CELPIP Reading · Part 3

Part 3 vocabulary: Reading for Information

The words and phrases that come up in Reading Part 3, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this part? Read the Part 3 format and strategy.

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Adverbs 24

moreover
adverbCLB 7/mɔːrˈoʊvər/
In addition.
“Moreover, the program is open to all ages.”
Similarfurthermorein addition
CELPIP tip Signals extra supporting information.
consequently
adverbCLB 7/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/
As a result.
“Consequently, the population of bees has declined.”
Similarthereforeas a result
CELPIP tip Cause-and-effect questions often hinge on it.
primarily
adverbCLB 7/praɪˈmɛrəli/
Mainly.
“The species is found primarily in northern forests.”
Similarmainlychieflymostly
CELPIP tip Paraphrased as 'mainly' in answers.
approximately
adverbCLB 6/əˈprɒksɪmətli/
About; close to an exact number.
“Approximately 40% of residents took part.”
Similaraboutroughlyaround
CELPIP tip Number details are often paraphrased.
initially
adverbCLB 6/ɪˈnɪʃəli/
At first.
“Initially, the plan failed.”
Similarat first
CELPIP tip Means at first. Usually followed by a change.
subsequently
adverbCLB 7/ˈsʌbsɪkwəntli/
Afterwards.
“He subsequently moved to Toronto.”
Similarlaterafterwards
CELPIP tip Means afterwards. Follow the sequence.
eventually
adverbCLB 6/ɪˈvɛntʃuəli/
In the end.
“Eventually, the species recovered.”
Similarfinally
CELPIP tip Means in the end, after some time.
previously
adverbCLB 6/ˈpriːviəsli/
Before.
“It was previously thought to be extinct.”
Similarformerly
CELPIP tip Means before. Contrast with what is true now.
currently
adverbCLB 5/ˈkɜːrəntli/
Now.
“It is currently being studied.”
Similarpresently
CELPIP tip Means now. Contrast with the past.
largely
adverbCLB 6/ˈlɑːrdʒli/
Mostly.
“The area is largely forest.”
Similarmainly
CELPIP tip Means mostly. Often paraphrased in answer choices.
mainly
adverbCLB 5/ˈmeɪnli/
Mostly.
“They eat mainly insects.”
Similarprimarily
CELPIP tip Means mostly. Points to the main reason or idea.
particularly
adverbCLB 6/pərˈtɪkjələrli/
Especially.
“It's particularly common in spring.”
Similarespecially
CELPIP tip Means especially. Introduces an important detail.
especially
adverbCLB 6/ɪˈspɛʃəli/
Particularly.
“Especially in winter, roads are dangerous.”
Similarparticularly
CELPIP tip Highlights an important detail.
significantly
adverbCLB 6/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/
By a large amount.
“Costs rose significantly.”
Similarconsiderably
CELPIP tip Means by a large amount.
gradually
adverbCLB 6/ˈɡrædʒuəli/
Slowly.
“Temperatures gradually increased.”
Similarslowly
CELPIP tip Means slowly over time.
rapidly
adverbCLB 6/ˈræpɪdli/
Quickly.
“The population grew rapidly.”
Similarquickly
CELPIP tip Means quickly. Describes how fast something changes.
similarly
adverbCLB 6/ˈsɪmɪlərli/
In the same way.
“Similarly, birds migrate south.”
Similarlikewise
CELPIP tip Introduces a similar point.
likewise
adverbCLB 7/ˈlaɪkˌwaɪz/
In the same way.
“Likewise, fish are affected.”
Similarsimilarly
CELPIP tip Means in the same way.
thus
adverbCLB 7/ðʌs/
Therefore.
“Thus, the theory was proven.”
Similartherefore
CELPIP tip Means therefore. Introduces a result.
hence
adverbCLB 8/hɛns/
For this reason.
“It's rare, hence expensive.”
Similartherefore
CELPIP tip Means for this reason. Introduces a result.
nonetheless
adverbCLB 7/ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs/
However.
“Nonetheless, the project continued.”
Similarnevertheless
CELPIP tip Means however. Introduces a contrast.
relatively
adverbCLB 7/ˈrɛlətɪvli/
Compared to others.
“It's relatively new.”
Similarcomparatively
CELPIP tip Means compared with others. Not an absolute.
predominantly
adverbCLB 8/prɪˈdɑːmɪnəntli/
Mostly, mainly.
“The island's population is predominantly made up of retirees.”
Similarmainlymostlychiefly
CELPIP tip Questions may test "mostly" versus "only".
ostensibly
adverbCLB 10/ɑːˈstensəbli/
Apparently, but perhaps not really.
“The fence was ostensibly built for safety, but it also blocked the view.”
Similarapparentlysupposedlyseemingly
CELPIP tip Hints that the real reason is different.

