Reading Part 3: Reading for Information

To collect and organize information from different sources into one place.

“The agency compiled data from thousands of surveys to produce the annual report.”

“Researchers compiled a list of recommended resources for new immigrants.”

Often used: compile data · compile a report · compile statistics

CELPIP tip: In Reading Part 3 informational texts, 'compile' often appears near data tables or research summaries — scan for it to identify where facts were sourced.

A short passage taken from a longer written work.

“The reading passage is an excerpt from a government health bulletin.”

“Students were asked to analyze an excerpt from the environmental report.”

Often used: an excerpt from · brief excerpt · short excerpt

CELPIP tip: CELPIP Reading Part 3 passages are excerpts from real informational texts — understanding this helps you expect formal tone and specific factual content.

To show, point out, or suggest that something is true or exists.

“The survey results indicate that most residents support the new transit plan.”

“The graph indicates a steady rise in library membership over five years.”

Often used: indicate a trend · indicate that · clearly indicate

CELPIP tip: Answer choices in Reading Part 3 often paraphrase 'indicate' with 'show' or 'suggest' — matching these synonyms helps you confirm the correct answer.

Located next to or very close to something else.

“The new community centre is adjacent to the main public library.”

“Residents in areas adjacent to the construction site reported increased noise levels.”

Often used: adjacent to · adjacent building · adjacent area

CELPIP tip: Location-based informational texts use 'adjacent' to describe proximity — in map or facility description questions, this word signals a spatial relationship answer.

Following one after another in an unbroken sequence.

“Applicants must have been employed for three consecutive months to qualify.”

“The organization received funding for five consecutive years.”

Often used: consecutive months · consecutive years · consecutive terms

CELPIP tip: Eligibility criteria in informational passages often specify a 'consecutive' time period — verify whether interruptions disqualify a person before selecting your answer.

A standard or rule used for judging or deciding something.

“Language proficiency is one key criterion for acceptance into the program.”

“Each candidate must meet every criterion listed in the official guidelines.”

Often used: meet a criterion · selection criterion · key criterion

CELPIP tip: Note the plural form 'criteria' — informational texts list multiple criteria for programs or services, so read all bullet points carefully before answering.

A distinct part of an economy, society, or field of activity.

“The technology sector in Canada has grown significantly over the past decade.”

“Workers in the public sector are employed by government-funded organizations.”

Often used: public sector · private sector · job sector

CELPIP tip: Informational passages often compare different sectors (e.g., public vs. private) — identifying which sector is being discussed prevents answer confusion.

To officially give or assign resources, money, or time for a specific purpose.

“The city council voted to allocate additional funds to public housing projects.”

“Time must be allocated carefully to ensure every department is covered.”

Often used: allocate funds · allocate resources · allocate time

CELPIP tip: Budget and policy passages frequently use 'allocate' — when you see it, locate the amount or resource and the purpose to answer detail questions accurately.

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.

Statistical data about the characteristics of a population, such as age, income, and education.

“The report analyzed the demographics of urban neighbourhoods to plan service delivery.”

“Shifting demographics have prompted the government to revise its housing strategy.”

Often used: shifting demographics · demographic data · target demographics

CELPIP tip: Reading Part 3 passages on community or health topics often cite demographics — link numbers in the text to the group described to answer 'who' questions.

To change repeatedly and irregularly between higher and lower levels.

“Energy prices tend to fluctuate significantly during winter months.”

“Demand for rental housing fluctuates depending on economic conditions.”

Often used: fluctuate widely · prices fluctuate · fluctuate between

CELPIP tip: When a passage describes trends with 'fluctuate,' the correct answer will reflect instability or change — avoid choosing options that suggest a steady or consistent pattern.

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.

An official charge or tax imposed by a government or authority.

“A new environmental levy was placed on single-use plastics to reduce waste.”

“The levy on imported goods was introduced to protect domestic manufacturers.”

Often used: impose a levy · environmental levy · levy on goods

CELPIP tip: Financial and policy reading passages use 'levy' as a synonym for 'tax' or 'fee' — recognizing this synonym prevents misreading the topic of the passage.

An estimate or forecast of a future amount, trend, or situation based on current data.

“The economic projection suggests unemployment will fall by two percent next year.”

“Population projections indicate the city will grow by 15% within a decade.”

