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CELPIP Reading Practice Course: Part 1: Reading Correspondence

Untimed topic quiz: 18 questions on Part 1: Reading Correspondence, with an explanation after each answer. Questions and answers are shuffled every time.

  • Course
  • Canada
  • 91 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026
  • Fact-checked October 13, 2026
Start with the lessonsCELPIP Reading Practice Course: Lessons: about 240 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

Topic quiz 2: Part 1: Reading Correspondence

  1. Question 1 of 18

    What is the main purpose of Priya's email?

    From: Priya Natarajan
    To: Daniel Okafor
    Subject: Saturday clean-up at Riverbend Park

    Hi Daniel,

    I hope you and your family are settling into the neighbourhood. I'm the volunteer coordinator for the Riverbend Community Association, and I wanted to tell you about our spring clean-up. It will take place this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. We'll meet beside the playground.

    Last year, about thirty neighbours came out, and we filled more than forty bags with litter and fallen branches. This year the city has agreed to lend us gloves, litter pickers and bags, so you don't need to bring any tools. Just wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. If it rains, we will move the event to Sunday at the same time.

    I'm writing to you in particular because Mrs. Chen mentioned that you used to run a landscaping business. A few garden beds near the park entrance have become badly overgrown, and we would really value advice from someone with your experience. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference.

    After the clean-up, the association will host a barbecue for all volunteers. Hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served, and children are welcome.

    Could you let me know by Thursday whether you can join us? That way I can make sure we buy enough food.

    Best regards,
    Priya

    Show answer

    Answer: C. To invite Daniel to help at a park clean-up

    Priya tells Daniel about the clean-up and asks whether he can join. The barbecue is only a thank-you for volunteers.

  2. Question 2 of 18

    What does Priya ask volunteers to bring or wear?

    From: Priya Natarajan
    To: Daniel Okafor
    Subject: Saturday clean-up at Riverbend Park

    Hi Daniel,

    I hope you and your family are settling into the neighbourhood. I'm the volunteer coordinator for the Riverbend Community Association, and I wanted to tell you about our spring clean-up. It will take place this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. We'll meet beside the playground.

    Last year, about thirty neighbours came out, and we filled more than forty bags with litter and fallen branches. This year the city has agreed to lend us gloves, litter pickers and bags, so you don't need to bring any tools. Just wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. If it rains, we will move the event to Sunday at the same time.

    I'm writing to you in particular because Mrs. Chen mentioned that you used to run a landscaping business. A few garden beds near the park entrance have become badly overgrown, and we would really value advice from someone with your experience. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference.

    After the clean-up, the association will host a barbecue for all volunteers. Hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served, and children are welcome.

    Could you let me know by Thursday whether you can join us? That way I can make sure we buy enough food.

    Best regards,
    Priya

    Show answer

    Answer: C. Sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty

    She says the city will lend gloves, litter pickers and bags, so volunteers only need sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty.

  3. Question 3 of 18

    What will happen if it rains on Saturday?

    From: Priya Natarajan
    To: Daniel Okafor
    Subject: Saturday clean-up at Riverbend Park

    Hi Daniel,

    I hope you and your family are settling into the neighbourhood. I'm the volunteer coordinator for the Riverbend Community Association, and I wanted to tell you about our spring clean-up. It will take place this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. We'll meet beside the playground.

    Last year, about thirty neighbours came out, and we filled more than forty bags with litter and fallen branches. This year the city has agreed to lend us gloves, litter pickers and bags, so you don't need to bring any tools. Just wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. If it rains, we will move the event to Sunday at the same time.

    I'm writing to you in particular because Mrs. Chen mentioned that you used to run a landscaping business. A few garden beds near the park entrance have become badly overgrown, and we would really value advice from someone with your experience. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference.

    After the clean-up, the association will host a barbecue for all volunteers. Hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served, and children are welcome.

    Could you let me know by Thursday whether you can join us? That way I can make sure we buy enough food.

    Best regards,
    Priya

    Show answer

    Answer: C. The clean-up will take place on Sunday at the same time

    Priya writes that if it rains, the event will move to Sunday at the same time.

