CELPIP Tips: Reading for Viewpoints

The CELPIP Reading Test is designed to assess your ability to understand written English in real-world contexts. Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints challenges you to interpret opinions, arguments, and perspectives—a skill that’s essential for effective communication in Canada.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Part 4 unique and share practical strategies to help you confidently identify opinions and answer questions accurately.

What Is Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints?

In Part 4, you’ll read a passage that presents multiple viewpoints on a topic—often in the form of a discussion, debate, or commentary. The passage may include:

  • Opinions from different individuals

  • Arguments for and against a position

  • Subjective language and persuasive tone

You’ll then answer multiple-choice questions that test your ability to:

  • Identify who holds which opinion

  • Understand the reasoning behind each viewpoint

  • Recognize tone, bias, and attitude

  • Compare and contrast perspectives

Key Strategies for Success

1. Pay Attention to Tone and Language

Opinion-based writing often uses subjective language. Look for:

  • Adjectives like unfair, excellent, ridiculous

  • Phrases like I believe, in my opinion, it seems

  • Emotional or persuasive language

These are strong indicators that the writer is expressing a viewpoint rather than stating a fact.

2. Track Who Says What

Passages in Part 4 often include multiple speakers or contributors. Use a notepad or mental notes to track:

  • Each person’s name or label (e.g., “Student A,” “Manager,” “Resident”)

  • Their stance on the issue

  • Any supporting arguments they provide

This helps you answer questions like “Who agrees with X?” or “Who disagrees with Y?”

3. Look for Contrast Words

Words like however, but, although, and on the other hand signal a change in opinion or perspective. These are useful for identifying opposing viewpoints and understanding the structure of the argument.

4. Don’t Confuse Facts with Opinions

Facts are verifiable and objective. Opinions are subjective and based on personal beliefs or preferences. For example:

  • Fact: “The city has 12 public parks.”

  • Opinion: “The city doesn’t have enough green space.”

CELPIP questions often test your ability to distinguish between the two.

5. Use Elimination Wisely

If you’re unsure about an answer, eliminate choices that:

  • Don’t match the speaker’s tone or attitude

  • Misrepresent the viewpoint

  • Refer to someone who wasn’t mentioned in that context

This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer.

Practice Tip: Read Editorials and Opinion Columns

To sharpen your skills, read editorials, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces in newspapers or online platforms. Practice identifying:

  • The main argument

  • Supporting evidence

  • Counterarguments

  • Emotional or persuasive language

This mirrors the kind of reading you’ll encounter in Part 4.

Final Thoughts

Part 4 of the CELPIP Reading Test is your chance to demonstrate that you can understand and interpret complex viewpoints—a vital skill for life and work in Canada. By focusing on tone, tracking opinions, and practicing with real-world texts, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this section with confidence.

Remember: it’s not just about reading—it’s about reading between the lines.

Zach J