500 Essential CELPIP Words: Vocabulary List by Topic with Examples
By Natania · Study tips · Published · 36 min read
These 500 words and phrases come up again and again in CELPIP: in the emails you write, the scenes you describe, the news you hear and the opinions you read. They are grouped into 20 everyday Canadian topics, each word with a short meaning and an example sentence you can reuse. You don't need rare academic words for a high CLB; you need the precise, everyday word, used correctly.
How to use this list
Don't try to memorize all of it in one go. Learn one topic at a time, and learn each word inside its example sentence, because CELPIP tests whether you can use a word, not whether you can define it.
- Read a topic's table and tick the words you already use confidently. Skip those.
- For each new word, say the example sentence out loud, then make your own sentence about your life.
- Use three new words on purpose in your next Speaking or Writing practice answer.
- Review yesterday's words for five minutes before you start new ones.
- Check spelling as you go: CELPIP Writing has no spell checker.
At 20 words a day, the whole list takes under a month. If your test is sooner, start with the topics for your weakest section: topics 16–19 for Writing and Speaking, and topics 1, 2, 7 and 15 for Listening and Reading.
1. Housing and renting (25 words)
Where it comes up: Writing Task 1 emails to a landlord or neighbour, Speaking Task 5 choices between two homes, and Reading Part 1 letters.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| landlord | the owner who rents out a home | I emailed my landlord about the broken heater. |
| tenant | a person who rents a home | Tenants must give written notice before they move out. |
| lease | a rental contract for a set time | Our lease ends on June 30. |
| security deposit | money held to cover damage | We got our security deposit back in full. |
| utilities | electricity, water and heat | The rent includes utilities except the internet. |
| maintenance request | a formal request for a repair | I submitted a maintenance request for the dripping tap. |
| renovation | major improvement work on a building | The lobby is closed for renovation until May. |
| furnished | comes with furniture | A furnished unit means you don't have to buy a sofa. |
| spacious | having a lot of room | The living room is bright and spacious. |
| cramped | too small and crowded | The kitchen felt cramped with four people in it. |
| sublet | rent your rented home to someone else | Can I sublet my room while I'm away for the summer? |
| roommate | a person you share a home with | My roommate and I share the cost of groceries. |
| eviction | being forced to leave a rental | The tenant received an eviction notice for unpaid rent. |
| property manager | the person who runs a building for the owner | Please contact the property manager about parking. |
| amenities | useful extras such as a gym or pool | The building's amenities include a rooftop patio. |
| down payment | the first part of a home's price, paid up front | They saved for five years for a down payment. |
| mortgage | a loan to buy a home | Higher interest rates raised their mortgage payments. |
| condo | an apartment you own in a shared building | Condo fees cover snow removal and repairs. |
| basement suite | a rental unit below a house | Basement suites are often cheaper but darker. |
| insulation | material that keeps heat inside | Poor insulation made our heating bills very high. |
| leak | water escaping where it shouldn't | There's a leak under the bathroom sink. |
| pest | an insect or animal that causes problems | The building hired a company to deal with the pests. |
| noise complaint | a report about loud neighbours | I made a noise complaint about the late-night parties. |
| move-in date | the day you start living somewhere | Is the move-in date flexible? |
| neighbourhood | the area around your home | It's a quiet neighbourhood close to two schools. |
2. Community and local life (25 words)
Where it comes up: Listening Part 5 discussions, Reading Part 4 viewpoints, Writing Task 2 surveys about local plans.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| community centre | a public building for local activities | The community centre offers free English classes. |
| volunteer | work without pay to help others | I volunteer at the food bank on Saturdays. |
| fundraiser | an event to collect money for a cause | The school held a fundraiser for new playground equipment. |
| residents | people who live in an area | Residents were invited to share their opinions online. |
| city council | the elected group that runs a city | City council will vote on the new bike lanes next month. |
| by-law | a local rule made by a city | A city by-law limits construction noise on Sundays. |
| petition | a signed request for a change | Over 500 people signed the petition to keep the pool open. |
| donation | something given to help others | The shelter accepts donations of winter coats. |
| food bank | a charity that gives out free food | Demand at the food bank rises every winter. |
| proposal | a suggested plan | The proposal would turn the empty lot into a park. |
| public consultation | a process to collect people's opinions | The city is holding a public consultation on the new library. |
| facility | a building made for a purpose | The new sports facility opens in the spring. |
| playground | an outdoor area where children play | The playground needs safer equipment. |
| crosswalk | a marked place to cross the street | Parents asked for a crosswalk near the school. |
| speed bump | a raised strip that slows cars down | Speed bumps were added after several accidents. |
| community garden | shared land where neighbours grow food | I rent a small plot in the community garden. |
| recycling program | a system for collecting reusable waste | The new recycling program collects glass every two weeks. |
| local business | a small shop or company in the area | Supporting local businesses keeps the area lively. |
| newcomer | someone who has recently arrived | The library runs workshops for newcomers to Canada. |
| inclusive | welcoming to everyone | We want the festival to be inclusive for all ages. |
| membership fee | money paid to join a group | The membership fee is $40 a year. |