  4. Question 4 of 18

    Why does Priya write to Daniel in particular?

    From: Priya Natarajan
    To: Daniel Okafor
    Subject: Saturday clean-up at Riverbend Park

    Hi Daniel,

    I hope you and your family are settling into the neighbourhood. I'm the volunteer coordinator for the Riverbend Community Association, and I wanted to tell you about our spring clean-up. It will take place this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. We'll meet beside the playground.

    Last year, about thirty neighbours came out, and we filled more than forty bags with litter and fallen branches. This year the city has agreed to lend us gloves, litter pickers and bags, so you don't need to bring any tools. Just wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. If it rains, we will move the event to Sunday at the same time.

    I'm writing to you in particular because Mrs. Chen mentioned that you used to run a landscaping business. A few garden beds near the park entrance have become badly overgrown, and we would really value advice from someone with your experience. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference.

    After the clean-up, the association will host a barbecue for all volunteers. Hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served, and children are welcome.

    Could you let me know by Thursday whether you can join us? That way I can make sure we buy enough food.

    Best regards,
    Priya

    Show answer

    Answer: C. He has landscaping experience

    Mrs. Chen told Priya that Daniel used to run a landscaping business, and Priya wants his advice on the garden beds.

  5. Question 5 of 18

    In paragraph 3, the word "overgrown" is closest in meaning to

    From: Priya Natarajan
    To: Daniel Okafor
    Subject: Saturday clean-up at Riverbend Park

    Hi Daniel,

    I hope you and your family are settling into the neighbourhood. I'm the volunteer coordinator for the Riverbend Community Association, and I wanted to tell you about our spring clean-up. It will take place this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. We'll meet beside the playground.

    Last year, about thirty neighbours came out, and we filled more than forty bags with litter and fallen branches. This year the city has agreed to lend us gloves, litter pickers and bags, so you don't need to bring any tools. Just wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. If it rains, we will move the event to Sunday at the same time.

    I'm writing to you in particular because Mrs. Chen mentioned that you used to run a landscaping business. A few garden beds near the park entrance have become badly overgrown, and we would really value advice from someone with your experience. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference.

    After the clean-up, the association will host a barbecue for all volunteers. Hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served, and children are welcome.

    Could you let me know by Thursday whether you can join us? That way I can make sure we buy enough food.

    Best regards,
    Priya

    Show answer

    Answer: C. covered with plants that have grown too much

    Priya needs someone with landscaping experience to help with the beds, which suggests the plants have grown out of control.

  6. Question 6 of 18

    Why does Priya want an answer by Thursday?

    From: Priya Natarajan
    To: Daniel Okafor
    Subject: Saturday clean-up at Riverbend Park

    Hi Daniel,

    I hope you and your family are settling into the neighbourhood. I'm the volunteer coordinator for the Riverbend Community Association, and I wanted to tell you about our spring clean-up. It will take place this Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. We'll meet beside the playground.

    Last year, about thirty neighbours came out, and we filled more than forty bags with litter and fallen branches. This year the city has agreed to lend us gloves, litter pickers and bags, so you don't need to bring any tools. Just wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. If it rains, we will move the event to Sunday at the same time.

    I'm writing to you in particular because Mrs. Chen mentioned that you used to run a landscaping business. A few garden beds near the park entrance have become badly overgrown, and we would really value advice from someone with your experience. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference.

    After the clean-up, the association will host a barbecue for all volunteers. Hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served, and children are welcome.

    Could you let me know by Thursday whether you can join us? That way I can make sure we buy enough food.

    Best regards,
    Priya

    Show answer

    Answer: A. So she can plan how much food to buy

    She says a reply by Thursday will help her make sure they buy enough food for the barbecue.

  7. Question 7 of 18

    Why does Sandra want to change shifts?

    Message from Sandra to Ahmed:

    Hi Ahmed,

    I have a favour to ask. My daughter's school concert has been moved to next Friday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. I'm scheduled to work the closing shift at the store that night, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would you be able to take my shift? In return, I could work your Sunday morning shift on the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know Sunday mornings are hard for you because of your hockey league.

