CELPIP Reading Practice Test

Part 1 - Reading Correspondence

Time Allowed: 10 Minutes

Martin Gavin
175 Pitkin Park Road
Apt. No. 15
Montpelier, VT
05602-2950

Dear Martin,

Re: Parking Garage Problem

Please regard this as a letter of apology for the recent problems that I caused you by moving your belongings in the parking garage without your permission.

Believe me, I had no intention of causing you any issues. Over the long weekend, I decided to rearrange my space in the garage and install some new shelving on the front wall opposite my parking space. While I was at it, I thought I would also tidy up the entire garage. It was during that process that I noticed that your boxes of books were stored, what I thought was, dangerously close to the electric heating element. So, I took the liberty of moving those boxes to the other side of the garage. It didn't occur to me at the time that this would block the entry and exit on the passenger side of your vehicle.

After you brought this to my attention Monday evening, I immediately moved your boxes back to where they were stored originally. As you suggested, by stacking them carefully I was able to place them so that there was sufficient safe clearance from the heating element. I trust you will find everything in order now.

A thousand apologies for not checking with you first before moving your belongings. I can now see how it would have upset you to return after the holiday weekend and find your belongings moved for no apparent reason. All I can say is that it won't happen again.

Sincerely,
Jeff Gibson

Questions 1-6

1. What is Jeff's and Martin's relationship?
A. Friends
B. Formal contacts
C. Neighbours
D. Family
2. Why was Jeff organizing everything?
A. He had some free time on his hands.
B. Everything looked messy.
C. He didn't want the area to be dangerous.
D. He wanted a safe clearance.
3. How would you describe Jeff's attitude?
A. Friendly
B. Apologetic
C. Straightforward
D. Timid
4. What possession of Martin was moved?
A. Heating element
B. Shelving
C. Belongings
D. Boxes
5. What was another worry of Jeff?
A. Stacking height of the boxes
B. If Martin would accept his apology
C. An unclean garage
D. Martin's other family members
6. How does Jeff finish his letter?
A. By blaming himself
B. By asking for another chance
C. By reflecting on the situation
D. By offering compensation

Response Letter

Hi Jeff,

Thank you for taking the time to explain everything. Although I was 7. (okay about it / upset at first / indifferent to the situation / concerned about my missing items), I later realized you were just trying to help.

After 8. (the long weekend / the long drive / tiring drive home / rainy weather), I just didn't want any surprises, and Sarah was a little upset when she 9. (couldn't get out of the car / lost her stuff / had to search through the boxes / was so close to the heating element).

Also, when I came back 10. (on Sunday / the other day / two weeks ago / on Monday), I noticed the 11. (stacked boxes / books / new shelves / other side of the garage). The new look is very good.

Thanks again for explaining everything.
Martin

Questions 7-11

7. Martin was ______ before reading Jeff's explanation.
A. okay about it
B. upset at first
C. indifferent to the situation
D. concerned about his missing items
8. Martin refers to ______ before returning home.
A. the long weekend
B. the long drive
C. the tiring drive home
D. the rainy weather
9. Sarah was upset because she ______.
A. couldn't get out of the car
B. lost her stuff
C. had to search through the boxes
D. was so close to the heating element
10. Martin came back ______.
A. on Sunday
B. the other day
C. two weeks ago
D. on Monday
11. Martin noticed the ______.
A. stacked boxes
B. books
C. new shelves
D. other side of the garage