| bulletin board | a board for notices and posters | I saw the ad on the bulletin board at the grocery store. |
| sign-up sheet | a list where people add their names | Please add your name to the sign-up sheet by Friday. |
| organizer | a person who plans an event | The organizers expect about 300 people. |
| attendance | the number of people who come | Attendance was lower than expected because of the rain. |
3. Work and the workplace (25 words)
Where it comes up: Writing Task 1 emails to a manager or colleague, Speaking Task 6 difficult situations at work, Listening Part 1 problems.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| colleague | a person you work with | A colleague offered to cover my shift. |
| supervisor | the person in charge of your work | I need my supervisor's approval for the change. |
| shift | a set period of work | I'm working the night shift this week. |
| overtime | extra hours beyond your normal work | Overtime is paid at a higher hourly rate. |
| deadline | the latest time to finish something | The deadline for the report is Thursday at noon. |
| workload | the amount of work you have | My workload doubled when two people left. |
| performance review | a meeting about how well you work | My performance review is scheduled for next week. |
| promotion | a move to a higher position | She got a promotion to team lead. |
| time off | days when you don't work | I'd like to request time off in August. |
| sick leave | paid or unpaid days off for illness | He's on sick leave until Monday. |
| training session | a meeting to learn a new skill | Everyone must attend the safety training session. |
| onboarding | the process of starting a new job | Onboarding takes about two weeks. |
| remote work | working from home or away from the office | Remote work saves me two hours of commuting a day. |
| hybrid | partly in the office, partly at home | Our team has a hybrid schedule. |
| agenda | a list of topics for a meeting | Please send me the agenda before the meeting. |
| minutes | the written record of a meeting | I'll take the minutes at today's meeting. |
| delegate | give part of your work to someone else | A good manager knows how to delegate. |
| collaborate | work together | The two departments collaborated on the project. |
| prioritize | decide what is most important | I prioritize urgent client requests. |
| feedback | comments on how something was done | My manager gave me useful feedback on my presentation. |
| staff shortage | not enough workers | The store is closing early because of a staff shortage. |
| payroll | the system that pays employees | Contact payroll if your cheque is wrong. |
| human resources | the department that handles staff matters | Human resources will explain your benefits. |
| policy | an official rule or plan | The company changed its vacation policy. |
| productivity | how much work gets done | Shorter meetings improved our productivity. |
4. Jobs and careers (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 2 experiences, Speaking Task 1 advice to a friend looking for work, Reading Part 3 information texts.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| résumé | a document listing your work history | Keep your résumé to two pages. |
| cover letter | a letter sent with a job application | Mention the job title in your cover letter. |
| job posting | an advertisement for a job | I found the job posting on the city's website. |
| applicant | a person who applies for something | Over 200 applicants applied for one position. |
| qualifications | skills and training needed for a job | Do you have the right qualifications for this role? |
| credentials | official proof of education or training | Newcomers may need their credentials assessed. |
| reference | a person who can recommend you | My former manager agreed to be a reference. |
| interview | a meeting to assess a job applicant | The interview lasted forty-five minutes. |
| shortlist | a final list of chosen candidates | I was shortlisted for the position. |
| entry-level | suitable for someone with little experience | It's an entry-level job, so training is provided. |
| full-time | working a complete week of hours | She's looking for a full-time position. |
| part-time | working fewer hours than full-time | A part-time job fits around my classes. |
| contract position | a job for a fixed period | It's a six-month contract position. |
| salary | fixed pay for a year of work | The salary depends on experience. |
| benefits | extras such as health and dental coverage | The job offers good benefits and a pension. |
| probation period | a trial period at the start of a job | The probation period is three months. |
| career change | a move into a different type of work | At 40, he made a career change into nursing. |
| networking | meeting people who can help your career | Networking events helped me find my first job here. |
| internship | short work experience for learning | The internship turned into a permanent job. |
| certification | an official document proving a skill | A first-aid certification is required. |
| transferable skills | skills useful in many jobs | Customer service gives you transferable skills. |
| recruiter | a person who finds workers for companies | A recruiter contacted me on LinkedIn. |
| job offer | a formal offer of employment | I accepted the job offer yesterday. |
| negotiate | discuss to reach an agreement | You can negotiate your start date. |
| resign | officially leave your job | She resigned to start her own business. |
5. Shopping and customer service (25 words)
Where it comes up: Writing Task 1 complaint emails, Listening Part 1 problem-solving calls, Reading Part 2 diagrams such as price lists.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| refund | money given back for a purchase | I'd like a full refund for the broken blender. |
| exchange | swap an item for another one | Can I exchange this jacket for a larger size? |
| receipt | a paper or email proving you paid | Please keep your receipt for returns. |
| warranty | a promise to repair or replace a product | The laptop has a two-year warranty. |
| return policy | a store's rules for taking items back | The return policy allows 30 days. |