    If you agree, we have to send a shift-swap request to Lucy, our manager, at least five days before the first shift. I'm happy to write the request myself.

    Thanks so much,
    Sandra

    Ahmed's reply:

    Hi Sandra,

    Of course! I'd be glad to (1) ______ your Friday shift. Honestly, the swap helps me too, because I'd much rather work late on a Friday than (2) ______. Since you offered, could you please (3) ______ to Lucy? Remember that it has to reach her by (4) ______ at the latest. I hope everything goes well at the (5) ______, and say hi to your daughter for me!

    Ahmed

    Show answer

    Answer: C. Her daughter has a school concert

    Sandra's daughter's concert was moved to Friday evening, when Sandra is scheduled to work. Ahmed is the one with the hockey league.

  8. Question 8 of 18

    Which choice best fills blank (1) in Ahmed's reply?

    Message from Sandra to Ahmed:

    Hi Ahmed,

    I have a favour to ask. My daughter's school concert has been moved to next Friday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. I'm scheduled to work the closing shift at the store that night, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would you be able to take my shift? In return, I could work your Sunday morning shift on the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know Sunday mornings are hard for you because of your hockey league.

    If you agree, we have to send a shift-swap request to Lucy, our manager, at least five days before the first shift. I'm happy to write the request myself.

    Thanks so much,
    Sandra

    Ahmed's reply:

    Hi Sandra,

    Of course! I'd be glad to (1) ______ your Friday shift. Honestly, the swap helps me too, because I'd much rather work late on a Friday than (2) ______. Since you offered, could you please (3) ______ to Lucy? Remember that it has to reach her by (4) ______ at the latest. I hope everything goes well at the (5) ______, and say hi to your daughter for me!

    Ahmed

    Show answer

    Answer: C. cover

    To "cover" a shift means to work it for someone else, which is what Sandra asked Ahmed to do.

  9. Question 9 of 18

    Which choice best fills blank (2) in Ahmed's reply?

    Message from Sandra to Ahmed:

    Hi Ahmed,

    I have a favour to ask. My daughter's school concert has been moved to next Friday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. I'm scheduled to work the closing shift at the store that night, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would you be able to take my shift? In return, I could work your Sunday morning shift on the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know Sunday mornings are hard for you because of your hockey league.

    If you agree, we have to send a shift-swap request to Lucy, our manager, at least five days before the first shift. I'm happy to write the request myself.

    Thanks so much,
    Sandra

    Ahmed's reply:

    Hi Sandra,

    Of course! I'd be glad to (1) ______ your Friday shift. Honestly, the swap helps me too, because I'd much rather work late on a Friday than (2) ______. Since you offered, could you please (3) ______ to Lucy? Remember that it has to reach her by (4) ______ at the latest. I hope everything goes well at the (5) ______, and say hi to your daughter for me!

    Ahmed

    Show answer

    Answer: D. miss my Sunday morning hockey

    Sandra knows Sunday mornings are hard for Ahmed because of hockey, so the swap lets him avoid missing it.

  10. Question 10 of 18

    Which choice best fills blank (3) in Ahmed's reply?

    Message from Sandra to Ahmed:

    Hi Ahmed,

    I have a favour to ask. My daughter's school concert has been moved to next Friday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. I'm scheduled to work the closing shift at the store that night, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would you be able to take my shift? In return, I could work your Sunday morning shift on the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know Sunday mornings are hard for you because of your hockey league.

    If you agree, we have to send a shift-swap request to Lucy, our manager, at least five days before the first shift. I'm happy to write the request myself.

    Thanks so much,
    Sandra

    Ahmed's reply:

    Hi Sandra,

    Of course! I'd be glad to (1) ______ your Friday shift. Honestly, the swap helps me too, because I'd much rather work late on a Friday than (2) ______. Since you offered, could you please (3) ______ to Lucy? Remember that it has to reach her by (4) ______ at the latest. I hope everything goes well at the (5) ______, and say hi to your daughter for me!

    Ahmed

    Show answer

    Answer: B. send the swap request

    Sandra offered to write the shift-swap request to Lucy, and Ahmed accepts her offer.

