Listening Part 3: Information

A list of topics or tasks planned to be discussed or completed at a meeting or event.

“The interviewer asked the guest to outline the agenda for the upcoming community information session.”

“Budget concerns were the first item on the agenda for the town hall meeting.”

Often used: set the agenda · follow the agenda · hidden agenda

CELPIP tip: In Listening Part 3 information interviews, 'agenda' often signals what topics will be covered — listen for it early to predict upcoming details.

To briefly describe the main points or features of something.

“The speaker outlined the key requirements for joining the volunteer program.”

“She outlined the steps applicants must follow before submitting their forms.”

Often used: outline the process · outline the requirements · briefly outline

CELPIP tip: When a speaker says 'let me outline,' pay close attention — the next sentences usually contain specific facts tested in comprehension questions.

A distinct stage or step in a process or development.

“The construction project will be completed in three separate phases over four years.”

“During the second phase of the program, participants will focus on workplace communication skills.”

Often used: next phase · initial phase · phase of development

CELPIP tip: When a speaker uses 'phase,' listen for an ordinal number (first, second, third) and what activity or requirement belongs to each phase — these are common detail-question targets.

The process of officially signing up or recording one's name for a course, program, or service.

“Online registration for the workshop closes at midnight on Friday.”

“The coordinator explained that registration is free for all newcomers to the city.”

Often used: complete registration · registration deadline · registration fee

CELPIP tip: Registration deadlines and fees are common detail questions in Part 3 — note any specific dates or dollar amounts mentioned alongside this word.

The standards or conditions used to judge or decide something (plural of criterion).

“The selection criteria for the grant include financial need and academic performance.”

“Applicants who do not meet all the criteria will not be considered in this round.”

Often used: selection criteria · meet the criteria · evaluation criteria

CELPIP tip: In Part 3, criteria are often listed in sequence — count how many are mentioned, as questions frequently ask which criterion an applicant must or must not meet.

The length of time that something lasts or continues.

“The duration of the certification course is six weeks.”

“Participants must commit to the full duration of the program to receive credit.”

Often used: program duration · full duration · duration of the contract

CELPIP tip: Duration is a frequently tested fact in Part 3 — always note the specific number of days, weeks, or months given alongside this word.

The process of accepting people into a program or organization, or the number accepted at one time.

“The next intake for the training program begins in September.”

“Due to high demand, the intake this year was limited to fifty participants.”

Often used: next intake · intake process · annual intake

CELPIP tip: In informational interviews about programs or services, 'intake' often comes with a date or number — both are commonly tested as specific details.

A formal talk given to teach students.

“The professor gave a fascinating lecture.”

Often used: attend a lecture · give a lecture

CELPIP tip: Neutral; collocate with 'attend/deliver a lecture.' More precise than 'class' in academic storytelling.

To check or confirm that something is true, accurate, or correct.

“Applicants must verify their identity by presenting two pieces of government-issued ID.”

“The interviewer asked the expert to verify the statistics cited in the report.”

Often used: verify information · verify identity · independently verify

CELPIP tip: When 'verify' appears in a Part 3 interview, it usually introduces a specific requirement or fact — listen for what exactly must be verified and who must do it.

A formal request, often written.

“She submitted her visa application online.”

Often used: submit an application · application form

CELPIP tip: Collocates: 'submit/complete/process an application.' Essential for immigration-themed email tasks.

A qualification, achievement, or piece of documentation that shows a person is qualified for something.

“All applicants must have their foreign credentials assessed before applying to the program.”

“The interviewer asked the expert about the credentials required to work as a licensed nurse in Canada.”

Often used: foreign credential · professional credential · credential assessment

CELPIP tip: Credential recognition is a common topic in CELPIP Part 3 interviews — listen for whether credentials are recognized automatically or require an assessment process.

The basic physical systems and structures needed for a society to function, such as roads and utilities.

“The federal budget included major investment in transportation infrastructure.”

“Aging infrastructure in many cities requires costly repairs and upgrades.”

Often used: public infrastructure · infrastructure investment · aging infrastructure

CELPIP tip: Urban planning or government spending passages use 'infrastructure' broadly — clarify whether it refers to transport, digital, or social infrastructure when answering specific questions.

Something that is required as a condition before something else can happen or be done.

“A valid driver's license is a prerequisite for applying to the delivery coordinator position.”

“The interviewer explained that completing the orientation is a prerequisite for accessing the lab.”