| store credit | money you can only spend at that store | They offered me store credit instead of cash. |
| defective | not working because of a fault | The phone was defective when it arrived. |
| out of stock | not available in the store now | That model is out of stock until next week. |
| back-ordered | ordered but waiting for new supply | Your chair is back-ordered for three weeks. |
| discount | a lower price than usual | Students get a 10% discount. |
| on sale | sold at a reduced price | Winter boots are on sale this weekend. |
| coupon | a voucher that lowers the price | I used a coupon to save $5. |
| price match | match a lower price from another store | Do you price match online stores? |
| loyalty program | a reward scheme for regular customers | I collect points with the loyalty program. |
| gift card | a card with money to spend at a store | I gave my sister a gift card for her birthday. |
| purchase | something bought, or to buy | Your purchase will be delivered on Tuesday. |
| checkout | the place or step where you pay | There was a long line at the checkout. |
| cashier | the person who takes payment | The cashier gave me the wrong change. |
| delivery | bringing goods to your home | Delivery is free on orders over $50. |
| tracking number | a code to follow a package | Use the tracking number to see where your parcel is. |
| invoice | a document asking for payment | The invoice is due in 30 days. |
| overcharged | asked to pay too much | I was overcharged for the delivery fee. |
| bargain | something bought cheaply | The table was a real bargain at $20. |
| customer service | help given to customers | I called customer service three times. |
| replacement | a new item instead of a faulty one | They sent a replacement within a week. |
6. Money, banking and bills (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 5 comparing costs, Writing Task 2 opinions about spending, Listening Part 3 information about services.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| budget | a plan for spending money | We set a monthly budget for food. |
| expense | money spent on something | Rent is our biggest expense. |
| afford | have enough money for | We can't afford a second car right now. |
| savings account | a bank account that earns interest | I put $200 into my savings account every month. |
| chequing account | a bank account for daily payments | My pay goes into my chequing account. |
| interest rate | the percentage charged or earned on money | The interest rate on the loan is 6%. |
| loan | money borrowed that must be repaid | He took out a loan to buy a car. |
| credit card | a card for paying with borrowed money | Pay your credit card in full each month. |
| debt | money that you owe | She paid off her student debt in four years. |
| instalment | one of several regular payments | You can pay for the course in three instalments. |
| transaction | a single payment or transfer | I didn't recognize a transaction on my statement. |
| balance | the amount in an account or still owed | Check your balance before you pay. |
| statement | a monthly record of an account | Your statement is available online. |
| overdue | not paid by the due date | The electricity bill is two weeks overdue. |
| late fee | a charge for paying late | A $25 late fee will be added. |
| direct deposit | pay sent straight into your bank account | Set up direct deposit with payroll. |
| withdraw | take money out of an account | I withdrew $100 from the ATM. |
| e-transfer | a payment sent by email or phone | I'll send you an e-transfer for my share. |
| tax return | a yearly form reporting income to the government | Don't forget to file your tax return by April 30. |
| deduction | an amount taken off pay or tax | Check the deductions on your pay stub. |
| subscription | a regular payment for a service | I cancelled my magazine subscription. |
| bill | a request for payment | The phone bill went up this month. |
| cost of living | the money needed for basic expenses | The cost of living is higher in big cities. |
| share the cost | each pay part of the price | Let's share the cost of the cottage. |
| financial advisor | an expert who helps with money planning | A financial advisor helped us plan for retirement. |
7. Transportation and commuting (25 words)
Where it comes up: Listening Part 3 announcements, Reading Part 2 schedules, Speaking Task 5 choosing between ways to travel.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| commute | the trip to and from work | My commute takes forty minutes by bus. |
| public transit | buses, trains and subways for everyone | Public transit is cheaper than parking downtown. |
| transit pass | a card for unlimited trips for a period | A monthly transit pass saves money if you ride every day. |
| fare | the price of a trip | The bus fare went up in January. |
| bus route | the path a bus follows | The bus route changed because of construction. |
| schedule | a list of times | Check the train schedule before you leave. |
| delay | a period of waiting longer than planned | There's a 20-minute delay on the subway. |
| rush hour | the busiest travel times | Avoid the highway at rush hour. |
| traffic jam | a long line of slow cars | I was stuck in a traffic jam for an hour. |
| detour | a different route around a closed road | Follow the detour signs on Main Street. |
| road closure | a road blocked to traffic | Expect road closures during the marathon. |
| construction zone | an area where road work is happening | Slow down in construction zones. |
| carpool | share a car to work with others | Four of us carpool to save on gas. |
| ride-share | a paid trip booked in an app | I took a ride-share home after the concert. |
| parking permit | a document allowing you to park | Residents need a parking permit on this street. |
| platform | where you wait for a train | The train leaves from platform 3. |
| connection | a change from one bus or train to another | I missed my connection because of the delay. |
| bike lane | part of a road for bicycles | The new bike lane makes cycling safer. |
| cyclist | a person riding a bicycle | More cyclists use the bridge in summer. |
| pedestrian | a person walking | Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks. |
| driver's licence | official permission to drive | I'm studying for my driver's licence test. |
