Study Guides

From the CELPIP Learning Section

Q: Which CELPIP tasks do the guides cover?

All of the scored tasks on CELPIP-General: six Listening parts, four Reading parts, two Writing tasks, and eight Speaking tasks. There are also general strategy guides covering test-day preparation and broader technique.

Q: How are the guides organised?

By skill. Use the tabs to filter to Listening, Reading, Speaking, or Writing, or browse General for wider strategy articles. Every guide is also listed by skill further down this page.

Q: Should I read a guide before or after a practice test?

Most people get more from taking a mock test first, since it shows which tasks are actually costing them marks. Read the guide for those tasks, then drill the same task type in the question bank before sitting another full test.

Q: What does each guide actually explain?

What the task asks you to do, what you will see or hear, the criteria assessors use to score it, and the specific mistakes that most often lose marks on that task.

Tips, strategies, and stories to help you master the CELPIP test.

General

Listening

Reading

Speaking

Writing

Every CELPIP task

Browse all study guides by skill

Each guide covers one scored task on the CELPIP-General exam: what it asks of you, what the assessors are looking for, and the mistakes that most often cost marks. Written by people who have sat the test.

CELPIP Listening Guides

Six scored parts, each with its own question style and traps.

Listening · Part 1

Listening to Problem Solving

Master the first scored listening task. Learn how to identify the problem, track solutions, and pick the right answer every time.

Listening · Part 2

Listening to a Daily Life Conversation

Master Task 2 by learning to track opinions, emotions, and informal language in everyday conversations.

Listening · Part 3

Listening for Information

Learn to extract key facts and instructions from short reports and announcements. Master Task 3.

Listening · Part 4

Listening to a News Item

Learn the 'active note-taking' strategy for this high-speed news report. Master Task 4.

Listening · Part 5

Listening to a Discussion

Learn the 'scorecard' method to track 3 speakers at once in this complex group discussion.

Listening · Part 6

Listening to a Viewpoint

Master the final listening task. Learn to take structured notes for a 3-minute monologue without seeing the questions.

CELPIP Reading Guides

Four parts, from correspondence to diagrams and viewpoints.

Reading · Part 1

Reading Correspondence

Master the first reading task. Learn to quickly understand emails, identify the tone, and fill in the reply blanks like a pro.

Reading · Part 2

Reading to Apply a Diagram

Learn to master diagrams. This guide teaches you to find key info in charts, maps, and schedules...fast.

Reading · Part 3

Reading for Information

Learn the 'hunt' method for this speed-reading task. Master matching questions to paragraphs.

Reading · Part 4

Reading for Viewpoints

Learn to master the final reading task. This guide teaches you to compare viewpoints and build a 'scorecard' for a high score.

CELPIP Writing Guides

Two tasks: writing an email and responding to survey questions.

Writing · Part 1

Writing an Email

Master the 5-paragraph template for a CLB 9+. Learn to answer every prompt point and perfect your tone.

Writing · Part 2

Responding to Survey Questions

Learn the 4-paragraph template for a perfect score. Defend your opinion with strong reasons and examples.

CELPIP Speaking Guides

Eight tasks, each with a short prep window and a recorded answer.

Speaking · Part 1

Giving Advice

Learn the 4-part template for a perfect CLB 9+ score on your first speaking task.

Speaking · Part 2

Personal Experience

Learn the 3-part story template to tell a perfect, complete story in just 60 seconds.

Speaking · Part 3

Describing a Scene

Learn the 'Zoning Method' to describe a busy picture clearly and confidently in just 60 seconds.

Speaking · Part 4

Making Predictions

Learn to be a 'detective' and use clues from the picture to make a logical prediction in just 60 seconds.

Speaking · Part 5

Comparing and Persuading

Learn the 4-part structure to compare two options and persuasively defend your choice.

Speaking · Part 6

Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Learn the 'Empathy Sandwich' method to be firm and polite in any difficult situation.

Speaking · Part 7

Expressing Opinions

Learn the 4-part structure to build a powerful, persuasive argument that will earn you a CLB 9+.

Speaking · Part 8

Unusual Situation

Learn the 3-part method to clearly describe any 'unusual' picture with rich vocabulary and perfect structure.

These guides are free

Study guides need no account and no subscription. Just open one and read. You only need to sign in when you want to practise questions or take a mock test, because those save your answers and scores to your history.

Put it into practice

Reading is the start, not the finish

A guide tells you what good looks like on a task. Actually hitting that standard takes reps under exam conditions.

Drill one task at a time

The question bank breaks the exam into individual parts, so you can practise the exact task a guide just walked you through.

Sit a full mock test

All four modules end to end, timed like the real exam, with a band score at the end. Test 1 is free.

FAQ

Questions about the study guides

Do I need an account to read the study guides?

No. Every study guide on Exam Hero is free to read with no account, no plan, and nothing to unlock. You only need an account when you want to practise questions or take a mock test, because those save your answers and scores.

Which CELPIP tasks do the guides cover?

How are the guides organised?

Should I read a guide before or after a practice test?

What does each guide actually explain?