  11. Question 11 of 18

    Which choice best fills blank (4) in Ahmed's reply?

    Message from Sandra to Ahmed:

    Hi Ahmed,

    I have a favour to ask. My daughter's school concert has been moved to next Friday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. I'm scheduled to work the closing shift at the store that night, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would you be able to take my shift? In return, I could work your Sunday morning shift on the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know Sunday mornings are hard for you because of your hockey league.

    If you agree, we have to send a shift-swap request to Lucy, our manager, at least five days before the first shift. I'm happy to write the request myself.

    Thanks so much,
    Sandra

    Ahmed's reply:

    Hi Sandra,

    Of course! I'd be glad to (1) ______ your Friday shift. Honestly, the swap helps me too, because I'd much rather work late on a Friday than (2) ______. Since you offered, could you please (3) ______ to Lucy? Remember that it has to reach her by (4) ______ at the latest. I hope everything goes well at the (5) ______, and say hi to your daughter for me!

    Ahmed

    Show answer

    Answer: D. the 14th

    The request must arrive at least five days before the first shift on Friday the 19th, and 19 − 5 = 14.

  12. Question 12 of 18

    Which choice best fills blank (5) in Ahmed's reply?

    Message from Sandra to Ahmed:

    Hi Ahmed,

    I have a favour to ask. My daughter's school concert has been moved to next Friday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. I'm scheduled to work the closing shift at the store that night, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Would you be able to take my shift? In return, I could work your Sunday morning shift on the 21st, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know Sunday mornings are hard for you because of your hockey league.

    If you agree, we have to send a shift-swap request to Lucy, our manager, at least five days before the first shift. I'm happy to write the request myself.

    Thanks so much,
    Sandra

    Ahmed's reply:

    Hi Sandra,

    Of course! I'd be glad to (1) ______ your Friday shift. Honestly, the swap helps me too, because I'd much rather work late on a Friday than (2) ______. Since you offered, could you please (3) ______ to Lucy? Remember that it has to reach her by (4) ______ at the latest. I hope everything goes well at the (5) ______, and say hi to your daughter for me!

    Ahmed

    Show answer

    Answer: B. concert

    Ahmed is wishing Sandra well at her daughter's school concert, the reason for the swap.

  13. Question 13 of 18

    How does Jordan know Mei?

    Hi Mei,

    It's been almost two years since I left Northshore Dental, and I still miss our Friday lunches! I hope the new office layout is working out for everyone.

    I'm writing because I've applied for an office manager position at a medical clinic in Kelowna. The hiring manager has asked for two references who have supervised me or worked closely with me. Since you trained me when I first started at the front desk, you know my work better than almost anyone. Would you be willing to be one of my references?

    If you agree, someone from the clinic may phone you in the next two weeks. The call should take about ten minutes. They will probably ask how I handled scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients, so I thought you might like a little time to think about it. I've also attached my updated résumé so you can see what I've been doing since I left.

    I completely understand if you're too busy right now. Just let me know either way, and there will be no hard feelings.

    Warmly,
    Jordan

    Show answer

    Answer: B. Mei trained Jordan at a dental office

    Jordan says Mei trained them when they first started at the front desk at Northshore Dental.

  14. Question 14 of 18

    What is Jordan asking Mei to do?

    Hi Mei,

    It's been almost two years since I left Northshore Dental, and I still miss our Friday lunches! I hope the new office layout is working out for everyone.

    I'm writing because I've applied for an office manager position at a medical clinic in Kelowna. The hiring manager has asked for two references who have supervised me or worked closely with me. Since you trained me when I first started at the front desk, you know my work better than almost anyone. Would you be willing to be one of my references?

    If you agree, someone from the clinic may phone you in the next two weeks. The call should take about ten minutes. They will probably ask how I handled scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients, so I thought you might like a little time to think about it. I've also attached my updated résumé so you can see what I've been doing since I left.

    I completely understand if you're too busy right now. Just let me know either way, and there will be no hard feelings.