| car insurance | coverage for accidents and damage | Car insurance is expensive for new drivers. |
| break down | stop working (for a vehicle) | My car broke down on the way to work. |
| tow truck | a truck that pulls broken cars | We waited two hours for a tow truck. |
| winter tires | tires made for snow and ice | Put your winter tires on before the first snowfall. |
8. Travel and holidays (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 2 past trips, Speaking Task 5 choosing a vacation, Writing Task 1 emails about bookings.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| itinerary | a detailed travel plan | I emailed you our itinerary for the trip. |
| reservation | a booking for a room, table or seat | I made a reservation for two nights. |
| booking confirmation | proof that a booking is made | Print your booking confirmation. |
| cancellation | the act of cancelling | There's a fee for cancellations within 48 hours. |
| check in | register when you arrive | You can check in after 3 p.m. |
| check out | leave a hotel and pay | Check out is at 11 a.m. |
| accommodation | a place to stay | Accommodation near the lake is hard to find in July. |
| boarding pass | a document needed to get on a plane | Have your boarding pass ready at the gate. |
| departure | the act of leaving | Our departure was delayed by fog. |
| arrival | the act of arriving | Arrival time is 6:45 p.m. local time. |
| layover | a stop between two flights | We had a three-hour layover in Calgary. |
| carry-on | a small bag you take on the plane | Liquids in your carry-on must be small. |
| baggage allowance | how much luggage you may bring | The baggage allowance is one checked bag. |
| passport | an official travel document | Make sure your passport is valid for six months. |
| destination | the place you are travelling to | Banff is a popular destination in winter. |
| sightseeing | visiting interesting places | We spent the day sightseeing in Old Quebec. |
| tourist attraction | a place many visitors go | Niagara Falls is a major tourist attraction. |
| campsite | a place to put up a tent | Book your campsite months in advance. |
| cottage | a holiday house, often near a lake | We rented a cottage for the long weekend. |
| long weekend | a weekend with a holiday Monday or Friday | Highways are busy on long weekends. |
| travel insurance | coverage for medical and trip problems abroad | Travel insurance paid for my doctor's visit. |
| refundable | you can get your money back | The cheaper ticket is not refundable. |
| peak season | the busiest and most expensive time | Prices double in peak season. |
| off-season | a quieter, cheaper time to travel | We travel in the off-season to avoid crowds. |
| road trip | a long holiday journey by car | Our road trip took us across three provinces. |
9. Health and wellness (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 1 advice, Listening Part 2 conversations, Reading Part 3 information about health services.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| appointment | a set time to see someone | I booked an appointment with the dentist. |
| family doctor | your regular doctor | It can take months to find a family doctor. |
| walk-in clinic | a clinic you can visit without booking | I went to a walk-in clinic for my sore throat. |
| prescription | a doctor's order for medicine | The pharmacist filled my prescription. |
| pharmacist | a person who prepares and explains medicine | Ask the pharmacist about side effects. |
| symptoms | signs of an illness | Stay home if you have flu symptoms. |
| check-up | a routine health examination | I have a check-up once a year. |
| physiotherapy | treatment with exercises for injuries | Physiotherapy helped my back pain. |
| injury | physical harm to the body | He's recovering from a knee injury. |
| recover | get better after an illness | It took me two weeks to recover. |
| allergy | a bad reaction to something | I have a nut allergy. |
| emergency room | the hospital area for urgent care | We waited five hours in the emergency room. |
| waiting list | a list of people waiting for something | There's a long waiting list for the specialist. |
| health card | the card for public health coverage | Bring your health card to every appointment. |
| dental coverage | insurance that pays for dental care | My job doesn't include dental coverage. |
| mental health | emotional and psychological well-being | Exercise is good for your mental health. |
| stress | pressure or worry | Exams cause a lot of stress. |
| burnout | exhaustion from too much work | She took time off to avoid burnout. |
| work-life balance | time for both work and personal life | Flexible hours improve work-life balance. |
| routine | a usual way of doing things | A morning walk is part of my routine. |
| nutrition | the food your body needs | Good nutrition helps children learn. |
| gym membership | paid access to a gym | I cancelled my gym membership and started running. |
| sedentary | sitting a lot, not active | Office jobs can be very sedentary. |
| sleep schedule | your regular times for sleeping | Shift work ruined my sleep schedule. |
| side effect | an unwanted result of a medicine | Drowsiness is a common side effect. |
10. Education and children (25 words)
Where it comes up: Writing Task 2 surveys about schools, Speaking Task 7 opinions, Reading Part 4 viewpoints on education.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| enrol | officially join a course or school | I enrolled in an evening accounting course. |
| tuition | the fee for a course or school | Tuition went up 5% this year. |
| registration | signing up officially | Registration opens on March 1. |
| semester | half of a school year | I'm taking three courses this semester. |
| course load | how many courses you take | Working full-time, I keep a light course load. |
| assignment | a piece of work set by a teacher | The assignment is due on Monday. |
| instructor | a teacher of a course | The instructor explained it clearly. |
| tutor | a private teacher for one student | We hired a tutor for math. |
| workshop | a short practical class | The library offers a résumé workshop. |
| online course | a course taken on the internet | An online course lets me study after work. |
