Common CELPIP Errors and How To Avoid Them by Paragon

THIS COPY BELONGS TO HASSANALIZADEH, AHMAD (ALISOCCERSTAR@HOTMAIL.
COM)
COMMON
ERRORS
And How to Avoid Them
THIS COPY BELONGS TO HASSANALIZADEH, AHMAD ([email protected])
Useful for ALL the CELPIP tests!

 CELPIP-General
 CELPIP-General LS
 CELPIP Academic
COMMON CELPIP® ERRORS

And How to Avoid Them
Copyright © 2013 Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of The

University of British Columbia
First Printing: July 2013
All rights reserved. It is illegal to reproduce any portion of this

material except by special arrangement with Paragon Testing
Enterprises. Reproduction of this material without authorization,
by any duplication process whatsoever, is a violation of
copyright.
Paragon Testing Enterprises
Common CELPIP Errors
Vancouver: Paragon Testing Enterprises
ISBN: 978-0-9920181-2-2
INTRODUCTION V
G R A MM A R
1. WORD FORMS 2
2. RUN-ON SENTENCES 4
3. SENTENCE FRAGMENTS 6
4. PARALLELISM 8
5. USING WHERE AND IN WHICH 10
6. MISPLACED MODIFIERS 12
7. DANGLING MODIFIERS 14
8. PRONOUN–ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT 16
9. NOUN COUNTABILITY 18
10. USE OF THE 20
11. SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT 22
12. PASSIVE VOICE 24
13. PRESENT PERFECT TENSE 26
14. PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE TENSE 28
15. SECOND CONDITIONAL 30
PUNCTUATION
16. CAPITALIZATION 32
17. COMMAS 34
18. SENTENCE ENDINGS 36
19. APOSTROPHES 38
20. FORMATTING 40
iii
WORD CHOICE
21. PREPOSITIONS OF TIME 42
22. TRANSITION TERMS 44
23. HOMONYMS AND MALAPROPISMS 46
24. REDUNDANCIES 48
25. REGISTER 50
SPEAKING
26. VOWEL SUBSTITUTION 52
27. PAUSING AND INTONATION 54
28. STRESS AND RHYTHM 56
29. SUPPORTING DETAIL 58
30. DISORGANIZED CONTENT 60
R EVI E W T ES T 62
ANSWER KEY
GRAMMAR 65
PUNCTUATION 73
WORD CHOICE 76
SPEAKING 78
REVIEW TEST 82
iv
This book presents some of the errors that test takers are most likely
to make on the three CELPIP tests: CELPIP-General, CELPIP-
General LS, and CELPIP Academic. The CELPIP-General and
CELPIP-Academic Tests each have four test components: Listening,
Speaking, Reading, and Writing, while the CELPIP-LS Test has two
test components: Listening and Speaking. You can learn more about
these tests at http://www.celpiptest.ca, and you can find out about
other CELPIP study materials at http://www.celpiptest.ca/study-
materials.
The errors in this book will help you with all four CELPIP test
components. You will find material here that will help you improve
your speaking and writing skills; at the same time, studying these
errors will strengthen your reading and listening skills. Test takers
will learn about thirty errors, which have been divided into four
categories.
 Grammar: 15 error types

 Punctuation: 5 error types
 Word Choice: 5 error types
 Speaking: 5 error types
This resource has been designed to present you with as many
common errors as possible. However, some of the errors are quite
complex, and we have only been able to look at one or two aspects of
these errors. If you need more information about any of the errors
presented here, we highly recommend that you consult additional
resources, such as English textbooks on grammar or pronunciation.
Becoming aware of these mistakes and studying the language
elements related to them means that you will be less likely to make
these mistakes yourself. When you are ready, you can test your
understanding of these mistakes by attempting the review test at the
end of the book.
The examples and exercises in this book are based on actual errors
made by CELPIP test takers, so they provide you with true examples
of exactly the types of problems that test takers have during the
CELPIP test. Take this opportunity to learn the things that you
should and shouldn’t do as a CELPIP test taker. Best of luck to you!
v
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Sometimes the explanations and examples in this book require the

use of the singular pronoun “he” or “she.” In order to give equal time
to both genders, we have used “she” in the fifteen Grammar units,
and “he” in the other fifteen units (Punctuation, Word Choice, and
Speaking).
vi
GRAMMAR
~WORD FORMS~
A common CELPIP error is using the wrong grammatical form of a
word—that is, mixing up nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. An
example is using a noun form (such as beauty) when you need the
adjective form (beautiful). (Canada is a beauty beautiful country.)
As shown below, a word’s required grammatical form depends on its
function in a sentence.
Form Adjective Noun Adverb Verb
Function modifies -person, place, modifies action or
nouns or thing, or idea verbs, state of
pronouns -serves as adjectives, being
subject or or other
object adverbs
Example attractive attractiveness attractively attract(s)
attraction attracted *
attracting *
* These are participial verbs, which can also be used as adjectives.
HOW TO USE SUFFIXES TO CHANGE WORD FORM

