The CELPIP-General test format, part by part

At a glance

Listening

Recordings start by themselves and play once. Questions test the main idea, details and inference.

1. Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving

   8 questions · 8 min

   A conversation in three sections about solving a problem, with questions after each section.

2. Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation

   5 questions · 5 min

   An everyday conversation, then five questions about it.

3. Part 3: Listening for Information

   6 questions · 6 min

   A talk or conversation that gives information, then six questions.

4. Part 4: Listening to a News Item

   5 questions · 5 min

   A news report, then five sentences to complete.

5. Part 5: Listening to a Discussion

   8 questions · 9 min

   A discussion between several people, then eight questions.

6. Part 6: Listening for Viewpoints

   6 questions · 8 min

   A report that presents different opinions on an issue, then six questions.

Reading

All answers are chosen from options. When the time for a part ends, the test moves on.

1. Part 1: Reading Correspondence

   11 questions · 11 min

   A personal message with questions, then a reply with blanks to complete.

2. Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram

   8 questions · 9 min

   A diagram or schedule and an email about it: fill the blanks, then answer questions.

3. Part 3: Reading for Information

   9 questions · 10 min

   Four paragraphs A to D: match each statement to a paragraph, or choose E if it is not given.

4. Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

   10 questions · 13 min

   An article with different opinions, then a reader's comment with blanks.

Writing

Both tasks are typed. A little under or over the word range is fine; far from it lowers the score.

1. Task 1: Writing an Email

   27 min · 150-200 words

   Write an email about an everyday situation and cover every point in the task, in a tone that suits the reader.

2. Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

   26 min · 150-200 words

   Choose one of two options in a survey and explain your choice with reasons and examples.

Speaking

Each task shows a preparation timer, then records for 60 or 90 seconds and stops by itself.

1. Task 1: Giving Advice

   30 s preparation · 90 s speaking

   Advise a friend or family member about a decision or a problem.

2. Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

   30 s · 60 s

   Tell a story about something that happened to you.

3. Task 3: Describing a Scene

   30 s · 60 s

   Describe a picture to someone who cannot see it.

4. Task 4: Making Predictions

   30 s · 60 s

   Say what will probably happen next in the same scene.

5. Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

   60 s to choose · 60 s · 60 s

   Choose one of two options, then persuade a family member who prefers the other.

6. Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

   60 s · 60 s

   Choose how to handle a difficult situation and speak to the person involved.

7. Task 7: Expressing Opinions

   30 s · 90 s

   Give and support your opinion on a question.

8. Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

   30 s · 60 s

   Describe an unusual object or situation in a picture to someone on the phone.

How the test is scored

Each skill gets its own CELPIP level.

• Levels go from 1 to 12, plus M (minimal) and 0 (not enough to rate).
• Listening and reading: your correct answers are converted to a level.
• Writing: content and coherence, vocabulary, readability, task fulfillment.
• Speaking: content and coherence, vocabulary, listenability, task fulfillment.
• Overall score: the average of the four levels, rounded.

Frequently asked questions