At a glance
- Skill
- Reading
- Questions
- 10
- Time limit
- 13 min
What you need to do
In Reading Part 4, you read an article about a topic that people disagree on — for example a new city plan or a change at work. The article presents the views of several people. Then you read a comment from a reader and complete it.
This is the hardest Reading part. You need to understand not only what each person says, but what they think and why. Some questions ask you what a person would most likely agree with.
The topics are real community debates — work, schools, housing, transportation — so the article feels like something you might read in a local newspaper or news website.
What you'll see on the test
- One article with several opinions, followed by a reader's comment.
- 10 questions: 5 multiple-choice questions about the article, and 5 blanks in the comment.
- The blanks are drop-down menus inside the comment.
- About 13 minutes for the whole part.
What the test is looking for
Who thinks what
Keep track of each person's opinion and their reasons. Questions often mix up who said what.
The writer's purpose
Is the article reporting different views, or arguing for one side?
Inference
"Which statement would X most likely agree with?" You won't find the exact words — you need to understand the person's position.
Connecting the comment to the article
The reader refers back to people and ideas in the article. Each blank matches something someone said.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Skim for the topic and the people (about 1 minute)
Find the issue and write down each person's name with a word for their view: for, against or "test it first".
- 2
Read the questions, then read closely
For each question, find the paragraph about that person and read the reason they give.
- 3
For "most likely agree" questions, think about the reason
Choose the answer that fits the person's reasons, even if the words are new. Cross out answers that go too far.
- 4
Complete the comment
For each blank, ask which person or idea the reader is talking about, then go back to that part of the article.
- 5
Keep moving
This part is long. If a question takes more than a minute, make your best choice and move on.
Common mistakes
Mixing up which person said what.
Write short notes with each name and view as you read.
Choosing answers that are too extreme.
People in these articles often have balanced views, like "not against change, but…". Words like "never" or "completely" are often wrong.
Answering with your own opinion.
The question is about what the people in the article think, not what you think.
Ignoring numbers and small details in the comment.
Blanks sometimes test small facts, like "three storeys" versus "four units". Check them in the article.
Confusing the article's opinion with one person's opinion.
Articles in Part 4 usually report several views. Ask "who" believes each idea before choosing an answer.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Which statement would Rosa Diaz most likely agree with?
- AThe later start time should be tested before it is used everywhere.Correct answer
- BClasses should start later at every school next year.
- CThe start time should never change.
- DBuses should start earlier in the morning.
Why: Diaz wants to "try the new time at one school first before deciding for the whole city." That means testing it before using it everywhere. She hasn't said she is for or against the change.
Example 2
On the test, you choose the answer from a drop-down menu inside the text, like the one above.
Choose the best words for the blank in the comment.
- Atry it at one school firstCorrect answer
- Bcancel all the school buses
- Cstart classes earlier
- Dask only teenagers
Why: The reader agrees with Diaz, who wants to "try the new time at one school first." The comment repeats her idea in different words. On the real test, you choose from a drop-down menu inside the comment.
Questions students ask
How many questions are in CELPIP Reading Part 4?
There are 10 questions: 5 about the article and 5 blanks in the reader's comment. You have about 13 minutes.
Why is Part 4 the hardest?
The article is longer, there are several opinions to follow, and some questions ask what a person would probably think, not what they said directly.
Should I read the whole article carefully first?
Skim it first to find the people and their views, then read closely only the parts you need for each question. This saves time.
What topics come up in Reading Part 4?
Everyday community debates — changes to schools, work, housing, transportation or local services — where different people have different opinions.
How do I answer "most likely agree" questions?
Find what the person said and why. Then choose the answer that follows from their reasons, even if it uses new words. Avoid answers that go further than the person did.