In order You typically use the following suffixes:
to build Add these
these Add these to
Add these to nouns to
forms: verbs
adjectives
Build -ese, -ess, -ette, -hood, - -age, -ee -ance/-ancy
nouns ism, -ist, -an, -ian, -ance/-ancy, - -ence/-ency
-ocracy, -ology, ence/-ency, -ist, -ity, -
-phobe/-phobia, -al, -er/-or, - ness
-ship ment
Build -ate, -ify, -ize -en, -ify, -ize
verbs
Build -al, -ese, -ian Descriptive -ish, -ward
adjectives -centric, -ed adjectives:
-ful, -ic, -ical, -ish, -able, -ive
-less, -like, -ly, -ous Participial
-proof, -y adjectives:
-ing, -ed, -(e)n
Build -ly, -wards
adverbs
[2]
TAKE NOTE
Although they lengthen words, many suffixes can help you pronounce
words because they tell you which syllable is stressed. The suffixes -
aire, -ee, -eer, -elle, -esce, -ese, -ette, -ique, -esque, -eur, and -euse
are always stressed. With -sion, -tion, -ian, -ic, -ical, -ity, -ify, -ous, -
ious, -eous, -uous, and many others, the stressed syllable is the one
before the suffix. The stress falls two syllables before the suffixes -ate,
-ary, and -ize.
FIND THE ERRORS: EXAMPLES
Example A
Breathing fresh air can increase our productive.
(Wrong. You need a noun, but productive is an adjective.)
Breathing fresh air can increase our productivity. 
Example B
Do not allow minors to entry without proper identification.
(Wrong. You need a verb, but entry is a noun.)
Do not allow minors to enter without proper identification. 
OVER TO YOU: PRACTICE

Find and fix any errors in the following sentences. Note that some
sentences are correct.
1) My new armchair is very comfort.

2) Jose went to his union to make a formal complain.
3) We wish to make you awareness of this product’s features.
4) The violinist won her first award at an exceptional young age.
5) I am appreciate of your message yesterday.
6) This contract can be termination with one month’s notice.
7) I don’t know who made this mess, but I have my suspicious.
8) I know how it feels to lack food and clothing.
9) Some want a luxury vehicle; others want only the basically.
10) Everyone is welcome regardless of their culture or religious.
[3]
GRAMMAR
~RUN-ON SENTENCES~
We see a lot of run-on sentences in the written part of the CELPIP. A
run-on sentence is composed of two independent (i.e., potentially
stand-alone) clauses that have been stuck together with either
commas or nothing at all.
There are two types of run-on sentences: comma splices and fused
sentences. A comma splice is two independent clauses joined only by
a comma. (Thank you for your resumé, we will contact you soon.) A
fused sentence is two independent clauses joined with nothing at all.
(We have selected the candidates to be interviewed we would like
you to come in next week.) The easiest solution is to break the clauses
into separate sentences or else coordinate them.
HOW TO SEPARATE OR COORDINATE INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
Independent Punctu-
Conj Independent Clause
Clause ation
Emma visited . She looked out over the Grand
Newfoundland period
 Banks.
Emma visited Nova ; she went to Louisburg.
Scotia semicolon

