CELPIP 9–11 OCTOBER 2026 FULL PREPARATION SHEET

 CELPIP 9–11 OCTOBER 2026 FULL PREPARATION SHEET

LISTENING — 6 PARTS

PART 1 — Listening to Problem Solving

Likely situations

1. Workplace scheduling conflict

2. Incorrect billing issue

3. Internet connection problem

4. Gym membership cancellation

Question focus

Listen for: Problem → reason → options → disagreement → solution → final decision

Formula

PROBLEM + REASON + OPTIONS + PREFERENCE + FINAL SOLUTION

Example: “The main issue is that I’ve been scheduled for the evening shift, but I have a course at that time. They suggested swapping shifts or changing my schedule. I think swapping would be easier.”

Important phrases

“I'm calling because…” “There seems to be a problem with…” “The issue is that…” “Would it be possible to…?” “They suggested…” “I’d rather…” “That sounds reasonable.” “Let’s go with that.”

Trap

The first solution mentioned is often NOT the final solution.

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PART 2 — Daily Life Conversation

Priority topics

1. Moving to a new neighbourhood

2. Planning a holiday

3. Buying second-hand goods

4. Organising a local event

Listen for

Who? Where? When? Why? Preference? Change of plan?

Common distractors

“I was going to… BUT…” “At first I thought… HOWEVER…” “We could…, although…” “Actually, I’d prefer…”

The answer usually comes after the correction/change.

Useful vocabulary

neighbourhood, accommodation, budget, reservation, second-hand, condition, bargain, venue, invitation, arrangements, transportation, schedule.

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PART 3 — Listening for Information

Priority topics

1. College project discussion

2. Workplace training session

3. Volunteer programme briefing

4. Research-study information

Focus

Identify: Purpose → important details → requirements → dates → conditions → benefits

Useful language

“The main objective is…” “Participants are required to…” “You’ll need to…” “The deadline is…” “The programme is designed to…” “One important point is…” “Please note that…”

Strategy

Before listening, predict what information could follow the question.

Example: “Participants must submit their application by ______.”

Predict: date / deadline / weekday

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PART 4 — News Item

Priority topics

1. City infrastructure updates

2. Health and lifestyle announcement

3. Environmental conservation news

4. Economic development in the region

News structure

WHAT happened → WHERE → WHO → WHY → IMPACT → RESPONSE

Vocabulary

infrastructure, authorities, residents, announcement, initiative, funding, investment, conservation, regulation, economic growth, development, public facilities.

Listening trap

News reports often contain several numbers, locations and dates. Do not choose an answer merely because you hear the same word.

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PART 5 — Listening to a Discussion

Priority topics

1. Remote-work policy

2. Office relocation plans

3. Community safety measures

4. Employee recognition programme

Main skill

Identify each speaker's viewpoint.

Listen for: Speaker A → opinion/reason → Speaker B → agreement/disagreement → conclusion

Useful expressions

“I see your point, but…” “I completely agree.” “I’m not convinced that…” “From my perspective…” “The main concern is…” “That could work, provided that…” “Another advantage would be…”

Important

Part 5 is about relationships between ideas, not just individual facts.

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PART 6 — Listening to Viewpoints

Priority topics

1. Technology and employment

2. Housing affordability

3. Education-system reforms

4. Tourism and local businesses

Viewpoint formula

OPINION + REASON + EXAMPLE + CONSEQUENCE

Example: “Technology will reduce some traditional jobs because routine tasks can be automated. However, it may also create new positions requiring specialised skills.”

Vocabulary

automation, employment, affordability, housing shortage, reform, curriculum, tourism, local economy, small businesses, workforce, accessibility, productivity.

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READING — 4 PARTS

PART 1 — Reading Correspondence

Priority topics

1. Job application email

2. Event registration email

3. Service update notice

4. Neighbourhood information

Read for

Who wrote it? Why? What changed? What action is required?

Formula

PURPOSE → DETAILS → CHANGE/PROBLEM → ACTION

Vocabulary

application, eligibility, registration, confirmation, appointment, cancellation, availability, notification, requirement, deadline.

Main trap

Do not match answers only because the same words appear. CELPIP frequently paraphrases the information.

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PART 2 — Reading to Apply a Diagram

Priority topics

1. University campus map

2. Office building floor plan

3. City park layout

4. Airport terminal map

Direction vocabulary

next to, opposite, adjacent to, beside, beyond, across from, directly behind, at the entrance, on the left-hand side, in the far corner, near the intersection.

