formal, urgent, apologetic).

Strategy:

Note words like urgent, regret, pleased.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delayed delivery."

Question:
What is the tone of this message?
a) Angry
b) Apologetic
c) Humorous

Answer: b) Apologetic

Exercise:
Read 3 emails. Identify the tone of each (formal, casual, urgent).

Section 9: Purpose of the Text (Question 9)

What’s Asked?
Why was the text written? (e.g., to inform, complain, invite).

Strategy:

Look at verbs in the passage: announce, warn, invite.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"Join us for our grand opening sale this Friday! Enjoy discounts up to 50%."

Question:
What is the purpose of this text?
a) To complain
b) To invite
c) To warn

Answer: b) To invite

Exercise:
Read a letter to the editor. Decide if the purpose is to criticize, praise, or suggest.

Section 10: Predicting Outcomes (Question 10)

What’s Asked?
What will happen next based on the text?

Strategy:

Focus on the final paragraph for clues.

Example Passage Excerpt:
"The team is reviewing all applications and will announce results by email next week."

Question:
What will applicants receive next week?
a) A rejection letter
b) An interview call
c) Results by email

Answer: c) Results by email

Exercise:
Read a notice about a contest. Predict what participants should do after submitting entries.

Final Tips for Success

Practice Timed Drills: Allocate 1–2 minutes per question.
Review Mistakes: Analyze why you got a question wrong.
Simulate Test Conditions: Use official CELPIP practice materials.

By mastering these strategies and exercises, you’ll confidently tackle all 10 questions in the Reading for Information Task! For more practice, try CelpipPractice, your go-to resource for CELPIP success.