Mastering CELPIP Reading: Strategies for Part 3 - Reading for information & Practice Test
- Language Flow Lab
- Feb 27
- 13 min read
📖 Reading for Information
Step 1: Preview the Passage
🔲 Glance at the first and last sentences of each paragraph to understand the general topic of each one.
Consider:
What is the passage about?
Who is involved?
Where is the event happening?
Why is it important?
What might happen next?
Example:
Read the following passage
A. The phrase "Trump take egg" has become a viral meme as frustrated U.S. consumers struggle with soaring egg prices. Due to an avian flu outbreak, over 166 million birds, including 30 million egg-laying chickens, have been culled to control the virus's spread. As a result, egg prices are predicted to increase by 41% this year. Consumers have shared images of empty shelves and high prices with simple captions like "Trump take egg" and "Where egg?" The meme, originating from a social media post on Bluesky, highlights growing frustration with the rising cost of food.
B. The meme is primarily being shared by left-leaning commentators, as observed by Slate. The shorthand style of "Trump take egg" conveys a direct, emotional response, suggesting that political messaging can be simplified to resonate with voters. Representative Haley Stevens voiced concerns about rising food costs, questioning what measures were being taken to address the issue. With Easter approaching, demand for eggs is expected to push prices even higher, with some regions already seeing costs of over $12 per dozen.
C. The U.S. Agriculture Department reports that egg prices have reached record levels, doubling since the outbreak began. Last year, consumers spent an additional $1.4 billion due to the price surge. Restaurants, including Denny’s and Waffle House, have introduced surcharges on egg dishes. The New York Times recently published egg-free recipe alternatives, acknowledging that eggs are becoming a luxury item for many households.
D. Some consumers have resorted to extreme measures to obtain eggs. In Pennsylvania, 100,000 organic eggs were stolen from a distribution truck, valued at $40,000. Similarly, a Seattle café reported a theft of 540 eggs. U.S. Customs agents in Texas have stopped at least 90 individuals attempting to smuggle raw eggs from Mexico since January. Meanwhile, Canadian consumers have been spared from these price hikes due to the country’s supply management system, which keeps egg prices relatively stable.
E. The Trump administration recently announced a five-point plan to combat bird flu and reduce costs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that an additional $1 billion will be invested in farm protection measures, adding to the $2 billion already spent since 2022. However, the effects may take time, as infected farms need months to sanitize and rebuild their stock. In an Op-Ed, Rollins also suggested that importing eggs could be a temporary solution to lower prices, a controversial stance given Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
Paragraph A: Talks about the meme "Trump take egg," its viral nature, and how it reflects public frustration over high egg prices.
Paragraph B: Discusses political implications, noting that the meme is used mainly by left-leaning commentators and politicians raising concerns.
Paragraph C: Focuses on statistical data and financial impact—how prices have doubled, and businesses are adjusting.
Paragraph D: Highlights unusual consumer reactions, like theft and smuggling.
Paragraph E: Mentions government actions to combat the crisis, including funding and import discussions.
🔲 Identify repeated words or phrases, which may indicate key themes.
"Egg prices," "avian flu," "consumers," and "Trump take egg" appear multiple times, signalling key ideas.
Step 2: Identify Keywords in the Questions
🔲 Underline or mentally highlight important words in each question.
🔲 Look for synonyms or paraphrased terms that may appear in the passage.
🔲 Determine if the question is about facts, reasons, effects, or future actions.
Example:
If the question asks why egg prices have risen, look for words like "cause," "outbreak," "avian flu," or "culled birds" (Paragraph A).
If the question asks about government action, look for phrases like "Agriculture Secretary," "government plan," or "investment" (Paragraph E).
If the question asks about public reaction, look for terms like "consumers," "frustration," "stolen eggs," or "smuggling" (Paragraph D).
Step 3: Skim for Main Ideas
🔲 Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph to quickly grasp key points.
🔲 Identify each paragraph’s focus. (e.g., history, government actions, survival methods, public reaction).
🔲 Be aware that one paragraph may answer multiple questions.
Example:
Paragraph A introduces the viral meme and its relation to high egg prices.
Paragraph B connects the meme to political concerns about inflation.
Paragraph C discusses price increases with financial statistics.
Paragraph D covers extreme consumer reactions (theft, smuggling).
Paragraph E details government efforts to lower prices.
If the question asks why egg prices are rising, you know to check Paragraph A and C.
