CELPIP-General key terms

Writing brief keywords or symbols while listening so you can answer questions later. Effective notes capture names, numbers, reasons and sequence rather than full sentences, freeing your attention to keep following the audio.

The overall meaning or main point of a spoken passage, understood without catching every word. Questions may ask for the gist, so practise summarising what a speaker is basically saying in one sentence.

A detail in the audio or text that sounds relevant but is wrong or later corrected, tempting you to choose an incorrect answer. Noticing words like 'actually' or 'instead' helps you discard it.

The way fluent speakers blend, shorten and link words so phrases sound like one unit. Recognising these patterns, such as 'waddaya' for 'what do you', helps you follow fast natural recordings.

The attitude a speaker conveys through voice, word choice and emphasis, such as frustration, amusement or uncertainty. Tone questions ask how the person feels, not what facts they mention.

Words and phrases such as 'however', 'so' or 'to be honest' that signal how ideas connect. They act as signposts telling you a contrast, example, conclusion or change of topic is coming.

A conclusion you draw from clues in a text rather than from a stated fact. Inference questions ask what the writer implies, so look at word choice, tone and what is deliberately left unsaid.

Restating an idea in different words. Correct answers often paraphrase the passage instead of repeating its wording, so match meaning rather than hunting for identical vocabulary.

Reading quickly for the general idea, looking at headings, first sentences and key words rather than every detail. Use it to get oriented before answering specific questions.

Moving your eyes quickly over a text to locate one specific piece of information, such as a date, price or name, without reading everything in order.

The central point a paragraph or passage is making, usually stated or suggested in a topic sentence. Distinguish it from supporting details that merely explain or illustrate it.

Why the writer produced the text, for example to inform, persuade, request, complain or advertise. Identifying purpose helps you judge tone and choose answers about the writer's intent.

Working out what an unfamiliar word means from the words and ideas around it. Test questions often ask for a synonym that fits the sentence rather than the dictionary's first meaning.

Linking and referencing words such as 'however', 'therefore', 'this' or 'such' that connect sentences so a text flows logically. Using them correctly raises your coherence score in writing and speaking.

The level of formality suited to an audience and situation, from casual to formal. Choosing the wrong register, such as slang in a complaint letter, costs marks.

How completely your response does what the prompt asks: covering every required point, using the right format and staying on topic. Missing one bullet point can lower your score even when your English is strong.

The minimum number of words a writing task demands, usually stated in the instructions. Responses well under the limit may be penalised, so plan roughly how many sentences you need.

The first sentence of a paragraph that states its main point and tells the reader what follows. A clear topic sentence makes your writing easier to follow and improves coherence.

Examples, reasons, facts or explanations that develop a main point. General statements without support weaken a response, so each paragraph should back its claim with something concrete.

A message to a company, official or stranger using polite neutral language, a clear subject line and conventional greetings and closings. It avoids slang, contractions and emojis.

A writing task where you answer a questionnaire or opinion poll in full sentences, giving your view and reasons. It is usually semi-formal and must address each question asked.

Re-reading your own writing to find and fix errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and word choice. Leaving two or three minutes at the end of a timed task can catch costly mistakes.

A group of sentences about one idea, usually starting with a topic sentence and ending with a concluding or linking sentence. Clear paragraph breaks signal organisation to the reader.

A national scale from 1 to 12 describing English ability in Canada. CELPIP results are reported as CLB levels, and many immigration and licensing programs require a specific level.

The short period before you speak when you can plan ideas and note keywords. Use it to decide your structure rather than writing a script, since reading aloud sounds unnatural.

Speaking at a steady, natural pace with few long pauses and with ideas flowing logically. Fluency does not mean speaking fast; it means keeping going and linking ideas smoothly.

How clearly you produce individual sounds and words so a listener can understand you. Occasional accent features are fine, but unintelligible sounds or missing word endings lose marks.

The rise and fall of your voice across a sentence, used to show questions, emphasis, emotion and where ideas end. Flat intonation makes speech harder to follow and can sound uninterested.

The syllable in a word that is said louder, longer and higher, such as the first syllable in 'TAble' or the second in 'beGIN'. Wrong stress can make even correctly pronounced words hard to recognise.

Short fillers like 'well', 'um' or 'let me think' used to keep talking while you plan. A few sound natural, but too many, or long silences, reduce your fluency rating.

A speaking task where you talk about what is happening in a picture: people, actions, place and mood. Organise your description logically and go beyond a simple list of objects.

A speaking task where you respond to someone's problem with suggestions and reasons. Use suitable language such as 'you could' or 'it might help to' and explain why each idea would work.

A speaking task where you talk about something that happened to you, usually in the past tense. Include when, where and who was involved, plus how you felt, to give a complete answer.

A speaking task where you describe similarities and differences between two things, such as options, places or pictures. Use comparative language and clear linking words to organise your points.

The variety and precision of the words you use. Repeating the same basic words limits your score, so learn synonyms and topic vocabulary for common themes like work, health and travel.

Speaking within a fixed time limit after a short preparation. Practise pacing so you finish your idea naturally just before time runs out rather than being cut off mid-sentence.

Noticing and fixing your own mistake while speaking, then continuing. Quick, smooth repair is normal and acceptable, while repeated restarts and long apologies damage fluency.