Often used: future projection · population projection · financial projection

CELPIP tip: When a passage includes a projection, note whether it is presented as fact or estimate — answer choices may trick you by treating a forecast as a confirmed outcome.

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.

A person or thing that holds the same position or has the same function in a different place or situation.

“Canadian nurses earn less than their counterparts in the United States.”

“The provincial ministry works closely with its federal counterpart on health policy.”

Often used: federal counterpart · international counterpart · industry counterpart

CELPIP tip: Comparative informational texts use 'counterpart' to connect two parallel groups — when you see it, immediately identify which two groups are being compared.

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.

To reduce the severity, harm, or impact of something.

“The new program aims to mitigate the effects of poverty on children's education.”

“Planting trees along roads can help mitigate the urban heat island effect.”

Often used: mitigate risk · mitigate the effects · mitigate impact

CELPIP tip: Environmental and policy passages use 'mitigate' to describe solutions — when asked about a program's purpose, 'mitigate' signals a reducing or solving function.

An official document allowing something.

“You need a permit to build a fence.”

Often used: work permit · apply for a permit

CELPIP tip: As a noun: 'work permit,' 'building permit'; common in problem-solving emails—more specific than 'permission.'

A clause or condition within a law, agreement, or plan that addresses a specific situation.

“A special provision in the policy allows for extensions in exceptional circumstances.”

“The contract included a provision for termination with 30 days' notice.”

Often used: legal provision · make provision for · under the provision of

CELPIP tip: Legal and policy texts use 'provision' to introduce specific rules or exceptions — identifying the provision answers many 'what happens if' questions in Part 3.

Allowed or qualified for something.

“You are eligible for the grant after one year.”

Often used: eligible for · eligible to apply

CELPIP tip: Use 'eligible for' (not 'eligible to receive') in emails; signals formal awareness of rules and qualifications.

Describing something that is necessary as part of a duty or responsibility; also refers to a person currently holding an official position.

“It is incumbent upon employers to ensure a safe working environment for all staff.”

“The incumbent director will oversee the transition to the new leadership team.”

Often used: incumbent upon · incumbent director · incumbent government

CELPIP tip: The phrase 'it is incumbent upon [someone]' assigns a strong duty — treat it like 'it is required of' when answering questions about obligations in the text.

The ability to act and decide independently.

“She showed initiative by solving it herself.”

Often used: take the initiative · show initiative

CELPIP tip: Strong workplace collocation: 'take the initiative'; use in opinion tasks about leadership or productivity.

The total sales of a business in a period; also staff leaving rate.

“High staff turnover increased training costs.”

Often used: annual turnover · staff turnover

CELPIP tip: Clarify which meaning: 'staff turnover' (HR) vs 'annual turnover' (sales) to avoid ambiguity in responses.

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.

Never having happened or existed before; without any previous example.

“The region experienced an unprecedented drought that lasted nearly three years.”

“The government made an unprecedented investment in broadband infrastructure.”

Often used: unprecedented growth · unprecedented scale · unprecedented decision

CELPIP tip: Reading Part 3 passages may use 'unprecedented' to emphasize the significance of an event — when a question asks about the nature of something, this word signals an extreme or first-time situation.

To follow or obey a rule, standard, or agreement closely.

“All contractors must adhere to the building code to receive project approval.”

“The clinic adheres to strict privacy regulations when handling patient information.”

Often used: adhere to guidelines · adhere to regulations · adhere to standards

CELPIP tip: Regulatory and policy texts use 'adhere to' to state obligations — treat it like 'must follow' when identifying what is required in Reading Part 3.

In accordance with or as required by a law, rule, or agreement.

“Pursuant to federal regulations, all applicants must submit proof of identity.”

“The organization was established pursuant to the Non-Profit Corporations Act.”

Often used: pursuant to the Act · pursuant to regulations · pursuant to policy

CELPIP tip: This formal legal phrase introduces an authority or rule — in Reading Part 3, identifying what rule is cited helps you locate the basis for a requirement in the text.

A conjunction meaning 'even though' or 'although,' used to introduce a concession.

“The policy brought improvements, albeit minor ones, to air quality standards.”

“The project was completed on time, albeit at a higher cost than anticipated.”

Often used: albeit briefly · albeit slowly · albeit limited

CELPIP tip: Spotting 'albeit' in a reading passage signals a contrast or qualification — the information after it often corrects or limits the main point, which is a common trap in answer choices.