Overview

Reading - Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram is the second part of the CELPIP Reading Test. This section assesses your ability to understand and interpret information presented in a visual format, such as a diagram, brochure, or schedule. Your task is to answer multiple-choice questions based on both the diagram and an accompanying text, which often includes an email or message that relates to the diagram.

Structure

• Time to Complete: 9 minutes
• Number of Questions: 8 questions
• Text Type:
  • Main Text: A diagram with point-form text and visuals.
  • Second Text: A short email or message from one community member to another about the content of the diagram, often with blanks that need to be filled in based on your understanding.

What to Expect

• Tone and Formality: The correspondence and diagram typically have an informative, helpful tone, and are usually formal or semi-formal.
• Common Visuals: You might encounter visuals such as:
  • Transit, course, or event schedules.
  • Brochures or flyers for events or attractions.
  • Guides to typical community activities, such as garbage disposal procedures or how to apply for an ID card.

Suggested Steps and Timing

1. Preview the Diagram (30 seconds)

• Quick Overview: Spend the first 30 seconds identifying the type of diagram and noting any important details such as the title, headings, and any bolded or highlighted information.
• Key Details: Pay attention to how the information is organized (e.g., chronological order, by category) and the connection between text and images.

2. Read and Answer Questions (5 minutes for the first set)

• Identify Keywords: As you read the first set of questions, identify keywords that will help you locate the relevant section of the diagram.
• Skim and Scan: Depending on the amount of text in the diagram, either skim for general understanding or scan for specific details.
• Apply the Diagram: Use the diagram to help answer questions by connecting visual information with the text.

3. Review and Answer Blanks (2.5 minutes)

• Fill in the Blanks: After reading the short accompanying email or message, use the diagram to determine which words or phrases best complete the blanks. Ensure the words you choose are logically consistent with both the diagram and the context of the message.
• Tone Consistency: Make sure the tone of your choices matches the tone of the message, whether it’s formal, neutral, or informal.

4. Final Review (30 seconds)

• Double-Check Your Answers: Use the last 30 seconds to review your answers. Ensure all questions are answered and that your choices make sense in the context of the entire passage.

Key Strategies

1. Understand the Diagram’s Structure

• Who Created It: Identify who created the diagram and its intended audience. This can help you understand the purpose and key focus areas.
• Organizational Method: Determine how the information is organized—chronologically, by importance, or by category. This will help you locate information more efficiently.

2. Focus on Specific Details

• Locate Specific Information: Pay attention to names, dates, locations, or any specific terminology used in the diagram, as these often form the basis of questions.
• Use Visual Cues: Utilize arrows, color coding, or other visual markers that might indicate relationships or sequences within the diagram.

3. Consider the Relationship Between Text and Visuals

• Text Complements Visuals: The text in the accompanying message often complements or explains parts of the diagram. Make sure your understanding of the diagram aligns with the text.
• Paraphrase Awareness: Be mindful of paraphrasing in the questions and answer choices. The correct answers may rephrase information from the diagram or text.

4. Check Consistency

• Match Tone and Formality: Ensure that the words you choose to fill in blanks in the accompanying text match the tone and level of formality of the original message.
• Logical Flow: Your choices should maintain the logical flow of information presented in the text.

Common Pitfalls

• Misinterpreting Visuals: Failing to understand the diagram’s structure or the relationship between its components can lead to incorrect answers.
• Overlooking Key Details: Missing small but crucial details in the diagram can cause you to choose incorrect answers.
• Ignoring the Text: Not fully considering the accompanying text can lead to misinterpretation of how the diagram’s information applies.

Final Advice

To excel in Reading - Part 2: Reading to Apply a Diagram, practice interpreting various types of diagrams and connecting them with corresponding text. Focus on understanding the structure and organization of information, and always consider how the text and visuals work together. Regular practice will help you become more efficient at answering these types of questions within the time limit.