CELPIP Reading Practice Test 40

Dear Ms. Chen,

I recently discovered your kombucha brewing workshop through the community bulletin board at Green Valley Market, and I'm writing to inquire about joining your upcoming fermentation classes. As someone who has been experimenting with homemade kombucha for the past few months, I've had mixed results and would love to learn proper techniques from an experienced brewer.

I noticed from your flyer that you offer both beginner and intermediate classes. While I've been brewing for a few months, I'm not entirely confident about my current process. My first batch turned out wonderfully, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. However, my recent attempts have been either too vinegary or haven't developed enough carbonation. I'm particularly concerned about the SCOBY I'm using, as it doesn't look as healthy as when I first received it from a friend.

The intermediate class description mentions learning about flavoring techniques and maintaining SCOBY health, which sounds exactly what I need. However, I'm worried I might be missing some fundamental knowledge that would be covered in the beginners' class. Would you be able to advise which level would be more suitable for someone at my stage? I'm also curious about whether you provide brewing containers and SCOBYs, or if participants need to bring their own equipment.

I saw that you offer both weekend and evening classes, which is fantastic as I work regular office hours. The Saturday morning sessions would work perfectly with my schedule. However, I noticed that the next beginner's class starts this weekend, while the intermediate course doesn't begin until next month. If you think the beginner's class would be more appropriate, I could rearrange my schedule to attend the Thursday evening sessions instead.

Additionally, I'm interested in learning about other fermentation projects. Your flyer mentioned that advanced students can explore making water kefir and jun tea. Would it be possible to observe these processes even if I'm in a lower-level class? I'm fascinated by fermentation and would love to expand my knowledge beyond just kombucha.

I look forward to hearing your recommendations about which class would be most suitable for my experience level, and any additional information you can provide about the course materials and schedule.

Best regards,Sarah Mitchell

Dear Sarah, Thank you for your interest in our kombucha brewing workshops. Based on your description, I would actually 7. Choose…suggest the advanced classrecommend the beginner's classpropose a private sessionadvise waiting for next month for you. While you have some experience, it seems you would benefit from 8. Choose…reviewing the basicsstarting over completelyskipping to advanced topicspracticing at home first. Don't worry about the Thursday evening sessions - we're actually 9. Choose…canceling those classesadding more sessionschanging the schedulecombining both levels to accommodate more students. As for your interest in other fermentation projects, we 10. Choose…offer separate workshopsprovide written materialsallow class observationinclude demonstrations during the intermediate class breaks. Regarding equipment, we 11. Choose…require personal equipmentprovide all necessary materialsshare community resourcesrecommend specific brands for all participants. Looking forward to seeing you in class! Best regards, Ms. Chen

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Hi Sarah, I saw your post about looking for a fitness tracker, and I wanted to tell you about my experience with the HealthTrack smartwatch. Since you mentioned being concerned about 12. Choose…daily exercise goalsyour overall healthwater resistancebattery life, this watch might be perfect for you. It has some great features for monitoring your heart, including 13. Choose…weekly health summariesemergency service callscontinuous heart rate trackingtemperature monitoring. What I really love is how it helps with sleep - it even 14. Choose…tracks your sleeping positionmonitors room temperaturewakes you during light sleepplays relaxing music! For your anxiety issues, it offers 15. Choose…meditation reminders and breathing exercisesworkout suggestionsmenstrual cycle trackingwater intake monitoring, which I've found really helpful. The battery life is decent at 16. Choose…24 hours3 days5 days7 days, and it works with both iPhone and Android phones. Let me know if you want to see mine in action! Best, Emma

The HealthTrack smartwatch 17. Choose…is primarily a medical devicerequires daily chargingcan replace doctor visitsshould not replace medical advice.

Customer support for the device 18. Choose…is available 24/7has limited weekend hoursis only available by emailrequires an appointment.

The device's water resistance rating means 19. Choose…it can be used while swimmingit's completely waterproofit can only handle rainit shouldn't get wet.

Paragraph A

Paper cutting, known as 'Jianzhi' in Chinese, is an ancient folk art that originated in China during the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. Initially developed after the invention of paper around 105 CE, this intricate craft involves cutting designs into paper using small scissors or knives. The art form gained widespread popularity during the Tang Dynasty and has since been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Traditional paper cuttings typically feature symmetrical patterns and are predominantly created using red paper, as this color symbolizes good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture.

Paragraph B

The creation of paper cuttings requires considerable skill and patience. Artists typically begin by folding the paper in specific ways to achieve symmetry in their designs. The paper is then cut with precise movements using either scissors or a small knife, depending on the complexity of the pattern. Common motifs in Chinese paper cutting include animals of the zodiac, flowers, birds, and characters from traditional folklore. These delicate artworks are traditionally used to decorate windows, doors, and walls during festivals and celebrations, particularly during the Chinese New Year.

Paragraph C

Beyond its decorative purposes, paper cutting serves as a vital medium for preserving and transmitting Chinese cultural values and stories. Each design carries symbolic meaning, often representing wishes for prosperity, longevity, or good fortune. For instance, fish designs symbolize abundance, while butterfly patterns represent love and marriage. In rural areas, paper cutting has historically served as a form of artistic expression for women who had limited access to formal education, allowing them to pass down stories and traditions through generations.