| certificate | a document showing you completed a course | You'll receive a certificate at the end. |
| diploma | a qualification from a college or school | She has a diploma in early childhood education. |
| prerequisite | something required before a course | Biology 101 is a prerequisite for this course. |
| scholarship | money given to help pay for study | He won a scholarship to university. |
| student loan | money borrowed to pay for study | I'm still paying off my student loan. |
| extracurricular | activities outside normal classes | Extracurricular activities build confidence. |
| curriculum | the subjects taught in a school | Coding is now part of the curriculum. |
| grade | a mark, or a year of school | My son is in grade 4. |
| report card | a document showing a student's marks | Report cards come home in June. |
| parent-teacher meeting | a meeting about a child's progress | I have a parent-teacher meeting at 4. |
| daycare | a place that looks after young children | Daycare spaces are hard to find. |
| after-school program | activities for children after classes | The after-school program ends at 6. |
| field trip | a class visit to a place outside school | The class went on a field trip to the museum. |
| skill | an ability you learn | Public speaking is a useful skill. |
| lifelong learning | continuing to learn as an adult | The city promotes lifelong learning for seniors. |
11. Family, friends and social life (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 1 advice to a friend, Speaking Task 6 difficult situations, Listening Part 2 daily-life conversations.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| relative | a family member | Several relatives are visiting for the holidays. |
| sibling | a brother or sister | I have two siblings. |
| in-laws | your husband's or wife's family | My in-laws are staying with us this month. |
| household | the people living in one home | Our household has five people. |
| childcare | care for children while parents work | Childcare costs are a big part of our budget. |
| babysitter | a person paid to watch children | We need a babysitter for Saturday night. |
| get-together | an informal meeting of friends | We're having a small get-together on Friday. |
| potluck | a meal where everyone brings a dish | I'm bringing a salad to the potluck. |
| housewarming party | a party in a new home | They invited us to their housewarming party. |
| invitation | a request to come to an event | Thanks for the invitation. |
| RSVP | reply to say if you will come | Please RSVP by June 1. |
| host | the person who holds an event | The host made us feel welcome. |
| guest | a person invited to an event | We have twenty guests coming. |
| anniversary | a yearly date remembering an event | It's our tenth wedding anniversary. |
| reunion | a meeting of people after a long time | Our family reunion is in August. |
| catch up | talk about recent news with someone | Let's catch up over coffee. |
| hang out | spend relaxed time together | We hang out at the park on weekends. |
| close friend | a friend you trust very much | She's been a close friend since high school. |
| acquaintance | someone you know a little | He's just an acquaintance from work. |
| disagreement | a difference of opinion | We had a disagreement about the holiday plans. |
| compromise | an agreement where each side gives a little | We reached a compromise: one weekend each. |
| supportive | helpful and encouraging | My family was very supportive when I moved here. |
| pet owner | a person who has a pet | Pet owners must keep dogs on a leash in the park. |
| retirement | the time after you stop working | My parents are enjoying their retirement. |
| milestone | an important event in life | Buying a home was a big milestone. |
12. Food and eating out (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 5 choosing a restaurant or caterer, Writing Task 1 event planning, Listening Part 2 conversations.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| book a table | reserve a place at a restaurant | I booked a table for six at 7 p.m. |
| menu | the list of food at a restaurant | The menu has several vegetarian options. |
| appetizer | a small dish before the main meal | We shared an appetizer. |
| main course | the largest part of a meal | For the main course, I had salmon. |
| dessert | a sweet dish at the end of a meal | We skipped dessert. |
| vegetarian | without meat or fish | Two guests are vegetarian. |
| vegan | without any animal products | The bakery sells vegan cookies. |
| gluten-free | without wheat gluten | Do you have gluten-free bread? |
| dietary restriction | food a person cannot or will not eat | Please tell us about any dietary restrictions. |
| ingredient | one item used to make a dish | Fresh ingredients make all the difference. |
| homemade | made at home, not bought | She brought homemade cookies. |
| takeout | food bought to eat elsewhere | Let's order takeout tonight. |
| food delivery app | an app for ordering meals to your home | Food delivery apps add service fees. |
| tip | extra money given for good service | We left a 15% tip. |
| server | a person who serves food in a restaurant | Our server was friendly and fast. |
| split the bill | divide the cost of a meal | Shall we split the bill? |
| grocery store | a shop that sells food | The grocery store closes at 10. |
| farmers' market | a market where farmers sell produce | I buy vegetables at the farmers' market. |
| produce | fresh fruit and vegetables | Local produce is cheaper in summer. |
| best-before date | the date food is best eaten by | Check the best-before date on the milk. |
| leftovers | food remaining after a meal | I took the leftovers for lunch. |
| portion | the amount of food for one person | The portions were very large. |
| catering | providing food for an event | The catering quote for 50 people was $1,500. |
| food truck | a vehicle that sells meals | Food trucks line up at the festival. |
| cafeteria | a self-service restaurant at work or school | The cafeteria has cheap lunches. |
13. Weather and the environment (25 words)
Where it comes up: Listening Part 4 news items, Reading Part 3 information texts, Writing Task 2 surveys on environmental plans.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| forecast | a prediction of the weather | The forecast says heavy snow tomorrow. |
