Part 1: Reading Correspondence

What happens in Part 1

• You read a message, for example from a friend or a landlord, and answer six questions about it.
• Then you complete a reply to that message by choosing the right option in five gaps.

Tips for a higher score

• Read the questions first, then scan the message for each answer.
• In the reply, check that your choice matches the facts in the first message.

Common mistakes

• Spending too long on the first questions and rushing the reply.

Step-by-step strategy for Part 1

1. Skim the message for the situation. Spend about 1 minute finding out who is writing to whom, why, and what they want. Note the main request or problem in a few words on your scrap paper.
   • I'm writing to…
   • I was wondering if…
   • Could you…
   • Unfortunately…
2. Answer the six questions about the message. Allow about 4 minutes. Read each question, then go back to the part of the message it refers to; questions usually follow the order of the text.
   • but
   • however
   • although
   • instead
   • actually
   • in the end
3. Eliminate options that twist the facts. Cross out options that mention the right topic but change a detail, such as the day, the person or whether something already happened. Watch for plans that were changed later in the message.
   • was going to
   • had planned to
   • unless
   • as long as
   • only if
4. Complete the reply, gap by gap. Use about 5 minutes for the five gaps. Read the whole reply sentence, including the words after the gap, and check each choice against the facts in the first message.
   • Thanks for letting me know…
   • Sorry to hear…
   • That sounds…
   • I'd be happy to…
5. Time check and fill every blank. With about 1 minute left, choose an answer for anything still empty. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so a blank is the only sure way to lose the point.

Part 1 vocabulary and signal words

Part 1 sample tests (51 free practice tests)

Each test has the full text, every question and the answer key. Choose your answers and check them on the page.

• A club member inquiring about a photography contest
• A Colleague Emailing Another About Organizing a Team-Building Event
• A coworker discussing a team presentation
• A customer emailing a gym about membership options
• A friend emailing another friend to plan a group outing
• A hobbyist contacting an art supply store
• A job applicant emailing a recruiter about an interview
• A neighbor coordinating a community cleanup
• A newcomer asking about language classes
• A parent emailing a school about a field trip
• A pet owner contacting a vet clinic about an appointment
• A student asking a professor about a missed lecture

All 51 Part 1 sample tests · Full-length Reading practice tests (all parts, 38 questions)

Practice ideas for Part 1

1. An email from a friend who has moved to a new city for work, describing the apartment, the commute and a plan to visit in the spring. Questions: why they moved, what surprised them, what they ask you to bring.
2. A letter from a landlord announcing building repairs, with dates, a change to the laundry room hours and a request for access to each unit. Questions: what tenants must do and by when; reply gaps confirm a time.
3. A message from a former coworker who is organising a retirement party, explaining the venue change and asking for help with a slideshow. Questions: why the venue changed, what help is needed, who is invited.
4. An email from a cousin whose family trip was postponed because of a flight problem, with new travel dates and a question about borrowing camping gear. Questions on cause and effect; reply gaps choose what you can lend.
5. A note from a neighbour thanking you for watching their pets, mentioning a small problem with a plant and inviting you to dinner. Questions on attitude (grateful, apologetic) and reply gaps that accept or reschedule the invitation.

Reading Part 1 questions, answered

More CELPIP Reading

• Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram (next)
• Part 3: Reading for Information
• Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints