How to Practice for CELPIP Reading Task 4: Reading for Viewpoints

One of the key tasks of developing your reading skills for the CELPIP exam is learning how to read a wide variety of texts.

It’s easy to focus on material you find easy to read, but if you remain in your comfort zone with your reading you won’t be well prepared for the CELPIP exam.

Step One: Challenge Yourself!

Read something you don’t normally read so that you can encounter new vocabulary words, writing styles and different points of view. Below I’ve shared a link to an article that is focused on sharing an opinion.

The truth: I don’t usually read opinion pieces, and I usually don’t read formal articles on the environment or energy. But this is a perfect opportunity to do so!

Read this article: On energy transition, Canada should take a matriarchal approach

1. Skim. GIve yourself about 3 -4minutes to skim through this article. Read headings, the first and last sentences of paragraphs, and any words that are in italics or bold. (See previous blog post on skimming and a podcast episode as well.)
2. Identify the most important opinions of the writer. (Take 6-8 minutes or so.) What’s the main argument(s)?
   • Is the article in favor of something? Against something? (What?)
   • Do they provide extra information to support their ideas? What?
3. Tone What is the writer’s style? Are they formal? Informal? Is this a business / professional article or is it a personal one? How do you know? Are they demanding something or suggesting something?

Notice: Take note of new vocabulary words. If you don’t already, it’s important for you to keep a vocabulary notebook!

Here are some tips to help you develop a simple to use vocabulary notebook:

1. Write your new word down.
2. Learn what it means by checking an online dictionary like, Macmillan Online Dictionary for example. (Hint: if your word has red stars beside it, you should pay attention to learning it! 3 stars = a high frequency word! It’s important!)
3. When you find the meaning of the word, see if you can write the meaning in your own words.
4. Write a few sentences using your new word.
5. Use your new word often: try for 7 times during the day in regular conversation.

Your goal: own new words, don’t memorize them. When you focus on using new words as often as you can in normal conversation or writing work, they gradually become part of your vocabulary. You own the new word.

Comprehension Challenge

1. Who is/are the writer(s) of this article?
2. What would you say is the most important message the authors are conveying?
3. The writers believe that Canadian businesses have developed a steady approach to dealing with energy. (T/F why or why not?)
4. Are the writers against technology and industry? What do they observe about it?
5. According to the authors, Indigenous Woman are frequently not included in the conversation around the way energy is used. What do they think Indigenous Women bring to the conversation?
6. Do the writers provide any outside sources to help bolster their argument? What do they point to?
7. What are the strengths Indigenous women have that will help move this conversation in the right direction?
8. What key role do many Indigenous women play in their communities?
9. What do the writers want businesses in Canada to do? (4 points.)
10. What 4 important values do the writers present?

Respond

What do you think about the writer’s opinion? Do you agree? Disagree? Why or why not?