Tip #22: CELPIP Reading Part 2 Reading to Apply a Diagram: Master the diagram, decode the email, use good MCQ stragegies, confirm for more textual questions

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Pre-Reading Tips
1. Master the Diagram (1 min)
✔ Scan for Patterns: Note mandatory activities (bold), exceptions (italics), and time slots.
✔ Symbols Matter: Asterisks (*) often indicate special rules or overrides.
✔ Compare Columns: Check for mismatches between "Morning/Afternoon" activities and notes.
2. Decode the Email (1 min)
✔ Identify the Purpose: Is it updating, correcting, or complaining?
✔ Spot Conflicts: Email may override the diagram (e.g., "Despite the diagram...").
✔ Tone Analysis: Passive-aggressive phrases ("As you may recall...") hint at unstated issues.
3. Answer Strategies
✔ Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• Use context clues from the sentence before/after the blank.
• Eliminate impossible options (e.g., "alcohol" at a family camp).
  ✔ MCQs:
• Inference Questions: Ask, "What is implied but not stated?"
• Trap Answers: Watch for partial truths or misplaced details.

4. Confirmation is Key
✔ Cross-check sources: Email usually overrides the diagram.
✔ Synonyms Matter: "Supper" = "Dinner," "Outings" = "Excursions."

Practice
Time: 9 minutes | Task: Email + Schedule Diagram | Questions: 9 (5 fill-in-the-blank + 4 MCQs)

7-Day Schedule: "Wilderness Expedition"
Day      AM                                       PM                                             Notes
Mon      Safety Briefing                 Canoe Certification               Test at 3 PM
Tue       Flora Identification         Swim Assessment                  Must pass to continue
Wed     Fishing Prohibited          Survival Skills                           No gear allowed
Thu      Advanced Hiking             First Aid Training                    18+ only
Fri        Weather Preparedness   Navigation Test                       Bring compass
Sat       Free Exploration               Campfire Leadership             Teams of 4
Sun      Final Evaluation               Pack & Depart                         Check-out by 11 AM

Key:

• Bold = Mandatory
  
• Italics = Age/Time Restrictions
  

Dear Participants,
Please review these essential updates to your Wilderness Expedition:
Despite Wednesday's "no fishing" rule, we'll now allow catch-and-release at the north lake. Participants should _______.__________ to ensure that we adhere to the park regulations

a) bring their own bait
b) complete a waiver
c) use provided gear
d) Avoid deep water
 
Regarding, the hiking scheduled the next day, Thursday's hiking groups will merge due to low enrolment. Consequently then, the advanced trail _______.______ though we would like less experienced hikers to exercise maximum caution.


a) requires ice axes
b) is now open to all
c) has been shortened
d) cancels first aid
 
You are probably a bit anxious about the next day. Don’t be too stressed. The navigation test on Friday ____________________________.


a) will use GPS devices
b) focuses on night skills
c) has no time limit
d) requires a perfect score
To make thigs more flexible, Saturday's team assignments _______________________.

a) depend on evaluations
b) are now random
c) exclude first-timers
d) require applications
The final evaluations will be more than just abilities and skills but also your teamwork abilities so they will include ___________________________.

a) Solo challenges
b) Peer reviews
c) Written exams
d) Equipment checks
Note that Sunday departure is a strict requirement and * not optional.
Best of luck and I know this challenge will bring out the best in you,
Expedition Team

• late checkouts will incur a$50 fees.

 


Additional Questions

1. The email's tone toward the end of the letter suggests _______.
   a) last-minute chaos
   b) flexible policies
   c) strict enforcement
   d) financial stress

 

1. A participant who only reads the schedule might _______.
   a) miss fishing changes
   b) fail the swim test
   c) bring forbidden gear
   d) skip the evaluation

 

1. Thursday's changes primarily affect _______.
   a) safety protocols
   b) age requirements
   c) group dynamics
   d) equipment needs

 

1. The Sunday note implies _______.
   a) staff have tight schedules
   b) cleanup is difficult
   c) transportation is limited
   d) evaluations run late

Answer Key

1. b) Complete a waiver (New rule for fishing)
2. b) Is now open to all (Merged groups = accessibility change)
3. a) Will use GPS devices (Conflict with "bring compass" note)
4. b) Are now random (Implied by "merge due to low enrollment")
5. b) Peer reviews (Common in final evaluations)
6. c) Strict enforcement (Fee warning + rule emphasis)
7. a) Miss fishing changes (Direct diagram/email conflict)
8. c) Group dynamics (Merged hiking groups)
9. a) Staff have tight schedules (Fee suggests strict timing)

Post-Task Analysis
Self-Checklist
✔ Did I scan the diagram first for structure and conflicts?
✔ Did I compare the email for overrides?
✔ Did I resist confirmation bias by avoiding easy-but-wrong answers?
✔ Did I manage time (3 mins reading, 6 mins questions)?
Reflection Questions

1. Which question required the most cross-referencing? Why?
2. Did I overlook any italicized notes in the diagram?
3. How can I improve tone analysis for future tasks?

Pro Tip: Practice with real-world documents (e.g., event updates vs. brochures) to master conflict resolution.
Key Challenges:

1. Q3: Requires noticing the compass/GPS conflict
2. Q8: Tests understanding of "merged groups" consequences
3. Time Pressure: 60 seconds per complex question

Skill Builders:

• Practice with airline schedule changes (real-world documents)
• Create your own conflicts between two event descriptions

Pro Tip:
When stuck between two options, ask:
"Which answer requires BOTH the diagram AND email to confirm?"
The harder-to-prove option is usually correct.