Emma visited New , + equally she toured the Bay of
Brunswick and important
comma Fundy.
Emma visited Prince + reason it was easy to take the
Edward Island , for
Confederation Bridge.
Emma drove across + contrast she didn’t see enough
the province of Quebec , but
of Montreal.
Emma thought + surprise
it took her three days
Ontario was a small , yet
to drive across it.
province
Emma could end her + she could continue on
journey in Ontario , or
alternative into Manitoba.
Emma still hasn’t been + negative has she been to
to western Canada , nor
alternative northern Canada.
Emma will visit the
she still has a lot of
West and the North , so + result
driving ahead of her.
next summer
[4]
BE AWARE . . .
In repairing a run-on sentence, we also have the option of changing
one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by using an
appropriate subordinating word (e.g., because, if, although). The
result is a complex sentence with one dependent clause and one
independent clause.
Example A
This is a great opportunity I strongly recommend this option.
(Wrong. Two independent clauses are fused together; needs a period
to separate the independent clause.)
This is a great opportunity. I strongly recommend this option. 
Example B
I would appreciate a call, you can reach me at 204-555-5555.
(Wrong. Two independent clauses are spliced with a comma.)
I would appreciate a call, and you can reach me at 204-555-5555. 
1) You are a gift to India’s children, the work you do is amazing.
2) My name is Eddie Curzon I have been in Canada for three
years.
3) It shouldn’t be like that I know you can do better.
4) Jin is forty years old, yet he still lives at home with his mom
and dad.
5) I come from a poor family, so I know how it feels to be
hungry.
6) I’d love to get together with you can you meet me for tea?
7) We have come so far but we still have far to go.
8) Allow me to introduce my brother his name is Randy.
9) I look forward to visiting you; of course, I’ll bring Hiroshi as
well.
10) I have never felt alone, whenever I sought help you were at
my side.
[5]
GRAMMAR
~SENTENCE FRAGMENTS~
Some word groups ending in periods aren’t really sentences; they’re
sentence fragments, lacking what it takes to stand alone. A sentence (1)
must have at least one independent clause with a subject and a finite verb
(i.e., one that shows tense) and (2) must not start with a subordinating
word that makes it a dependent clause. (See “Beware,” below.) A
dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it must be attached to
an independent clause. Similarly, a phrase of any kind must be attached
to an independent clause.
To fix a fragment, we often attach it to the sentence before or after it,
perhaps with a comma. Sometimes we have to rewrite the fragment.
SOME TYPES OF SENTENCE FRAGMENTS
Type of Example of Fragment Suggested Correction
Fragment
Clauses adverbial I miss Tom. Though I accept I miss Tom, though I accept
clause his reasons for leaving. his reasons for leaving.
adjective Please attend our meeting. Please attend our meeting,
clause, Which will be on Monday. which will be on Monday.
nonrestrictive
adjective Let’s visit the old school. Let’s visit the old school
clause, Where we met long ago. where we met long ago.
restrictive
noun clause Sarah knows for sure. That Sarah knows for sure that
she won’t become a lawyer. she won’t become a lawyer.
Phrases prepositional I walk my dog early every I walk my dog early every
phrase morning. At 6:00 a.m. morning at 6:00 a.m.
infinitive We went to Vaughan. To ride We went to Vaughan to ride
phrase the roller coaster. the roller coaster.
participial I saw you at the show. Sitting I saw you at the show,
phrase in the front row. sitting in the front row.
appositive I’d like to adopt a cat. An I’d like to adopt a cat, an
phrase adult female, if possible. adult female, if possible.
Verbs detached Our athletes train six days in Our athletes train six days
compound a row. And then take a break. in a row and then take a
verb break.
[6]
BEWARE . . .
A subordinating conjunction placed at the start of an independent
clause makes that clause dependent, unable to stand alone.
 Dependent: Since I will get back to you tomorrow.
 Independent: I will get back to you tomorrow.
Subordinating conjunctions include because, since, (al)though, even
though, if, unless, when(ever), while, until, where(ever),
(every/any)where, whereas, and others. The relative pronouns
which, that, who, and whom also subordinate a clause.
Example A
I recommend Dollar Den. Because everybody likes a bargain.
(Wrong. A dependent clause can’t stand alone.)
I recommend Dollar Den because everybody likes a bargain. 
Example B
Daria lived in the Czech Republic. From 2009 to 2013.
(Wrong. A prepositional phrase can’t stand alone.)
Daria lived in the Czech Republic from 2009 to 2013. 