Paragraph D

Despite modernization, traditional paper cutting continues to evolve and find new relevance in contemporary society. Modern artists are incorporating this ancient technique into fashion design, contemporary art installations, and digital media. However, there are concerns about the preservation of authentic techniques as younger generations show less interest in learning this time-consuming craft. Various initiatives have been established across China to protect this cultural heritage, including workshops, museums, and apprenticeship programs that aim to keep this traditional art form alive for future generations.

Paragraph E

Not given in any of the above paragraphs.

The debate over government subsidies for local farmers' markets has intensified across Canada as communities grapple with food security and economic development priorities. In Maplewood, Ontario, a town of just under 30,000 residents, the local farmers' market has become a weekend institution, drawing hundreds of visitors each Saturday morning from May through October. However, its continued operation has recently come into question as operating costs have risen by nearly 18% over the past three years.

Sarah Chen, who has sold organic vegetables at the Maplewood Farmers' Market for eight years, believes government support is essential. "Small-scale farmers operate on razor-thin margins," she explains while arranging her display of heirloom tomatoes. "Without some form of subsidy to offset the rising costs of market stalls and insurance requirements, many of us simply cannot continue." Chen points to a recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Farmers that found 62% of small-scale producers reported difficulty maintaining profitability without additional support. For vendors like Chen, farmers' markets represent their primary retail outlet, connecting them directly with consumers who value locally grown produce.

Not everyone agrees that government funds should flow to these markets. James Wilson, an economist at the University of Western Ontario, questions the economic efficiency of such subsidies. "While farmers' markets create a sense of community and provide fresh food options, we must consider whether subsidizing them is the most effective use of limited public resources," Wilson states. He suggests that the approximately $4.2 million spent annually on market subsidies across Ontario could potentially be redirected to broader agricultural infrastructure improvements that might benefit more producers and consumers. Wilson acknowledges the cultural value of markets but maintains that they should ultimately be self-sustaining enterprises.

Municipal councilor Diane Nguyen takes a middle position, advocating for targeted support rather than ongoing subsidies. "What we need is strategic investment in farmers' market infrastructure and promotion that helps them become financially independent over time," she says. Nguyen has proposed a three-year declining subsidy model for the Maplewood market, combined with business development workshops for vendors. "Markets bring tremendous social and economic benefits to our community—from improved access to fresh food to increased foot traffic for nearby businesses. The question isn't whether to support them, but how to do so most effectively," Nguyen explains. Meanwhile, market manager Robert Ouellet worries that without consistent support, smaller vendors will be forced out, leaving only larger operations that can absorb increasing costs. "These markets preserve agricultural diversity and traditional farming knowledge that would otherwise disappear from our communities," Ouellet says.

1. The article mainly discusses the 29. Choose…economic benefits of farmers' markets for local businesses.controversy surrounding government funding for farmers' markets.declining profitability of small-scale farming in Canada.strategies for making farmers' markets more financially viable..

2. Sarah Chen believes that government subsidies for farmers' markets are 30. Choose…necessary for small farmers to remain financially viable.beneficial primarily for larger agricultural operations.less important than infrastructure improvements.effective only when combined with business training..

3. James Wilson's perspective on farmers' market subsidies suggests that 31. Choose…they should be eliminated entirely as they provide minimal value.they represent an inefficient allocation of public resources.they are crucial for preserving agricultural diversity.they should be increased to support more local farmers..

4. Diane Nguyen's position on farmers' market subsidies can best be described as 32. Choose…strongly opposed to any form of government intervention.focused exclusively on the cultural value of markets.advocating for temporary support with a path to self-sufficiency.demanding increased permanent funding for all markets..

5. According to the article, the Maplewood Farmers' Market has experienced 33. Choose…a significant decrease in customer attendance.a substantial increase in operating expenses.a complete loss of all government funding.a transition to year-round operation..

This debate about farmers' market subsidies 34. Choose…highlightsunderminesresolvesexaggerates the broader tensions between economic pragmatism and community values. While I understand Wilson's concerns about 35. Choose…rising insurance costsefficient resource allocationagricultural infrastructure needsweekend market attendance, I believe he overlooks the intangible benefits these markets provide. Chen makes a compelling case that without support, many small-scale farmers would be 36. Choose…forced to expand operationsunable to competerequired to raise pricesseeking alternative retail outlets. What I find most reasonable is Nguyen's approach, which acknowledges both the importance of these markets and the need for fiscal responsibility. Her proposal for 37. Choose…permanent subsidieseliminating all supporta gradual reduction in fundingbusiness development workshops seems like a sensible compromise. Ultimately, as Ouellet suggests, what's at stake here is more than just commerce—it's about 38. Choose…preserving traditions and knowledgeincreasing municipal tax revenuecompeting with larger retailersattracting tourists to small towns that connect us to our agricultural heritage and strengthen community bonds.