Step 4: Scan for Specific Details
🔲 Look for keywords from the question and locate their corresponding paragraph.
🔲 Check for paraphrasing—words may not appear exactly as in the question.
🔲 Confirm that the paragraph fully answers the question and is not just loosely related.
Example:
⁇ Question: Where does the passage mention that consumers are frustrated by high prices?
Look for synonyms of "frustrated" and "high prices."
Answer: Paragraph A mentions "frustrated U.S. consumers" struggling with "soaring egg prices."
⁇ Question: Which paragraph discusses government actions to lower egg prices?
Look for words like "government," "plan," "reduce costs," "investment."
Answer: Paragraph E.
💡💡PRO Tip 💡💡 Use Context Clues to Understand Difficult Words
🔲 If you see an unfamiliar word, look at the words and sentences around it for clues.
🔲 Check if the word is explained through examples, definitions, or comparisons nearby.
🔲 Use knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, or root words to infer meaning.
Example:
Word: Culled in Paragraph A
Sentence: "Over 166 million birds, including 30 million egg-laying chickens, have been culled to control the virus's spread."
Clue: It says "to control the virus’s spread," suggesting the birds were removed.
Meaning: Killed or removed to prevent disease spread.
Word: Tariff in Paragraph E
Sentence: "Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods."
Clue: It refers to Canadian imports and cost changes.
Meaning: A tax on imported goods.
Step 5: Choose the Best Answer
🔲 Match each question to a paragraph (A to D).
🔲 If no relevant information is found, select E (Not Given).
🔲 Be careful not to assume information that is not explicitly stated.
Example:
⁇ Question: Does the passage mention a black market for eggs?
Scanning: Paragraph D talks about theft and smuggling but does not mention a "black market."
Correct answer: E (Not Given).
⁇ Question: Which paragraph describes the financial burden on consumers?
Scanning: Paragraph C mentions that consumers spent "$1.4 billion more due to the price surge."
Correct answer: C.
💡💡Manage Your Time Effectively💡💡
⏳ Do not spend too long on one question. If unsure, mark your best guess and move on.
⏳ Use process of elimination to rule out incorrect answer choices.
⏳ Revisit any uncertain answers if you have extra time.
Example:
If a question asks about consumer behaviour, and options include:
A (meme origin) ❌
B (political use) ❌
C (financial data) ❌
D (theft & smuggling) ✅
Eliminate incorrect choices and select D.
Above paragraphs adapted from CBC News - https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-take-egg-1.7469946
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Previewing the diagram helps in quickly identifying possible delays.
✔ Skimming allows for understanding general idea
✔ Scanning helps in finding specific details.
✔ identifying keywords to look for synonyms and paraphrase.
✔ Use Context Clues to Understand Difficult Words
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Personalized Live Lesson
🚀Ready to test your skill? 🚀 Keep Reading!
―Dr. Seuss,
Difficultly Level - Easy
🤓Practice Task 1 - Reading Part 3 - Reading for Information 🤓
Practice Task 1 - Reading Part 3: Reading for Information
⏰ Time - 10 minutes
Read the following passage.
A. The Arctic fox is a small mammal native to the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for its thick fur and ability to survive in extreme temperatures, it changes color depending on the season. In winter, its fur is white to blend in with the snow, while in summer, it turns brown or gray to match the tundra.
B. Arctic foxes are opportunistic feeders, meaning they eat whatever is available. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and fish, but they will also scavenge leftovers from larger predators like polar bears. They are well-adapted to surviving with limited food supplies by storing extra fat in their bodies.
C. Due to their harsh environment, Arctic foxes have developed unique survival strategies. They dig burrows for shelter and raise their young in underground dens to protect them from predators. Their thick fur and compact body shape help conserve heat.
D. While Arctic foxes are not currently endangered, climate change poses a significant threat to their habitat. Rising temperatures lead to reduced sea ice, which affects the availability of food. Conservation efforts are in place to monitor their population and habitat changes.
E. Not given in any of the above paragraphs.
📌Decide which paragraph, A to D, has the information given in each statement below. Select E if the information is not given in any of the paragraphs
The Arctic fox changes its fur color depending on the season.
Arctic foxes rely mainly on hunting small animals but can also eat leftovers from larger predators.
The Arctic fox population is rapidly declining due to human hunting.
These foxes store fat in their bodies to survive food shortages.
The Arctic fox builds burrows to protect itself and its young.
The Arctic fox is found in both North and South America.