Formula

STARTING POINT → DIRECTION → LANDMARK → DESTINATION

Example: “From the main entrance, walk past the reception desk. The meeting room is opposite the elevators.”

Trap

Check whether the question asks for: location, direction, destination or sequence.

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PART 3 — Reading for Information

Priority topics

1. Benefits of lifelong learning

2. Sustainable urban design

3. Role of nutrition in health

4. Technology in workplaces

Read for

main idea → supporting evidence → example → result

Useful vocabulary

lifelong learning, urban planning, sustainability, infrastructure, nutrition, deficiency, workplace efficiency, productivity, adaptation, accessibility.

Paraphrase examples

“continue learning throughout adulthood”

→ lifelong learning

“reduce dependence on private vehicles”

→ encourage sustainable transportation

“lack of essential nutrients”

→ nutritional deficiency

“improve employee efficiency”

→ increase workplace productivity

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PART 4 — Reading for Viewpoints

Priority topics

1. Artificial intelligence in society

2. Public transportation systems

3. Consumer behaviour and ethical choices

4. Green-energy development

Viewpoint formula

CLAIM → REASON → EVIDENCE/EXAMPLE → COUNTERARGUMENT

Signal words

however, nevertheless, whereas, although, in contrast, therefore, consequently, critics argue, supporters claim, from this perspective.

Biggest trap

The passage may contain several opinions. Identify WHO believes WHAT.

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WRITING TASK 1 — EMAIL

Priority type: SEMI-FORMAL

Predicted situations

1. Invite a colleague to an event

2. Provide an explanation for a delay

3. Make a request for information or assistance

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TYPE 1 — INVITATION

Formula

GREETING → PURPOSE → EVENT DETAILS → REASON → INVITATION → RESPONSE REQUEST → CLOSING

Useful language

“I’m writing to invite you to…” “I thought you might be interested in…” “The event will take place…” “It would be great if you could join us.” “Please let me know whether you’ll be able to attend.”

Example opening

“Hi Sarah,

I’m writing to invite you to our department’s farewell dinner next Friday.”

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TYPE 2 — EXPLANATION FOR A DELAY

Formula

PURPOSE → WHAT WAS DELAYED → REASON → APOLOGY → CURRENT STATUS → SOLUTION

Useful phrases

“I’m writing to explain the delay regarding…” “Unfortunately, there was an unexpected issue with…” “This resulted in a delay of…” “I apologise for any inconvenience caused.” “I expect the matter to be resolved by…”

Strong vocabulary

unexpected issue, unforeseen circumstances, technical problem, unavoidable delay, inconvenience, revised schedule, resolve the matter.

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TYPE 3 — REQUEST FOR INFORMATION / ASSISTANCE

Formula

PURPOSE → CONTEXT → SPECIFIC REQUEST → DETAILS NEEDED → APPRECIATION → CLOSING

Useful phrases

“I’m writing to ask whether…” “Could you please provide information about…?” “I would appreciate it if you could…” “Could you also clarify…?” “Thank you in advance for your assistance.”

Avoid

“Give me…” “I want you to…” “Send me immediately.”

Use: Could you please…? / I would appreciate… / Would it be possible…?

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TASK 1 — HIGH-SCORE LANGUAGE

Instead of:

“I have a problem.”

Use:

“I’m writing to bring an issue regarding my recent booking to your attention.”

Instead of:

“Please help me.”

Use:

“I would appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter.”

Instead of:

“I was late because…”

Use:

“Unfortunately, an unforeseen circumstance resulted in a delay.”

Email structure to memorise

P1 — PURPOSE

Why are you writing?

P2 — DETAILS

Explain the situation.

P3 — REQUEST/SOLUTION

What exactly do you want?

P4 — CLOSING

Appreciation + expected response.

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WRITING TASK 2 — SURVEY RESPONSE

4 PRIORITY TOPICS

1. Community recreation

Sports vs arts

2. Workplace schedule

Fixed hours vs flexible hours

3. Public transportation

New routes vs better frequency

4. Residential development

More housing vs more green space

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TASK 2 MASTER FORMULA

INTRODUCTION

CHOICE + DIRECT REASON + 2 MAIN POINTS

Example:

“I would prefer flexible working hours because they would allow employees to manage their responsibilities more effectively while maintaining productivity. In particular, this arrangement could improve work-life balance and reduce commuting pressure.”

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BODY 1

POINT → EXPLANATION → EXAMPLE → RESULT

Formula:

One major reason is that + POINT.

This is because + EXPLANATION.