Often used: meet the prerequisite · course prerequisite · mandatory prerequisite

CELPIP tip: This word signals a condition that must be satisfied before an action — in Part 3, questions often test whether listeners correctly identify which prerequisite applies to which situation.

To provide financial support to reduce the cost of something for the recipient.

“The government subsidizes childcare costs for low-income families.”

“Public transit in the region is heavily subsidized by municipal tax revenue.”

Often used: subsidize housing · subsidize costs · heavily subsidized

CELPIP tip: Benefit and services passages often mention who subsidizes a program — this detail frequently appears in Reading Part 3 questions about funding sources.

The amount of a resource, such as money, time, or space, that has been set aside for a particular purpose.

“The budget allocation for community programs increased by fifteen percent this year.”

“Each department received a specific allocation of hours for professional development.”

Often used: budget allocation · resource allocation · funding allocation

CELPIP tip: Allocation usually comes with a number or percentage — capture both the figure and what it refers to, as questions often test this paired information.

A standard or point of reference used to measure or compare performance.

“The organization set a benchmark of five hundred volunteers recruited per quarter.”

“Student test scores are used as a benchmark to assess the program's effectiveness.”

Often used: set a benchmark · industry benchmark · performance benchmark

CELPIP tip: Benchmarks in Part 3 usually involve a measurable target — identify the specific number and what it measures to answer detail questions accurately.

A statement that limits or denies responsibility, or that clarifies the boundaries of what is being offered or claimed.

“The guest speaker added a disclaimer that the figures cited were based on last year's data.”

“The brochure included a disclaimer stating that prices were subject to change.”

Often used: add a disclaimer · legal disclaimer · include a disclaimer

CELPIP tip: A disclaimer often introduces a limitation or exception — in Part 3, questions may test whether you noticed what is NOT guaranteed or covered.

A difference or inconsistency between two facts, figures, or sets of data that should agree.

“There was a discrepancy between the reported and actual number of participants.”

“Auditors noted a significant discrepancy in the organization's financial records.”

Often used: notable discrepancy · discrepancy between · explain a discrepancy

CELPIP tip: If a Reading Part 3 question asks why something needs investigation or verification, look for 'discrepancy' in the text — it signals a mismatch that requires explanation.

A fixed regular payment given to someone, often for training, an internship, or a scholarship.

“Interns will receive a weekly stipend to cover transportation and meal costs.”

“The research assistant position comes with a modest stipend of four hundred dollars per month.”

Often used: monthly stipend · receive a stipend · living stipend

CELPIP tip: Stipend amounts are specific numbers that test-makers love to include as detail questions — note the exact figure and payment frequency.

Official recognition or approval given to an institution or program that meets required standards.

“The college recently received full accreditation from the national board of education.”

“Without proper accreditation, the diploma may not be recognized by employers.”

Often used: seek accreditation · professional accreditation · accreditation process

CELPIP tip: Accreditation questions in Part 3 often focus on consequences — listen for what happens if accreditation is or is not obtained, as this distinction is frequently tested.

An official instruction or authorization given to an organization or person to perform a specific task or role.

“The agency's mandate is to support the settlement of newcomers in the province.”

“The committee operates under a mandate to review safety regulations every two years.”

Often used: under a mandate · expand the mandate · fulfill a mandate

CELPIP tip: When a speaker describes an organization's mandate, they are defining its purpose — Part 3 questions may ask you to identify what the organization is or is not responsible for.

Arranged or existing only for the present time, with the expectation of being changed or confirmed later.

“Applicants will receive a provisional acceptance letter while their documents are being reviewed.”

“The provisional schedule may change depending on the availability of the venue.”

Often used: provisional approval · provisional license · provisional offer

CELPIP tip: In Part 3, 'provisional' signals that a status or fact is not yet final — questions may test whether you understand that a condition must still be met.

An official agreement to give up a requirement, right, or rule in a specific situation.

“A fee waiver is available for participants who demonstrate financial hardship.”

“The organization requires all volunteers to sign a liability waiver before participating.”

Often used: fee waiver · liability waiver · sign a waiver

CELPIP tip: A waiver in Part 3 typically means a rule does not apply under specific conditions — questions often test what triggers the waiver or who qualifies for it.

The state of meeting the requirements.

“Check your eligibility before applying.”

Often used: eligibility criteria · confirm eligibility

CELPIP tip: Formal and precise; use 'confirm eligibility' or 'meet eligibility requirements' in immigration emails.