| temperature | how hot or cold it is | The temperature dropped overnight. |
| below zero | colder than 0 °C | It's been below zero for a week. |
| wind chill | how cold it feels with the wind | With the wind chill, it feels like −30. |
| snowstorm | a storm with heavy snow | The snowstorm closed schools. |
| freezing rain | rain that turns to ice | Freezing rain made the roads dangerous. |
| heat wave | a period of very hot weather | Cooling centres opened during the heat wave. |
| humid | hot and damp | Toronto summers can be very humid. |
| flooding | water covering normally dry land | Spring flooding damaged several homes. |
| wildfire | an uncontrolled fire in nature | Wildfire smoke affected air quality. |
| air quality | how clean the air is | Poor air quality warnings were issued. |
| power outage | a loss of electricity | The storm caused a power outage for 2,000 homes. |
| emergency kit | supplies kept for emergencies | Keep water and a flashlight in your emergency kit. |
| climate change | long-term change in the Earth's climate | Climate change is making summers hotter. |
| pollution | harmful substances in air, water or land | Traffic is a major source of pollution. |
| emissions | gases released into the air | Electric buses reduce emissions. |
| compost | food waste turned into soil | We put fruit peels in the compost bin. |
| reusable | can be used again | Bring a reusable bag to the store. |
| single-use plastic | plastic used once and thrown away | The city is banning single-use plastic straws. |
| conservation | protecting nature | Conservation groups planted 1,000 trees. |
| wildlife | wild animals | Don't feed the wildlife. |
| hiking trail | a path for walking in nature | The hiking trail is closed after dark. |
| provincial park | a protected park run by a province | We camped in a provincial park. |
| sustainable | able to continue without harming the environment | We need more sustainable transport. |
| energy-efficient | using little energy | Energy-efficient windows lower heating bills. |
14. Technology (25 words)
Where it comes up: Listening Part 1 problems with devices, Speaking Task 5 comparing products, Reading Part 4 opinions on technology.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| device | a phone, tablet or computer | Turn off all devices during the test. |
| app | a program on a phone or tablet | The bank's app lets you deposit cheques. |
| download | copy a file from the internet | Download the form from the website. |
| install | put a program on a device | I installed the update last night. |
| software update | a newer version of a program | The software update fixed the bug. |
| password | a secret word to log in | Change your password every few months. |
| log in | enter an account | I can't log in to my account. |
| two-step verification | a second check when you log in | Two-step verification protects your account. |
| personal data | information about you | Companies must protect your personal data. |
| privacy settings | options controlling who sees your information | Check your privacy settings. |
| screen time | time spent looking at screens | We limit our kids' screen time. |
| social media | websites and apps for sharing | I follow the city on social media. |
| video call | a call where you can see each other | I have a video call with my family every Sunday. |
| Wi-Fi | a wireless internet connection | The café has free Wi-Fi. |
| internet speed | how fast data moves online | The internet speed is too slow for video calls. |
| troubleshoot | find and fix a problem | Let's troubleshoot the printer. |
| technical support | help with technology problems | I called technical support about my router. |
| back up | save a copy of files | Back up your photos to the cloud. |
| cloud storage | online space to store files | I keep my documents in cloud storage. |
| upgrade | change to a newer or better version | I upgraded to a faster plan. |
| compatible | able to work with something | The charger isn't compatible with my phone. |
| battery life | how long a battery lasts | The battery life is about ten hours. |
| online scam | a trick to steal money on the internet | Seniors are often targets of online scams. |
| streaming service | a service for watching shows online | We share one streaming service. |
| user-friendly | easy to use | The new website is more user-friendly. |
15. News and current events (25 words)
Where it comes up: Listening Part 4 news items, Reading Part 3 information texts, Listening Part 6 viewpoints.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| announce | make something known officially | The mayor announced a new housing plan. |
| according to | as stated by | According to the report, prices rose 3%. |
| spokesperson | a person who speaks for a group | A company spokesperson declined to comment. |
| official | a person with authority | City officials met with residents. |
| poll | a survey of opinions | A recent poll shows most residents support the plan. |
| statistics | numbers that show facts | Statistics show fewer accidents this year. |
| increase | a rise | There's been an increase in rents. |
| decline | a fall | Bus use declined during the pandemic. |
| significant | large or important | The change had a significant impact. |
| investigation | an official search for facts | Police have opened an investigation. |
| incident | an event, often a problem | No one was hurt in the incident. |
| witness | a person who saw something happen | Witnesses saw the car leave the scene. |
| emergency crews | firefighters, police and paramedics | Emergency crews arrived within minutes. |
| evacuate | move people away from danger | Residents were told to evacuate. |
| damage | physical harm to things | The storm caused millions of dollars in damage. |
| estimate | a rough calculation | Officials estimate 500 people were affected. |
| funding | money given for a purpose | The library received new funding. |
| initiative | a new plan to solve a problem | The initiative aims to reduce waste. |
| launch | start something new | The province launched a new program. |
| pilot project | a small trial before a full plan | The pilot project runs for six months. |
| impact | a strong effect | The closure will have an impact on local shops. |
