Step 1: Read the Questions First

• Look at all the questions before reading the email/message.
• Underline keywords such as names, dates, locations, and reasons.

Step 2: Read the Email Quickly

Focus on:

• Who is writing?
• Why are they writing?
• What action is requested?
• Important dates, times, and locations.

Step 3: Scan for Answers

Most answers appear in the same order as the information in the email.

Step 4: Check the Tone

Identify whether the message is:

• Formal
• Informal
• Complaint
• Request
• Invitation
• Confirmation

Step 5: Use Elimination

Remove options that:

• Contradict the email.
• Include information not mentioned.
• Are only partially correct.

1. Main Purpose

Question:
Why did the sender write this email?

Look for:
The purpose stated in the first paragraph.

2. Specific Detail

Question:
When will the meeting take place?

Look for:
Dates, times, and schedules.

3. Inference

Question:
What can be inferred about the sender?

Look for:
Information that is implied, not directly stated.

4. Meaning of a Word/Phrase

Question:
What does "postpone" mean in this message?

Look for:
Context around the word.

Sender: ________________________

Recipient: ________________________

Purpose: ________________________

Key Details: ________________________

Action Required: ________________________

Tone: ________________________

CELPIP Tip: Using this framework can help you answer Correspondence questions faster and improve your CELPIP Reading score.