Part 4 practice course: Reading for Viewpoints
Follow several people's opinions in an article, tell who thinks what, and complete a reader's comment that reacts to them. Work through six short steps, from how the part works to a timed test, about 40 minutes in all. New to this part? Read the Part 4 format and strategy first.
Learn the part
How the part works, how to use your time, the traps it sets and the signal words, then a quick check.
An article with many voices, then a reader's comment
You read an article where four or five people give their views on one issue, and answer 5 questions about it. Then you fill 5 blanks in a reader's comment that agrees or disagrees with those people.
Whose opinion is most like the mayor's?
- Sum up the named person's view in a few words: for, against, or "yes, but later".
- Do the same for each other person.
- Choose the person whose view points the same way, even if their reasons differ.
The best title for this article would be...
- Remember the article is about a debate, not one side.
- Reject titles that report a decision not yet made.
- Reject titles about one person's detail only.
- Choose the one that covers the issue and the disagreement.
I agree with _____ that we should wait.
- Read the whole comment sentence and note the name it mentions.
- Go back to that person's part of the article.
- Choose the option that matches what that person said, in other words.
Part 4 cheat sheet
The key points of the course on one screen, to read again just before your test.
How to use about 13 minutes
- Read the first paragraph closely: it sets out the issue and the proposal.
- Note what has and hasn't happened yet, like a vote next month.
- Expect one paragraph per person.
- For each person, write their name and one word: for, against, or unsure.
- Underline the reason each person gives.
- Watch for "but" and "only if": they show a condition, not a simple yes.
- For each comment blank, check the person the comment names.
- Make sure your choice matches that person, not someone else.
- Read each comment sentence again with your choice in it.
The traps this part sets
- Giving one person's idea to another. Check that the idea comes from the person the question names.
- Choosing a title or conclusion that goes too far. Pick the option that says no more than the article does.
- Missing a "not" or "only". Slow down on small words that limit or reverse a statement.
Signal words to look for
- Agreeing: “agrees”, “has it exactly right”, “makes a fair point”, “I fully support”, “like”
- Disagreeing: “is unconvinced”, “is far less enthusiastic”, “I'm not convinced”, “warns against”, “unfairly”
- A condition or a middle view: “in principle”, “but not yet”, “only if”, “would prefer a compromise”, “sees merit in both”
- Contrast (the real view often follows): “but”, “however”, “that said”, “yet”, “although”
Questions about Part 4
How does CELPIP Reading Part 4 work?
You read an article where four or five people give their views on one issue, and answer 5 questions about it. Then you fill 5 blanks in a reader's comment that agrees or disagrees with those people. Who thinks what: Sum up the named person's view in a few words: for, against, or "yes, but later".; Do the same for each other person.; Choose the person whose view points the same way, even if their reasons differ.. Conclusion or best title: Remember the article is about a debate, not one side.; Reject titles that report a decision not yet made.; Reject titles about one person's detail only.; Choose the one that covers the issue and the disagreement.. A blank in the reader's comment: Read the whole comment sentence and note the name it mentions.; Go back to that person's part of the article.; Choose the option that matches what that person said, in other words..
How should I use my time in CELPIP Reading Part 4?
Before you read: Read the first paragraph closely: it sets out the issue and the proposal. Note what has and hasn't happened yet, like a vote next month. Expect one paragraph per person. While you read: For each person, write their name and one word: for, against, or unsure. Underline the reason each person gives. Watch for "but" and "only if": they show a condition, not a simple yes. After you answer: For each comment blank, check the person the comment names. Make sure your choice matches that person, not someone else. Read each comment sentence again with your choice in it.
What traps does CELPIP Reading Part 4 set?
Giving one person's idea to another. Every option is something someone in the article said, so it all sounds true. Instead: Check that the idea comes from the person the question names. Choosing a title or conclusion that goes too far. Options say "most", "every" or "approved" when the article only says "some" or "will vote". Instead: Pick the option that says no more than the article does. Missing a "not" or "only". A rule that allows rentals "only" in your own home also means not in other homes. Instead: Slow down on small words that limit or reverse a statement.
Is this Part 4 course free?
Yes. Every step is free and needs no account, and nothing you do leaves your browser. With a free CELPass account, your wrong answers are saved with the trap they fell for and turned into daily drills.
Keep practising Part 4
- Part 4 sample tests with the answer key
- Part 4 vocabulary: words and phrases for reading for viewpoints
- Part 4 format and strategy
More free practice courses
- Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice
- Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
- Speaking Task 3: Describing a Scene
- Speaking Task 4: Making Predictions
- Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
- Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions
- Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
- Writing Task 1: Writing an Email
- Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
- Reading Part 1: Reading Correspondence
- Reading Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram
- Reading Part 3: Reading for Information
- Listening Part 1: Listening to Problem Solving
- Listening Part 2: Listening to a Daily Life Conversation
- Listening Part 3: Listening for Information
- Listening Part 4: Listening to a News Item
- Listening Part 5: Listening to a Discussion
- Listening Part 6: Listening to Viewpoints
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