| controversial | causing disagreement | The decision was controversial. |
| regulation | an official rule | New regulations limit short-term rentals. |
| authorities | the people in charge | Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the area. |
| ongoing | still happening | The investigation is ongoing. |
16. Events and free time (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 2 experiences, Speaking Task 5 choosing an activity, Writing Task 1 emails about plans.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| festival | a public celebration with events | The jazz festival runs all week. |
| concert | a live music performance | I got tickets to the concert. |
| exhibition | a public display of art or objects | The museum has a new dinosaur exhibition. |
| art gallery | a place that shows art | Entry to the art gallery is free on Thursdays. |
| admission fee | the price to enter | The admission fee is $15 for adults. |
| sold out | no tickets left | The show sold out in an hour. |
| venue | the place where an event happens | The venue holds 2,000 people. |
| performance | a show for an audience | Her performance was amazing. |
| audience | the people watching a show | The audience stood and clapped. |
| lineup | a line of people waiting, or the list of performers | The lineup for tickets went around the block. |
| rain or shine | whatever the weather | The market runs rain or shine. |
| family-friendly | suitable for children and adults | It's a family-friendly event. |
| hobby | an activity done for fun | Gardening is my favourite hobby. |
| craft | making things by hand | The kids made crafts at the library. |
| book club | a group that reads and discusses books | My book club meets monthly. |
| board game | a game played on a board | We play board games on Friday nights. |
| photography | taking photos as an art or hobby | I'm taking a photography class. |
| recreational league | a team sport for fun, not professionals | I joined a recreational hockey league. |
| tournament | a competition with many games | Our team won the tournament. |
| spectator | a person watching an event | Spectators lined the route of the race. |
| season pass | a ticket for a whole season | A ski season pass saves money. |
| theatre | a place for plays and shows | We saw a play at the local theatre. |
| live music | music played in person | The restaurant has live music on Saturdays. |
| parade | a public procession | The Canada Day parade starts at 10. |
| fireworks | explosives that light up the sky | We watched the fireworks by the lake. |
17. Requests, complaints and apologies (25 words)
Where it comes up: Writing Task 1 emails, Speaking Task 6 difficult situations, Reading Part 1 correspondence.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| inconvenience | trouble or difficulty caused | We apologize for the inconvenience. |
| unacceptable | not good enough to accept | A three-week wait is unacceptable. |
| disappointed | sad that something wasn't as hoped | I was disappointed with the service. |
| frustrated | annoyed because you can't change something | I'm frustrated by the repeated delays. |
| resolve | find a solution | I hope we can resolve this quickly. |
| compensation | something given to make up for a loss | I am asking for compensation for the damaged items. |
| reimburse | pay back money someone spent | The company will reimburse your travel costs. |
| request | politely ask for something | I'm writing to request a refund. |
| urgent | needing attention immediately | This is an urgent matter. |
| follow up | contact again about something | I'm following up on my email from last week. |
| clarify | make something clearer | Could you clarify the new schedule? |
| misunderstanding | a failure to understand correctly | There seems to be a misunderstanding. |
| apologize | say you are sorry | I apologize for missing the meeting. |
| sincerely | honestly and truly | I sincerely hope this won't happen again. |
| appreciate | be thankful for | I really appreciate your help. |
| grateful | feeling thankful | I'm grateful for your patience. |
| convenient | easy or suitable | Would Tuesday be convenient for you? |
| alternatively | as another option | Alternatively, we could meet online. |
| accommodate | provide what someone needs | We can accommodate your request. |
| reschedule | change the time of a plan | Can we reschedule our meeting? |
| postpone | move something to a later time | The event has been postponed. |
| cancel | decide something will not happen | I need to cancel my appointment. |
| confirm | say something is definitely true or arranged | Please confirm your attendance. |
| at your earliest convenience | as soon as you can (formal) | Please reply at your earliest convenience. |
| I would appreciate it if | a polite way to ask for something | I would appreciate it if you could call me back. |
18. Opinions and persuasion (25 words)
Where it comes up: Writing Task 2 survey responses, Speaking Task 5 comparing and persuading, Speaking Task 7 expressing opinions.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in my view | in my opinion | In my view, the park is the better choice. |
| I'm convinced that | I strongly believe that | I'm convinced that this will save money. |
| advantage | a good point | The main advantage is the location. |
| drawback | a bad point | The only drawback is the price. |
| benefit | a helpful result | The biggest benefit is the time we save. |
| outweigh | be more important than | The benefits clearly outweigh the costs. |
| in the long run | over a long time | In the long run, it's cheaper to buy. |
| worthwhile | worth the time or money | The course was worthwhile. |
| essential | absolutely necessary | A car is essential where we live. |
| crucial | extremely important | Timing is crucial. |
| cost-effective | good value for the money | Bulk buying is more cost-effective. |
| practical | useful and sensible | A smaller car is more practical in the city. |
| accessible | easy to reach or use | The new building is accessible for wheelchairs. |
| reliable | can be trusted to work well | The train is more reliable than the bus. |
| flexible | able to change easily | Flexible hours suit parents. |
| compared with | when you compare it to | Compared with the old system, this is faster. |