For example, + EXAMPLE.

As a result, + RESULT.

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BODY 2

SECOND POINT → EXPLANATION → EXAMPLE → RESULT

Useful transition:

“Another important consideration is that…”

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CONCLUSION

RESTATE CHOICE + FINAL REASON

“Overall, I would choose flexible working hours because they offer employees greater control over their schedules without necessarily reducing workplace productivity.”

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TASK 2 — TOPIC-SPECIFIC IDEAS

SPORTS vs ARTS

Sports

physical health, teamwork, discipline, youth development, community participation

Arts

creativity, cultural identity, confidence, emotional expression, community events

Strong vocabulary

recreational facilities, cultural programmes, physical wellbeing, creative development, community engagement.

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FIXED vs FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS

Fixed

predictability, coordination, customer service, team availability

Flexible

work-life balance, commuting, productivity, family responsibilities, employee satisfaction

Vocabulary

flexible schedule, productivity, commuting time, work-life balance, employee autonomy, core working hours.

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NEW TRANSPORT ROUTES vs BETTER FREQUENCY

New routes

underserved areas, accessibility, connectivity, expanding neighbourhoods

Better frequency

shorter waiting times, reliability, existing passengers, reduced overcrowding

Vocabulary

public transit network, underserved communities, service frequency, commuter demand, accessibility, congestion.

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MORE HOUSING vs MORE GREEN SPACE

Housing

population growth, affordability, housing shortage, young families, demand

Green space

mental wellbeing, recreation, air quality, biodiversity, community use

Vocabulary

residential development, affordable housing, urban expansion, green areas, public parks, quality of life.

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SPEAKING — 8 TASKS

TASK 1 — GIVING ADVICE

Priority situations

1. Decide on a part-time job

2. Improve study habits

3. Help a money problem

4. Plan a move to another city

Formula

ACKNOWLEDGE → ADVICE 1 → REASON → ADVICE 2 → REASON → FINAL RECOMMENDATION

Template

“If I were you, I’d first consider…”

“The main reason I suggest this is…”

“Another option would be…”

“Personally, I think the first option would be more practical because…”

CLB 10+ language

“Rather than rushing into a decision…” “From a practical perspective…” “Taking your circumstances into account…” “One thing you might want to consider is…”

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TASK 2 — PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Priority situations

1. Helped a friend or neighbour

2. Overcame a personal challenge

3. Learned an important lesson

4. Completed a difficult project

Formula

WHEN → BACKGROUND → PROBLEM → ACTION → RESULT → FEELING → LESSON

Example framework

“It happened a few months ago when…”

“At first, the situation seemed…”

“I decided to…”

“What made the situation particularly challenging was…”

“In the end…”

“Looking back, I realised that…”

Tense control

Background → past continuous / past simple

“I was working on…”

“The problem occurred when…”

Actions → past simple

“I contacted…”

“I reorganised…”

Result → past simple

“We completed…”

Lesson → present

“Now I understand…”

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TASK 3 — DESCRIBING A SCENE

Priority scenes

1. People at a farmers’ market

2. A busy railway station

3. A community festival

4. A school/university library

Formula

OVERVIEW → LEFT → CENTRE → RIGHT → BACKGROUND → PEOPLE → INFERENCE

Example

“At first glance, this appears to be a busy farmers’ market.”

“In the foreground, I can see…”

“On the left-hand side…”

“In the centre…”

“In the background…”

“Based on their body language, they seem to…”

Useful vocabulary

stall, vendor, pedestrian, commuter, passenger, crowd, queue, aisle, display, transaction, gathering, banner, booth.

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TASK 4 — MAKING PREDICTIONS

Priority scenes

1. Park scene

2. Airport scene

3. Construction site

4. Outdoor concert

Formula

VISIBLE EVIDENCE → PREDICTION → REASON → SECOND PREDICTION

Use: “I can see…, so I predict that…”

“Judging by…, they are likely to…”

“It looks as though…”

“There is a good chance that…”

Avoid

“They will definitely…”

Better: “They are likely to…”

“They may…”

“They might…”

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TASK 5 — COMPARING & PERSUADING

Priority comparisons

1. Buy vs rent a home

2. Public transport vs car

3. Online course vs in-person course

4. Gym vs exercise at home

Formula

OPTION A → BENEFIT → OPTION B → WEAKNESS → YOUR CHOICE → PERSUASION

Persuasive language

“If we look at this from a practical perspective…”

“The biggest advantage of this option is…”

“Although the other option has some benefits…”

“I would strongly recommend…”

“Considering the cost, convenience and long-term benefits…”

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TASK 6 — DIFFICULT SITUATION

Priority situations

1. Noise from a neighbour

2. Service issue at a store

3. Friend repeatedly cancels plans

4. Group member not contributing

Formula

ACKNOWLEDGE → EXPLAIN → SOLUTION 1 → SOLUTION 2 → CONSEQUENCE → POLITE CLOSING

Useful language

“I understand that you may have…”

“However, this has started to affect…”

“I think the best way to handle this would be…”

“Rather than making the situation worse…”

“I’d prefer to resolve this calmly.”