1) Prepare for your first class. Which will be on May 1st.
2) I’d like you to stay until May 30th. Though I know that’s hard.
3) This message is regarding the appointment I booked. Under the
name of Antonio Carrasco.
4) We’ll name you best employee. And promote you to manager.
5) Next week I’ll be back in Iowa. Trying to sell the house.
6) On behalf of everyone. Congratulations on a job well done.
7) I’m married to Joe. A businessman from Montreal.
8) You’ll sell phones. Also, you’ll sell service contracts.
9) The budget should be cut in a number of areas. Such as costly
renovations to government buildings.
10) Francesca came here on a work placement program. To be a
nanny in Toronto.
[7]
GRAMMAR
~ PARALLELISM~
Parallelism is the pleasing balance achieved when ideas of equal
importance are presented side by side in similar grammatical form.
When they aren’t, we have faulty parallelism, a common CELPIP error.
Generally, clauses balance with clauses, phrases balance with phrases,
and words balance with words. That last sentence had three parallel
clauses. Contrast it with this sentence, which needs to be revised so it has
parallel adjectives: The mall was noisy, crowded, and everything was
chaotic. We strive for parallelism when we coordinate elements with the
conjunctions and, but, or, nor, not only . . . but also, both . . . and, either
. . . or, and neither . . . nor. (Neither a borrower nor a lender be.) We
also strive for parallelism when making comparisons with as or than.
(Blood is thicker than water.) Parallelism makes sentences more
effective, efficient, and pleasing.
HOW TO ACHIEVE PARALLELISM (read horizontally)
Sentence Noun Verb Adjective Adverb
Element
Lou sat in The mall Lou was Lou sat
the mall, a bored and bored and listlessly and
Words victim of wearied Lou. weary. wearily in
boredom and the mall.
weariness.
Lou, a soccer Lou did not Defeated and Mel strolled
enthusiast, merely like desperate, down the
was married soccer; Lou Lou sat in aisles and
Phrases
to Mel, a adored the food through the
mall soccer. court. shops.
enthusiast.
Mel accepted Mel, who When Lou
that Lou loved was near
hated malls; shopping, Mel, it was
Lou accepted was married love, but
Clauses
that Mel to Lou, who when Lou
loved them. loved soccer. was near
soccer, it was
passion.
[8]
BEWARE . . .
Parallel items don’t have to be repetitive; we can leave out some words in
the subsequent items, especially when they seem redundant.
 By faithfully watching every game and by faithfully reading every
news article, Lou became a soccer expert.
Example A
Lou’s weekend activities were barbecuing steaks, soccer, and waiting
for Mel to finish shopping. (Wrong. These gerund noun phrases should
be parallel.)
Lou’s weekend activities were barbecuing steaks, watching soccer, and
waiting for Mel to finish shopping.
Example B
Without glasses, Mel could neither track the soccer ball nor be able to
see the goalposts. (Wrong. The elements connected with neither . . . nor
should be parallel verb phrases.)
Without glasses, Mel could neither track the soccer ball nor see the
goalposts. 
1) Paris is where my wife and I first met and where we still often visit.
2) Richard and I are friends, co-workers, and he is my good buddy.
3) I enjoy my job so much that I’ve never been late, absent, and my
productivity has been great.
4) Being a baker entails mixing the dough, baking the batter, need to
check the oven, and clean kitchen.
5) Please email either the missing section or the full report.
6) In our offices, we consider smoking around clients inconsiderate and
a sign of unprofessionalism.
7) Please contact me on my cellphone during the day, or I can be
reached at my home phone number during the evening.
8) I’d describe myself as driven to succeed, but I am still easygoing.
9) Whether he starts his projects early or late, Sid seems curiously and
enviably able to meet his deadlines.
10) Somebody once said we should not live to eat but rather eat to live.
[9]
GRAMMAR
~USING WHERE AND IN WHICH~
CELPIP test takers often have trouble with relative pronouns in
adjective clauses of place. The relative pronoun which used by itself
refers to things or animals, but in which (formal) and where (less
formal) can refer to places, e.g., countries, cities, buildings, and
rooms (the office where [or in which] I work). We can also use where
and in which with some abstract nouns like situation, activity, case,
example, experience, system, and society. (This is a case where [or in
which] caution is recommended.)
A common source of confusion is the difference between using a
relative pronoun as the clauses’s subject and using it as the clause’s
object. We don’t use where as the subject of an adjective clause:
This is the bank. The bank accepts my cheques.
 NOT: This is the bank where accepts my cheques.
In adjective clauses, where can be used as the object:
This is the bank. I deposit my cheques here.
 This is the bank where I deposit my cheques.
The relative pronoun which can be either the clauses’s subject (the
cheque which bounced) or its object (the cheque which I deposited).
As a subject, that is more common than which.
HOW TO CHOOSE RELATIVE PRONOUNS AS OBJECTS OF
ADJECTIVE CLAUSES OF PLACE
Very Formal Less Formal Informal
The town in which we The town where we The town which we lived
lived* lived in**
The town that we lived in
The town that we lived in
***
* We can use similar patterns with other prepositions, such as to and at.
** In North America, some English users prefer that in restrictive clauses.
*** We can omit that only when it’s the object of its own clause, not when it’s the subject.
(NOT: A town that attracts many tourists is Stratford, Ontario.)
[10]
BEWARE . . .
Avoid redundant prepositions.
 The restaurant in which we met in
 The restaurant in which we met
 The restaurant which we met in
Don’t add a preposition at the end of a where-clause. However, if a
preposition is an integral part of a phrasal verb (e.g., take out, eat in,
check in), leave it at the end of a where-clause.
 The restaurant where we met in
 The restaurant where you can take out or eat in
 The reception area where you check in
Example A
We’ll aid the region which food is needed.
(Wrong. A region is a place, so we use where or in which.
We’ll aid the region where [or in which] food is needed. 
Example B
Ours is a society which stability fuels growth.
(Wrong. Society is an abstract noun that takes where or in which.
Ours is a society in which [or where] stability fuels growth.
1) We stayed at the hotel which we reserved a room.
2) The couple took on a debt in which will soon be paid off.
3) I’d like to buy a desk where I recently saw in your store.
4) Swim only at a beach where has a lifeguard to keep you safe.
5) A flood ruined the land where farmers grew rice.
6) We find ourselves in a situation where expert help is needed.
7) Nachos are a snack in which you can eat at many restaurants.
8) Have you heard about the new dance everyone is doing?
9) A vital human need is shelter, without which no one is safe.
10) We had a discussion in which was reassuring to both of us.
[11]
GRAMMAR
~MISPLACED MODIFIERS~
Misplaced modifiers are modifying words, phrases, or clauses whose
ineffective position in the sentence leads to unintentionally unclear or
absurd meanings: The customers are buying helmets that want to
play hockey. The writer means that the customers want to play
hockey, but the sentence says the helmets want to play hockey. To fix
the problem, we place the adjective clause nearer to the noun it
modifies: The customers that want to play hockey are buying
helmets.
Misplaced modifiers may be single words, but the ones that wreak
havoc on a writer’s meaning are typically prepositional phrases,
adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and participial phrases.
HOW TO PLACE MODIFIERS CORRECTLY