Conservation programs are in place to help protect Arctic fox populations.
Arctic foxes use underground dens to protect their young from predators.
Rising temperatures are affecting the Arctic fox’s food availability.
🔐 Answer Key
A
B
E
B
C
E
D
C
D
Difficultly Level - Easy
🤓Practice Task 2 - Reading Part 3 - Reading for Information 🤓
Practice Task 2 - Reading Part 3: Reading for Information
⏰ Time - 10 minutes
Read the following passage.
A. The Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world, inhabits the mountainous regions of South America. With a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters (10.8 feet), it is a master of gliding, using air currents to stay in flight for hours while conserving energy. Unlike many birds, the Andean condor relies on soaring rather than constant flapping, making it highly efficient in the air.
B. Despite its large size, the Andean condor is not an active hunter. It is a scavenger, primarily feeding on the carcasses of large mammals such as deer, cattle, and guanacos. This species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming decaying animal remains, preventing the spread of disease. However, due to habitat loss and poisoning from contaminated food sources, their population has declined in several regions.
C. To ensure their survival, conservationists have implemented various strategies, including captive breeding programs and habitat protection initiatives. Some organizations have successfully reintroduced condors into the wild, but challenges remain. Due to their slow reproduction rate—females lay only one egg every two years—recovering the population is a lengthy process. Additionally, illegal hunting continues to pose a serious threat despite legal protections.
D. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Andean condor is its unique courtship behavior. Males attract females through elaborate displays that include spreading their wings, hopping, and vocalizing. Once a pair bonds, they remain monogamous for life. This strong pair bond plays an essential role in raising their young, as both parents share responsibilities such as incubating the egg and providing food for their chick.
E. Not given in any of the above paragraphs.
📌 Decide which paragraph, A to D, has the information given in each statement below. Select E if the information is not given in any of the paragraphs
The Andean condor has a massive wingspan and is skilled at using air currents to glide for long periods.
Andean condors are known for hunting small mammals in the mountains.
Conservationists are working to protect Andean condors through breeding programs and habitat conservation.
The species helps maintain the ecosystem by feeding on decaying animal remains.
Andean condors reproduce quickly and can lay multiple eggs per year.
Male Andean condors perform unique courtship displays to attract mates.
Deforestation and poisoning have contributed to the decline of the Andean condor population.
Both male and female Andean condors share responsibilities in raising their young.
Some conservation efforts have successfully released Andean condors back into the wild.
🔐 Answer Key
A
E
C
B
E
D
7. B
8. D
9. C
Difficultly Level - Difficult
🤓Practice Task 3 - Reading Part 3 - Reading for Information 🤓
Practice Task 3 - Reading Part 3: Reading for Information
⏰ Time - 10 minutes
Read the following passage.
A. Regarded as a work of human creative genius, the Rideau Canal is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site of Canada. Stretching over 202 km from Ottawa to Kingston, it is North America’s oldest, continuously operated canal system. The overall design involves a series of 52 dams that control the water levels, and 47 stone locks that allow watercraft to pass through a series of enclosures containing different levels of water. Remarkably, these locks work much the same way today as they did when it originally opened.
B. The motivation for the canal’s construction came from a need for defense. At the time, the St. Lawrence River served as the primary supply line for the British colony. However, following the War of 1812 against the Americans, the British loyalists recognized the vulnerability of the St. Lawrence to American attack. In 1826, Lieutenant Colonel John By of Britain’s Royal Engineers was tasked with designing a navigable waterway that could serve as a secure military supply route between Montreal and Kingston. The project posed severe logistical and engineering challenges since the desired route consisted of virgin forest, rocky terrain, and untouched rivers and lakes.
C. The construction began in 1826. Independent contractors were in charge of building the waterway, while the Royal Engineers oversaw its design. The skilled work was done primarily by French Canadians, including stonemasons, blacksmiths, and carpenters. The unskilled labour was carried out by immigrants, mainly from Ireland. Over the years, thousands of labourers were involved in the canal’s construction. The vast majority of the work was done manually, with some assistance from draft animals. The excavation was done using shovels, axes, and wheelbarrows. Even the large stones of the locks were set in place using manual cranes. The canal was completed in November 1831 and officially opened in 1832.