Conjunctions 5

although
conjunctionCLB 5/ɔːlˈðoʊ/
Despite the fact that.
“Although the project was costly, it was successful.”
Similareven thoughwhile
CELPIP tip Signals a contrast within a sentence.
unless
conjunctionCLB 6/ənˈlɛs/
Except if.
“The bridge will close unless repairs are made.”
Similarexcept ifif not
CELPIP tip Conditions are often tested.
while
conjunctionCLB 5/waɪl/
Contrasts two facts.
“While some prefer cities, others like towns.”
Similarwhereas
CELPIP tip Can contrast two facts or mean "during the time that".
since
conjunctionCLB 5/sɪns/
Because; from a time.
“Since 2010, numbers have grown.”
Similarbecausefrom
CELPIP tip Two meanings: "because" or "from a time". Use the context.
even though
conjunctionCLB 5/ˈiːvən ðoʊ/
Despite the fact that.
“Even though it's rare, it's protected.”
Similaralthough
CELPIP tip Introduces a contrast between two facts.

Phrases 15

in contrast
phraseCLB 6
Shows a difference.
“In contrast, urban areas saw an increase.”
Similarby contraston the other hand
CELPIP tip Compare paragraphs that use this signal.
as a result of
phraseCLB 6
Because of.
“As a result of the new law, plastic use dropped.”
Similardue tobecause of
CELPIP tip Links cause to effect.
for example
phraseCLB 5
Introduces an example.
“For example, some cities offer free transit.”
Similarfor instancesuch as
CELPIP tip Examples support the paragraph's main idea.
in fact
phraseCLB 5
Actually.
“In fact, it's the opposite.”
Similaractually
CELPIP tip Introduces a correction or emphasis.
in particular
phraseCLB 6
Especially.
“Children, in particular, benefit.”
Similarespecially
CELPIP tip Introduces a specific detail.
such as
phraseCLB 5
For example.
“Animals such as bears hibernate.”
Similarlikeincluding
CELPIP tip Introduces examples of the point before it.
due to
phraseCLB 5
Because of.
“Due to the drought, crops failed.”
Similarbecause of
CELPIP tip Means because of. Introduces a cause.
in order to
phraseCLB 5
For the purpose of.
“In order to survive, they migrate.”
Similarso as to
CELPIP tip Introduces a purpose. Purpose questions test this.
as well as
phraseCLB 5
And also.
“It eats fruit as well as insects.”
Similarin addition to
CELPIP tip Means "and also". Adds one more point.
in recent years
phraseCLB 6
Lately.
“In recent years, interest has grown.”
Similarlately
CELPIP tip Places a trend in recent time.
at the same time
phraseCLB 6
Simultaneously.
“At the same time, costs fell.”
Similarmeanwhile
CELPIP tip Means simultaneously, or introduces a contrast.
the majority of
phraseCLB 6
Most.
“The majority of residents agreed.”
Similarmost
CELPIP tip Means most. Answer choices often paraphrase it as "most".
a number of
phraseCLB 6
Several.
“A number of factors were involved.”
Similarseveral
CELPIP tip Means several, not an exact number.
in other words
phraseCLB 6
To say differently.
“In other words, it failed.”
Similarthat is
CELPIP tip Introduces a paraphrase of the same idea.
it is believed that
phraseCLB 6
People think.
“It is believed that the tradition began in 1800.”
Similarreportedly
CELPIP tip Not a proven fact.