| trade-off | a balance between two things | There's a trade-off between price and quality. |
| on balance | after considering everything | On balance, I'd choose the first option. |
| admittedly | I agree that it is true | Admittedly, it costs more. |
| support | agree with and help | I support the plan to build a new library. |
| oppose | disagree with | Many residents oppose the new tower. |
| recommend | suggest as good | I'd recommend the cheaper package. |
| persuade | convince someone | Let me persuade you to try it. |
| convincing | making people believe | That's a convincing argument. |
| consequence | a result of an action | Cutting the bus route would have serious consequences. |
19. Describing pictures and scenes (25 words)
Where it comes up: Speaking Task 3 describing a scene, Speaking Task 4 making predictions, Speaking Task 8 unusual situations.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in the foreground | at the front of the picture | In the foreground, a man is fixing a bike. |
| in the background | at the back of the picture | In the background, there are mountains. |
| on the left-hand side | on the left | On the left-hand side, two kids are playing. |
| in the top right corner | at the upper right | In the top right corner, there's a clock. |
| in the centre | in the middle | In the centre of the picture is a large table. |
| next to | beside | Next to the door, there's a stroller. |
| behind | at the back of | Behind the counter, a cashier is smiling. |
| across from | on the opposite side from | Across from the café is a bookstore. |
| surrounded by | with things all around | The house is surrounded by trees. |
| leaning against | resting on something for support | A ladder is leaning against the wall. |
| reaching for | stretching an arm to get something | A girl is reaching for a book on the top shelf. |
| pouring | making liquid flow from a container | A waiter is pouring coffee. |
| carrying | holding while moving | A woman is carrying grocery bags. |
| setting up | preparing equipment or a place | Volunteers are setting up tables. |
| crowded | full of people | The station is very crowded. |
| cluttered | messy, with too many things | The desk is cluttered with papers. |
| rectangular | shaped like a long box | It's a rectangular wooden box. |
| made of plastic | built from plastic | The chair is made of plastic. |
| about the size of | roughly as big as | It's about the size of a backpack. |
| appears to be | seems to be | The man appears to be lost. |
| it looks like | it seems that | It looks like it's going to rain. |
| is about to | will do something very soon | The boy is about to fall. |
| cheerful | happy and bright | Everyone looks cheerful. |
| worried | anxious | The woman looks worried about the time. |
| puzzled | confused | The tourists look puzzled by the map. |
20. Linking words (25 words)
Where it comes up: Every Writing and Speaking task: they organize your ideas, which raters reward under Readability and Listenability.
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| however | but (to contrast) | The flat is small. However, it's close to work. |
| moreover | also (to add a stronger point) | It's cheap. Moreover, it includes parking. |
| in addition | also | In addition, the gym has a pool. |
| on the other hand | from the opposite point of view | On the other hand, the suburbs are quieter. |
| whereas | while in contrast | I prefer tea, whereas my wife loves coffee. |
| even though | despite the fact that | Even though it rained, we enjoyed the trip. |
| despite | without being stopped by | Despite the cost, it's worth it. |
| therefore | for that reason | The bus is late; therefore, I'll drive. |
| as a result | because of this | As a result, sales went up. |
| consequently | as a result (formal) | Consequently, the event was cancelled. |
| because of this | for this reason | Because of this, I chose the cheaper plan. |
| since | because | Since you love hiking, try Jasper. |
| for instance | for example | For instance, the library offers free Wi-Fi. |
| such as | like (giving examples) | Bring snacks such as fruit or nuts. |
| in particular | especially | I liked the food in particular. |
| first of all | to begin with | First of all, check the price. |
| after that | next | After that, we went to the beach. |
| meanwhile | at the same time | Meanwhile, the kids were playing outside. |
| eventually | in the end, after some time | Eventually, we found a parking spot. |
| finally | last | Finally, consider the location. |
| in conclusion | to finish (formal) | In conclusion, option A is the better choice. |
| overall | considering everything | Overall, it was a great experience. |
| otherwise | if not | Leave now; otherwise, you'll miss the bus. |
| unless | except if | We'll go unless it snows. |
| as long as | only if | You can borrow it as long as you return it Friday. |
Use these words in real CELPIP practice
A word becomes yours once you have used it under test conditions. Try the free sample answers to see these words in high-scoring answers, take a free Listening or Reading practice test to meet them in context, and use the CELPass question bank to practise with AI feedback on the Vocabulary dimension.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do I need to know for CELPIP?
There is no official word count. What matters is knowing the everyday words for CELPIP's topics well enough to understand them quickly and use them precisely. A focused list like this one, learned in context, is more useful than thousands of rare words.
Do I need advanced vocabulary for a high CELPIP score?
No. Raters reward range and precision, not difficult words. A simple word that fits exactly scores better than a long word used in the wrong place.
Is this an official CELPIP word list?
No. CELPIP does not publish a word list. CELPass chose these words from the everyday topics and task types the CELPIP-General test uses; CELPass is not affiliated with CELPIP or Paragon Testing Enterprises.
Does CELPIP use Canadian spelling?
CELPIP is set in everyday Canadian life, so this list uses Canadian spelling (neighbour, centre, cheque). Whichever spelling you use, keep it consistent within one answer.
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.