Mastering Reading Task 4: The Viewpoints Guide
Reading Task 4, "Reading for Viewpoints," is often cited as the most difficult part of the CELPIP Reading test. It requires you to distinguish between facts and opinions, and to understand the subtle viewpoints of different characters or the author.
Key Strategies for Success
- Identify the Tone: Is the writer critical, supportive, neutral, or sarcastic? Look for adjectives and adverbs that betray emotion.
- Contrast Words: Pay attention to words like "however," "although," "despite." These often signal a shift in viewpoint or a counter-argument.
- Scan for Names: Questions often ask about a specific person's opinion. Quickly find their name in the text and read the surrounding sentences carefully.
Free Download: The Viewpoints Checklist
Get our exclusive PDF checklist with key vocabulary words that signal opinions and a step-by-step method for analyzing Viewpoints passages.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master this task is to read opinion pieces in newspapers (editorials) and practice with our realistic mock tests.