Verbs 24

contribute to
verbCLB 6
To help cause something.
“Several factors contributed to the decline.”
Similarlead tocause
CELPIP tip Cause questions often use this phrase.
reveal
verbCLB 6/rɪˈviːl/
To make something known.
“The study revealed surprising results.”
Similarshowuncover
CELPIP tip Introduces a key finding. What is revealed is often tested.
decline
verbCLB 6/dɪˈklaɪn/
To decrease.
“Sales declined sharply last year.”
Similardecreasedropfall
CELPIP tip Trend words are often paraphrased.
discover
verbCLB 5/dɪˈskʌvər/
To find for the first time.
“Scientists discovered a new species.”
Similarfind
CELPIP tip Means to find for the first time.
indicate
verbCLB 6/ˈɪndɪˌkeɪt/
To show.
“Results indicate a link.”
Similarsuggestshow
CELPIP tip Means to show. Common with research findings.
suggest
verbCLB 6/səˈdʒɛst/
To imply.
“The data suggests a decline.”
Similarindicate
CELPIP tip In research, means to show indirectly, not to prove.
determine
verbCLB 7/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/
To find out.
“They wanted to determine the cause.”
Similarestablish
CELPIP tip Means to find out.
involve
verbCLB 6/ɪnˈvɒlv/
To include.
“The process involves three steps.”
Similarinclude
CELPIP tip Means to include as a part.
develop
verbCLB 5/dɪˈvɛləp/
To grow or create.
“They developed a new method.”
Similarcreate
CELPIP tip Means to grow or create.
increase
verbCLB 5/ɪnˈkriːs/
To rise.
“Sales increased by 20%.”
Similarrisegrow
CELPIP tip Means to rise. Look for what increased.
affect
verbCLB 6/əˈfɛkt/
To influence.
“Climate affects migration.”
Similarinfluence
CELPIP tip Means to influence. Cause-and-effect questions test this.
cause
verbCLB 6/kɔːz/
To make happen.
“Floods caused major damage.”
Similarlead to
CELPIP tip Means to make something happen.
result in
verbCLB 6/rɪˈzʌlt ɪn/
To cause.
“The change resulted in fewer accidents.”
Similarlead to
CELPIP tip Means to cause. Look for the result.
originate
verbCLB 7/əˈrɪdʒɪˌneɪt/
To begin.
“The custom originated in Japan.”
Similarbeginstart
CELPIP tip Means to begin. Look for where or when.
replace
verbCLB 6/rɪˈpleɪs/
To take the place of.
“Machines replaced workers.”
Similarsubstitute
CELPIP tip Means to take the place of something.
protect
verbCLB 5/prəˈtɛkt/
To keep safe.
“Laws protect the forest.”
Similarsafeguard
CELPIP tip Means to keep safe. Look for what is protected and from what.
establish
verbCLB 6/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
To set up.
“The park was established in 1885.”
Similarfound
CELPIP tip Means to set up.
maintain
verbCLB 6/meɪnˈteɪn/
To keep in good condition.
“It's costly to maintain.”
Similarpreserve
CELPIP tip Means to keep in good condition.
depend on
verbCLB 6/dɪˈpɛnd ɒn/
To rely on.
“The town depends on tourism.”
Similarrely on
CELPIP tip Means to rely on. Shows a relationship.
attribute to
verbCLB 8
To say that something is caused by something else.
“Scientists attribute the decline in bees to pesticides.”
Similarcredit toblame onput down to
CELPIP tip Identifies cause and effect, often the focus of a question.
deteriorate
verbCLB 8/dɪˈtɪriəreɪt/
To become worse.
“The old bridge deteriorated quickly after years of heavy traffic.”
Similarworsendeclinedecay
CELPIP tip Track what changes over time; questions often ask about trends.
exacerbate
verbCLB 9/ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/
To make a problem worse.
“Dry summers have exacerbated the wildfire risk.”
Similarworsenaggravateintensify
CELPIP tip Shows one factor making another worse.
corroborate
verbCLB 9/kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/
To support with additional evidence.
“Later studies corroborated the original findings.”
Similarconfirmsupportverify
CELPIP tip Means the claim became stronger.
precipitate
verbCLB 10/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/
To cause something to happen suddenly or sooner.
“The storm precipitated the collapse of the old barn.”
Similartriggercausebring on
CELPIP tip A strong cause-and-effect word.

