At a glance
- Skill
- Reading
- Questions
- 9
- Time limit
- 10 min
What you need to do
In Reading Part 3, you read a four-paragraph article that gives information about a topic, such as a service, a hobby or a health tip. Then you read nine statements and decide which paragraph each statement comes from.
The statements never copy the article. They say the same idea in different words, so this part tests whether you really understand what each paragraph is about. Some statements aren't in the article at all.
Articles are about practical, everyday topics — like community services, health, travel or life in Canada — and are written for the general public, not experts.
What you'll see on the test
- One article with four paragraphs, labelled A, B, C and D.
- 9 statements. For each one, you choose the paragraph that contains that information.
- Five choices for every statement: A, B, C, D, or E — "not given in any paragraph".
- About 10 minutes for the whole part.
What the test is looking for
The main idea of each paragraph
Knowing what each paragraph is mainly about helps you find the right place quickly.
Paraphrase
The statement and the paragraph say the same thing with different words. "Plots are raised" might become "built higher".
Information that isn't there
Choose E only when no paragraph says it. A statement on the right topic but with a new detail is still E.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Preview the paragraphs (about 1 minute)
Read the first sentence or two of each paragraph and write one or two words about its topic, like "A = cost", "B = waiting list".
- 2
Read one statement at a time
Find the key idea in the statement and decide which paragraph topic it belongs to.
- 3
Check the details
Go to that paragraph and find the sentence that says the same thing. Make sure every part of the statement matches.
- 4
Use E carefully
If a statement sounds possible but you can't find it anywhere, choose E. Don't choose a paragraph just because the topic is similar.
- 5
Leave one minute to review
Go back to any statement you weren't sure about. Your paragraph notes make this quick.
Common mistakes
Looking for the same words as the statement.
Look for the same meaning. The words will usually be different.
Choosing a paragraph because it's about the same topic.
Check the exact detail. Paragraph C might be about rules, but not about the specific rule in the statement.
Avoiding E because it feels risky.
E is a correct answer for some statements in every set. Choose it when the information truly isn't there.
Reading the whole article carefully before looking at any statements.
Skim first, then read closely only the part you need for each statement.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Statement: "Someone may come to make sure the tree is in a safe place." Which paragraph contains this information?
- AParagraph A
- BParagraph BCorrect answer
- CParagraph C
- DParagraph D
- ENot given in any paragraph
Why: Paragraph B says the city "sends a worker to check that the tree is planted in a good spot, away from power lines and pipes." The statement says the same thing in different words.
Example 2
Statement: "Residents must water their new tree every day." Which paragraph contains this information?
- AParagraph A
- BParagraph B
- CParagraph C
- DParagraph D
- ENot given in any paragraphCorrect answer
Why: The article talks about choosing, planting, the benefits and how to apply — but never about watering. When a statement is about the right topic but the detail isn't in any paragraph, the answer is E.
Questions students ask
How many questions are in CELPIP Reading Part 3?
There are 9 statements to match to paragraphs A, B, C, D or E (not given). You have about 10 minutes.
How often is the answer E, "not given"?
It changes from test to test, but usually one or two statements are not in the article. Don't be afraid to choose it.
Can two statements come from the same paragraph?
Yes. A paragraph can be the answer to more than one statement.
Are the statements in the same order as the paragraphs?
Don't expect them to be. The statements can come from any paragraph in any order, which is why short notes about each paragraph's topic save so much time.
Do I need to read every word of the article?
No. Skim each paragraph for its main idea first, then read closely only the sentences you need to check a statement.