CELPIP Reading Practice Test 12

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to share that our annual charity run to support cancer research is happening on May 20th, and I’d be thrilled if you’d join the fun! It’s a 5K through City Park, with a $25 registration fee—all the money raised will go straight to this vital cause. We’ve had a blast in past years, and I’m hoping to get a good crew together again—can you make it this time around?

The starting whistle blows at 8 a.m.—does that early hour suit you, or would a later kickoff, say 10 a.m., fit your schedule better? Also, I’m wondering if we should whip up some team T-shirts to give us a unified vibe, or just rock whatever gear we’ve got? Oh, and one more thing—are you keen to boost our impact by fundraising a bit extra, maybe $50 each, to really make a difference? I’d like to lock in our registrations by next week, so please drop me your thoughts soon—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Best,

Holly

Dear Holly,

Count me in for the charity run—I’m all about supporting such a worthy cause! The 8 a.m. start works just fine 7. Choose…evening10 a.m.thatnoon suits my morning routine, and I’m usually up with the sun anyway. Team T-shirts sound like a blast 8. Choose…anythinghatsnothingthat would give us a sharp look and make us stand out as a squad. I’m happy to pitch in with fundraising—$50 feels right, and 9. Choose…nothingmorelessthat is totally manageable with a little effort on my part. Go ahead and sign me up 10. Choose…everyonemecancerthe team will love the energy this brings, and I’m already pumped to hit the trail with everyone! Let me know if 11. Choose…I’m outwe delayit’s setyou need more .

Best,

Pat

Hi Samir,

I’m buzzing about the VR Horizons Experience Labs in June! I’ve locked in 12. Choose…VR Game DesignImmersive StorytellingVR Fitness ChallengeAI Animation Lab on Friday—super excited to code a space adventure game. You’d vibe with 13. Choose…VR Game DesignVR Fitness ChallengeImmersive StorytellingMotion Capture Jam . if you’re into creative stuff; it’s got a cool group dynamic. Mine costs 14. Choose…$40$45$50$55 with all the gear covered. Yours kicks off at 15. Choose…9:00am2:00pm10:30am11:00am on Saturday, ideal for a weekend dive. We’ve got to 16. Choose…Pay full price onsiteReserve by phoneSubmit a waiver formPre-register online ASAP since slots are vanishing fast! My cousin’s hyped for the fitness one. Up for a VR sesh?

Cheers,

Lila

A

Local businesses are vital to community economies, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Governments offer grants and low-interest loans to help entrepreneurs start or expand. In 2024, Calgary launched a program funding 100 new small businesses. These initiatives boost local spending, as residents prefer shopping nearby. However, high rents in urban areas challenge new ventures.

B

Technology is helping local businesses compete with larger chains. Online platforms like Shopify allow small retailers to reach global customers. Social media marketing also levels the playing field, with low-cost ads targeting local audiences. For example, a bakery in Ottawa doubled its sales through Instagram campaigns. Still, mastering digital tools requires time and skills.

C

Community support is crucial for local business success. “Shop local” campaigns encourage residents to choose small stores over corporations. Studies show that local businesses reinvest 60% of profits back into the community, compared to 20% for chains. Events like farmers’ markets also draw crowds to local vendors. Yet, competition from e-commerce giants remains fierce.

D

Workforce challenges affect local businesses, especially in service industries. Many struggle to find skilled employees due to labor shortages. Training programs, like those in Vancouver, teach young people retail and hospitality skills. These efforts help businesses thrive while reducing unemployment. However, rising wages put pressure on tight budgets.

The transition from cash to digital payments has reshaped commerce, prompting debate over their respective merits in convenience, security, and accessibility. In Austin, where mobile payment adoption is surging, residents and experts offer varied perspectives. Dr. Aisha Patel, a financial analyst, prefers cash for its simplicity. “Cash is straightforward for small transactions like tipping or markets, and it helps me control spending,” she says. However, she notes its vulnerability to theft. In contrast, Carlos Mendez, a tech consultant, champions digital payments. “Apps like Venmo are fast and track my expenses automatically,” he explains, though he admits system outages can disrupt transactions.

Meanwhile, Sophia Tran, a barista, blends both methods. “I use digital payments for bills and online shopping, but cash for small purchases like snacks,” she says. She values versatility but finds digital fees annoying. Conversely, Ethan Brooks, a college student, relies solely on digital payments. “Cash is cumbersome, and digital wallets are the future—quick and secure,” he argues, though he acknowledges rural areas may lack infrastructure. A 2024 Consumer Finance Report highlights these dynamics, noting that digital payments accounted for 60% of transactions last year, yet 70% of consumers still use cash for transactions under $10 due to convenience. Critics of digital payments cite privacy concerns and technical failures, while cash faces scrutiny for being less traceable and harder to replace if lost. Economist Daniel Kim offers a balanced view: “Cash remains vital for small, immediate exchanges, but digital payments drive efficiency in a connected world. Retailers and banks must support both to meet diverse needs.” The choice between cash and digital payments depends on lifestyle, technological access, and transaction context, with no single method dominating.

As someone who juggles daily transactions, I find cash 34. Choose…riskyusefuloutdatedimpractical for quick purchases, like Dr. Patel’s point about small transactions. However, Carlos’s preference for digital payments 35. Choose…resonatesseems riskylacks appealfeels outdated because apps simplify budgeting. Sophia’s blended approach 36. Choose…offers practical versatilityignores digital trendscomplicates transactionsfavors cash entirely by accommodating varied needs, from tipping to online shopping. Still, Ethan’s view that digital payments dominate 37. Choose…simplifies commerceholds true universallyensures securityoverlooks cash’s role since cash remains essential in less tech-savvy areas. Businesses should 38. Choose…maintaineliminaterestrictstandardize both payment methods to ensure flexibility for consumers like me, balancing tradition with innovation.