“I hope we can find a solution that works for both of us.”

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TASK 7 — EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Priority topics

1. Remote work

2. Social media use

3. Preserving cultural traditions

4. Importance of exercise

Formula

CLEAR OPINION → REASON 1 → EXAMPLE → REASON 2 → COUNTERPOINT → CONCLUSION

Strong opening

“Personally, I believe that…”

“From my perspective…”

“I would argue that…”

Develop ideas

“This is mainly because…”

“A good example of this would be…”

“That said, I can understand why some people…”

“Nevertheless, I believe…”

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TASK 8 — UNUSUAL SITUATION

Priority situations

1. Person with many bags

2. Musical performance in an unexpected place

3. Bicycle in a strange location

4. Pet at a public facility

Formula

DESCRIBE → REACTION → POSSIBLE EXPLANATION → WHAT MAY HAPPEN

Useful language

“This is certainly an unusual situation.”

“At first glance, it appears that…”

“One possible explanation could be…”

“It is difficult to tell exactly why…”

“If I were there, I would probably…”

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CELPIP SPEAKING — UNIVERSAL CLB 10+ FORMULA

For almost every task:

IDEA → WHY → DETAIL → EXAMPLE → RESULT/FEELING

Do not give four disconnected ideas.

One developed idea is usually stronger than several undeveloped points.

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TOPIC-SPECIFIC VOCABULARY

Work: productivity, workload, flexible schedule, employee satisfaction, workplace efficiency, professional development, career progression

Technology: automation, digital access, technological advancement, online platform, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital literacy

Housing: affordability, rental costs, residential development, housing shortage, property prices, urban expansion

Transport: public transit, commuting, congestion, accessibility, service frequency, transportation network, travel time

Environment: conservation, sustainability, renewable energy, green space, carbon emissions, environmental impact

Education: curriculum, academic performance, practical skills, lifelong learning, educational reform, learning environment

Community: public facilities, community engagement, local residents, recreational opportunities, social interaction

Health: physical wellbeing, mental health, healthy lifestyle, preventive care, nutritional habits

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HIGH-VALUE COLLOCATIONS

improve productivity

reduce commuting time

increase accessibility

address a problem

resolve an issue

meet a deadline

raise public awareness

provide financial support

create employment opportunities

strengthen community ties

protect natural resources

promote healthy lifestyles

reduce environmental impact

maintain work-life balance

make an informed decision

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GRAMMAR FOR 9–11 OCTOBER

1. Conditionals for Speaking

“If the city improves public transportation, more people may leave their cars at home.”

“If I were in that situation, I would…”

2. Relative clauses

“Public transportation, which is often more affordable, can help reduce commuting costs.”

3. Cause + effect

“Because commuting times are increasing, employees are experiencing greater stress.”

“As a result, productivity may decline.”

4. Contrast

“Although remote work is convenient, it can sometimes reduce face-to-face interaction.”

5. Hedging

Avoid overgeneralisation:

“Technology can improve productivity.”

“Flexible work may benefit some employees.”

“This could potentially reduce…”

This sounds more natural and controlled than repeatedly saying will / definitely / always.

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FINAL 9–11 OCTOBER REVISION PRIORITY

LISTENING:

P1 problem + solution → P2 daily conversation → P3 factual information → P4 news → P5 discussion → P6 viewpoints.

READING:

P1 correspondence → P2 diagram/map → P3 factual article → P4 multiple viewpoints.

WRITING:

Task 1: semi-formal email

Invite → explain delay → request information/assistance.

Task 2:

Sports vs arts → fixed vs flexible work → transport routes vs frequency → housing vs green space.

SPEAKING:

T1 advice → T2 experience → T3 scene → T4 prediction → T5 compare/persuade → T6 difficult situation → T7 opinion → T8 unusual situation.

Golden rule:

Do not memorise complete answers. Memorise the structure + flexible vocabulary + examples.