D. Although the canal was never used for its intended purpose, it was a commercial success. It became a path for early settlement and a supply route for local resources such as lumber, grains, minerals, and farming products. Presently, the canal functions chiefly as a waterway for leisure craft and recreation. The scenic location offers entertainment for every season including dining, museums, fishing, cycling, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing, and skating. In the winter, a 7.8 km section is transformed into the world’s longest skating rink. The Rideau Canal is popular with tourists and locals alike due to its rich history and variety of attractions.
E. Not given in any of the above paragraphs.
📌 Decide which paragraph, A to D, has the information given in each statement below. Select E if the information is not given in any of the paragraphs
1. Work that required little training was done mostly by settlers.
2. The Rideau Canal project spanned several years.
3. The plan for the canal arose from the need for greater protection.
4. The Rideau Canal has year-round appeal.
5. Special devices allow boats to travel through different levels of water on the canal.
6. Colonel John By managed the canal construction project from Montreal.
7. Businesses in nearby communities profited from the canal's construction.
8. The bulk of the work on the canal was carried out by hand.
9. Military goods were never actually transported along the canal.
🔐 Answer Key
C
C
B
D
A
E
E
C
9. D
Difficultly Level - Difficult
🤓Practice Task 4 - Reading Part 3 - Reading for Information 🤓
Practice Task 4 - Reading Part 3: Reading for Information
⏰ Time - 10 minutes
Read the following passage.
A. As well as a complex road system for car owners, an important aspect of urban infrastructure is a cost-effective public transit system which is fast and easily available for use by the general public. In Canada, all cities and most major towns utilize a public transportation system. In most areas, networks of buses provide the main mode of public transportation. Although bus services are not as fast as private cars, they are able to carry many passengers and can operate on conventional roads with numerous stops that easily connect to other forms of transit, such as trains and ferries. These services are operated at either a provincial or municipal level; for example, public transit in Metro Vancouver is provided by Translink, whereas other areas of British Columbia are serviced by the provincial agency, BC Transit.
B. In densely populated urban areas, the ability to move large numbers of people rapidly becomes even more important. Accordingly, most large cities provide rapid transit lines which facilitate the transport of people across greater distances and in less time than alternative transit systems. These systems, commonly referred to as metros or subways, use rail tracks and are separate from regular traffic. Citywide systems can be found in places such as Montreal (“Metro”), Calgary (“C-Train”), and Edmonton (“LRT”). In addition, some rapid transit systems, such as Vancouver’s Skytrain, span across the sprawling city limits and link to neighbouring municipalities.
C. In addition to buses and rapid transit lines, some metropolises also offer other ecologically friendly and economical forms of public transit. These additions to the public transit system supplement the regular bus services and faster train services. For example, the public transit system in Toronto includes a unique system of streetcars or “trolleys” which run along tracks on public streets. These rail vehicles are lighter and shorter than conventional trains, and are classified as “light rail.” In Vancouver, the public transit network includes a “Seabus” (or passenger-only ferry) which provides public transportation across the Burrard Inlet.
D. Well-developed public transportation systems have many benefits including efficient transportation for large populations, eco-friendly alternatives to private vehicles, and significant savings for transit users. A much-neglected truth is that the average Canadian driver spends approximately $9,500 per year, while the amount paid for monthly public transit passes in Canada comes to only $740 to $1550 annually. With this cost difference, Canadians who are willing to trade in their cars for public transportation stand to save thousands of dollars a year.
E. Not given in any of the above paragraphs.
📌 Decide which paragraph, A to D, has the information given in each statement below. Select E if the information is not given in any of the paragraphs
1. Some city transportation systems connect to nearby urban areas.
2. Some cities incorporate alternative types of transport into their transit infrastructure.
3. New eco-friendly cars cost almost the same as taking public transit.
4. A public transit system is a fundamental facility of Canadian cities.
5. Bus systems in major cities are upgraded every decade to meet commuters’ needs.
6. Metropolises tend to have the most efficient transit systems.
7. Some cities have seen a boost in tourism due to their light railway systems.
8. Public transit remains one of the most cost-effective forms of transportation.
9. The level of government responsible for public transit systems varies.
🔐 Answer Key
B
C
E
A
E
B
E
D
9. A
How did the practice task go ? Did you time yourself ?
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Previewing the diagram helps in quickly identifying possible delays.
✔ Skimming allows for understanding general idea
✔ Scanning helps in finding specific details.
✔ identifying keywords to look for synonyms and paraphrase.
✔ Use Context Clues to Understand Difficult Words
Book a Lesson for private / group lessons
Personalized Live Lesson
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