Nouns 8

factor
nounCLB 6/ˈfæktər/
Something that influences a result.
“Climate is a major factor.”
Similarcauseelementinfluence
CELPIP tip Look for lists of factors.
species
nounCLB 6/ˈspiːʃiːz/
A type of animal or plant.
“The species is endangered.”
Similarkindtype
CELPIP tip A type of animal or plant. Common in nature texts.
habitat
nounCLB 6/ˈhæbɪˌtæt/
Natural home of an animal.
“Their habitat is shrinking.”
Similarenvironment
CELPIP tip The natural home of an animal or plant.
population
nounCLB 6/ˌpɒpjəˈleɪʃən/
Number of people or animals.
“The population doubled.”
Similarnumbers
CELPIP tip The number of people or animals.
evidence
nounCLB 6/ˈɛvɪdəns/
Proof.
“There's no evidence of this.”
Similarproof
CELPIP tip Proof. Look for what the evidence supports.
phenomenon
nounCLB 8/fəˈnɑːmənɑːn/
Something that happens and can be observed, often unusual.
“The northern lights are a natural phenomenon caused by solar wind.”
Similareventoccurrence
CELPIP tip Plural: phenomena. The passage usually explains what causes it.
proliferation
nounCLB 9/prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/
A rapid increase in number.
“The proliferation of e-scooters has surprised city planners.”
Similarrapid growthspreadincrease
CELPIP tip Signals a trend; check its cause and effect.
impetus
nounCLB 10/ˈɪmpɪtəs/
Something that encourages a process to happen.
“The flood gave new impetus to the drainage project.”
Similarmotivationpushstimulus
CELPIP tip Points to the reason something started; a likely question.