    Warmly,
    Jordan

    Show answer

    Answer: A. Be a reference for a job application

    Jordan asks, "Would you be willing to be one of my references?"

  15. Question 15 of 18

    Why did Jordan attach a résumé to the email?

    Hi Mei,

    It's been almost two years since I left Northshore Dental, and I still miss our Friday lunches! I hope the new office layout is working out for everyone.

    I'm writing because I've applied for an office manager position at a medical clinic in Kelowna. The hiring manager has asked for two references who have supervised me or worked closely with me. Since you trained me when I first started at the front desk, you know my work better than almost anyone. Would you be willing to be one of my references?

    If you agree, someone from the clinic may phone you in the next two weeks. The call should take about ten minutes. They will probably ask how I handled scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients, so I thought you might like a little time to think about it. I've also attached my updated résumé so you can see what I've been doing since I left.

    I completely understand if you're too busy right now. Just let me know either way, and there will be no hard feelings.

    Warmly,
    Jordan

    Show answer

    Answer: A. So Mei can see what Jordan has done since leaving

    Jordan says the résumé shows what they have been doing since they left, which will help Mei answer questions.

  16. Question 16 of 18

    What does Jordan mean by "there will be no hard feelings"?

    Hi Mei,

    It's been almost two years since I left Northshore Dental, and I still miss our Friday lunches! I hope the new office layout is working out for everyone.

    I'm writing because I've applied for an office manager position at a medical clinic in Kelowna. The hiring manager has asked for two references who have supervised me or worked closely with me. Since you trained me when I first started at the front desk, you know my work better than almost anyone. Would you be willing to be one of my references?

    If you agree, someone from the clinic may phone you in the next two weeks. The call should take about ten minutes. They will probably ask how I handled scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients, so I thought you might like a little time to think about it. I've also attached my updated résumé so you can see what I've been doing since I left.

    I completely understand if you're too busy right now. Just let me know either way, and there will be no hard feelings.

    Warmly,
    Jordan

    Show answer

    Answer: D. Jordan will not be upset if Mei says no

    "No hard feelings" means no anger or disappointment. Jordan is making it easy for Mei to refuse.

  17. Question 17 of 18

    Why does Jordan mention scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients?

    Hi Mei,

    It's been almost two years since I left Northshore Dental, and I still miss our Friday lunches! I hope the new office layout is working out for everyone.

    I'm writing because I've applied for an office manager position at a medical clinic in Kelowna. The hiring manager has asked for two references who have supervised me or worked closely with me. Since you trained me when I first started at the front desk, you know my work better than almost anyone. Would you be willing to be one of my references?

    If you agree, someone from the clinic may phone you in the next two weeks. The call should take about ten minutes. They will probably ask how I handled scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients, so I thought you might like a little time to think about it. I've also attached my updated résumé so you can see what I've been doing since I left.

    I completely understand if you're too busy right now. Just let me know either way, and there will be no hard feelings.

    Warmly,
    Jordan

    Show answer

    Answer: D. To help Mei prepare for the questions she may be asked

    Jordan says the clinic will probably ask about these tasks and wants to give Mei time to think about them.

  18. Question 18 of 18

    Which word best describes the tone of Jordan's email?

    Hi Mei,

    It's been almost two years since I left Northshore Dental, and I still miss our Friday lunches! I hope the new office layout is working out for everyone.

    I'm writing because I've applied for an office manager position at a medical clinic in Kelowna. The hiring manager has asked for two references who have supervised me or worked closely with me. Since you trained me when I first started at the front desk, you know my work better than almost anyone. Would you be willing to be one of my references?

    If you agree, someone from the clinic may phone you in the next two weeks. The call should take about ten minutes. They will probably ask how I handled scheduling, billing questions and difficult patients, so I thought you might like a little time to think about it. I've also attached my updated résumé so you can see what I've been doing since I left.

    I completely understand if you're too busy right now. Just let me know either way, and there will be no hard feelings.

    Warmly,
    Jordan

    Show answer

    Answer: B. friendly and polite

    Jordan mentions shared lunches, asks politely and lets Mei say no easily. The tone is warm and polite.

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