Reading Part 4 is called Reading for Viewpoints. It has 10 questions. All questions are multiple choice. This guide is for learners at CLB 6 to 9. It explains how the task is scored, gives a plan, and walks through a short example.
1.What the task is
Reading for Viewpoints is task number 4 in the CELPIP General reading skill. The name tells you the goal. You must understand what different people think, and why they think it.
The task has 10 questions. Each question is multiple choice. You pick the answer that best fits what you read.
2.How it is scored
- Each question is right or wrong. There are no partial marks.
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer. Never leave a question empty.
- The reading section counts 38 scored items. The 10 questions of this task are part of that total.
- Levels 4 to 12 map one to one to CLB 4 to 12. A reading level of 8 means CLB 8.
3.A plan that fits most tasks
- Find each viewpoint. For every person or source, write down the main opinion in a few words.
- Find the reasons. Ask why each person thinks this. Reasons are often what the questions test.
- Separate fact from opinion. Words like "should", "mistake" and "unfair" signal an opinion.
- Compare. Note where people agree and where they disagree.
- Go back to the text for each question. Do not answer from memory or from your own opinion. Your own view does not matter here.
- Remove wrong choices. A wrong choice is often too strong, too general, or about a different person.
- Answer every question. A guess costs nothing.
4.A worked example
Text (written for this guide): Maya says: "The city should build a bike lane on Main Street. Fewer cars would park there, but more people would ride to work, and the street would be safer." Omar says: "A bike lane on Main Street is a mistake. My shop depends on customers who park outside. If they cannot park, they will shop somewhere else."
Question: What is the main reason Omar disagrees with Maya?
- A. He thinks bike lanes are not safe.
- B. He is worried about the effect on his business.
- C. He wants more parking in every part of the city.
- D. He agrees that the street needs to be safer.
Answer: B. Omar talks about his shop and about customers who park outside. His reason is money and business.
Why not the others: A is wrong because Omar never says bike lanes are unsafe. C is too general because he only talks about Main Street. D is wrong because Omar does not discuss safety at all.
5.Common mistakes
- Mixing up who said what. Check the name or source before you choose.
- Choosing your own opinion. Pick what the text supports, not what you believe.
- Picking a choice that sounds right but is not in the text. Find the words that support your answer.
- Ignoring the reason. Many questions ask why, not only what.
- Leaving a question blank. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so always choose one.
6.Next step
Put the plan to work on real practice questions: Try a free Reading for Viewpoints set.