Adjectives 32

crucial
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈkruːʃəl/
Extremely important.
“Bees play a crucial role in pollination.”
Similarvitalessential
CELPIP tip Marks key information. Questions often target crucial points.
widespread
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/
Existing in many places or among many people.
“The practice is now widespread.”
Similarcommonprevalent
CELPIP tip Often paraphrased as 'common'.
significant
adjectiveCLB 6/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
Important or large.
“There was a significant rise in visitors.”
Similarconsiderablenotable
CELPIP tip Often paraphrased as 'large'.
considerable
adjectiveCLB 7/kənˈsɪdərəbəl/
Large in amount.
“The project required considerable effort.”
Similarsubstantial
CELPIP tip Means large in amount. Often paraphrased as "a lot" in answer choices.
substantial
adjectiveCLB 7/səbˈstænʃəl/
Large.
“They received substantial funding.”
Similarconsiderable
CELPIP tip Means large. Often paraphrased in answer choices.
essential
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪˈsɛnʃəl/
Necessary.
“Water is essential for survival.”
Similarvital
CELPIP tip Means necessary. Shows what the writer thinks matters most.
vital
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈvaɪtəl/
Extremely important.
“Trees play a vital role in cities.”
Similarcrucial
CELPIP tip Means extremely important. Marks key information.
efficient
adjectiveCLB 7/ɪˈfɪʃənt/
Working well without waste.
“The new system is more efficient.”
Similareffective
CELPIP tip Working well without waste. Often used in comparisons.
effective
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪˈfɛktɪv/
Producing the intended result.
“The campaign was highly effective.”
Similarsuccessful
CELPIP tip Producing the intended result. Do not confuse it with "efficient".
rare
adjectiveCLB 5/rɛər/
Not common.
“The bird is extremely rare.”
Similaruncommon
CELPIP tip Not common. Facts about rarity are often tested.
common
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈkɒmən/
Happening often.
“This is a common problem.”
Similarfrequent
CELPIP tip Happening often. Contrast with "rare".
native
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈneɪtɪv/
Originally from a place.
“The plant is native to Canada.”
Similarindigenous
CELPIP tip Originally from a place. Common in texts about nature.
ancient
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈeɪnʃənt/
Very old.
“They found ancient tools.”
Similarold
CELPIP tip Very old. Common in history texts.
modern
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈmɒdərn/
Recent.
“Modern methods are faster.”
Similarcontemporary
CELPIP tip Recent. Often compared with traditional ways.
traditional
adjectiveCLB 5/trəˈdɪʃənəl/
Following old customs.
“Traditional farming uses no machines.”
Similarconventional
CELPIP tip Following old customs. Often compared with modern ways.
innovative
adjectiveCLB 7/ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/
New and creative.
“It's an innovative approach.”
Similarnovel
CELPIP tip New and creative. Common in texts about technology.
harmful
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈhɑːrmfəl/
Causing damage.
“Plastic is harmful to marine life.”
Similardamaging
CELPIP tip Causing damage. Look for what is harmful and to whom.
beneficial
adjectiveCLB 6/ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl/
Helpful.
“Exercise is beneficial for health.”
Similarhelpful
CELPIP tip Helpful. Look for what the benefit is.
gradual
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈɡrædʒuəl/
Happening slowly.
“There was a gradual change.”
Similarslowsteady
CELPIP tip Happening slowly. Describes a trend.
rapid
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈræpɪd/
Fast.
“The city saw rapid growth.”
Similarquickfast
CELPIP tip Happening fast. Describes a trend.
previous
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈpriːviəs/
Earlier.
“Previous studies disagreed.”
Similarearlier
CELPIP tip Means earlier. Places events in time.
initial
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪˈnɪʃəl/
First.
“Initial results were promising.”
Similarfirstearly
CELPIP tip Means first. Look for what changed after the start.
primary
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈpraɪməri/
Main.
“The primary cause is pollution.”
Similarmainchief
CELPIP tip Means main. Often points to the main idea.
major
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈmeɪdʒər/
Important; large.
“It was a major discovery.”
Similarsignificant
CELPIP tip Important or large. Separate major points from minor details.
minor
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈmaɪnər/
Small; less important.
“There were only minor changes.”
Similarsmall
CELPIP tip Small or less important. Answer choices often confuse major and minor details.
accurate
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈækjərət/
Correct.
“The data is accurate.”
Similarcorrectprecise
CELPIP tip Means correct. Often about information or measurements.
controversial
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːrʃəl/
Causing disagreement.
“The theory was controversial.”
Similardebatable
CELPIP tip Causing disagreement. Look for both sides.
indigenous
adjectiveCLB 8/ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/
Originally living or growing in a place.
“The garden features indigenous plants that need little water.”
Similarnativelocal
CELPIP tip Common in Canadian topics about land, plants and peoples.
inadvertent
adjectiveCLB 9/ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtənt/
Not done on purpose.
“The discovery of the fossil was inadvertent; workers found it while digging.”
Similaraccidentalunintended
CELPIP tip Questions may ask whether something was planned.
dormant
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈdɔːrmənt/
Not active now but able to become active.
“The volcano has been dormant for centuries.”
Similarinactivesleepinglatent
CELPIP tip Not "dead"; it can become active again.
ubiquitous
adjectiveCLB 10/juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
Found everywhere.
“Smartphones are now ubiquitous, even among seniors.”
Similareverywherewidespreadomnipresent
CELPIP tip Questions may test "everywhere" versus "common".
unprecedented
adjectiveCLB 10/ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/
Never having happened before.
“The town saw unprecedented growth after the new highway opened.”
Similarunheard ofrecordunparalleled
CELPIP tip Signals a first-time event; questions may ask what was new.

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Adverbs 24

moreover

consequently

primarily

approximately

initially

subsequently

eventually

previously

currently

largely

mainly

particularly

especially

significantly

gradually

rapidly

similarly

likewise

thus

hence

nonetheless

relatively

predominantly

ostensibly

Conjunctions 5

although

unless

while

since

even though

Phrases 15

in contrast

as a result of

for example

in fact

in particular

such as

due to

in order to

as well as

in recent years

at the same time

the majority of

a number of

in other words

it is believed that

Verbs 24

contribute to

reveal

decline

discover

indicate

suggest

determine

involve

develop

increase

affect

cause

result in

originate

replace

protect

establish

maintain

depend on

attribute to

deteriorate

exacerbate

corroborate

precipitate

Nouns 8

factor

species

habitat

population

evidence

phenomenon

proliferation