This chart gives examples of misplaced and correctly placed adjective
and adverb phrases and clauses.
Adjective Adverb
Misplaced Correct Misplaced Correct
Phrase The goalie The goalie in Sam tripped With his foot,
stopped the the Number 9 the player Sam tripped
puck in the jersey stopped who came the player
Number 9 the puck. from Digby who came
jersey. (Yes. The with his foot. from Digby.
(Absurd. The goalie was (Absurd. The (Yes. With his
puck wasn’t wearing the player came foot modifies
wearing the jersey.) from Digby tripped.)
jersey.) but not the
foot.)
Clause The player The player The player While he was
lifted the that scored the cursed at the scoring a goal,
trophy that winning goal referee while the player
scored the lifted the he was cursed at the
winning goal. trophy. scoring a goal. referee.
(Absurd. The (Yes. The (Absurd. The (Yes. The
trophy didn’t player scored referee didn’t player scored
score the the goal.) score the the goal.)
goal.) goal.)
[12]
BEWARE . . .
Participial phrases (-ing, -ed, or -en verbals functioning as adjectives)
are frequently misplaced.
 The tourist hailed the taxi cab waiting on the sidewalk.
 Waiting on the sidewalk, the tourist hailed the taxi cab.
(The tourist, not the taxi cab, was waiting on the sidewalk.)
Example A
The coat’s lining keeps out the cold, which can be removed.
(Misplaced adjective clause. The cold can’t be removed; the coat’s
lining can.)
The coat’s lining, which can be removed, keeps out the cold. 
Example B
Floating in my soup, I was horrified by the sight of a black fly.
(Misplaced participial phrase. I’m not floating in my soup; a black fly
is.)
I was horrified by the sight of a black fly floating in my soup. 
11) They met when they were twenty through a dating service.
12) Dan listened to an audiobook about the prime minister when he
was planting trees in the Nicola Valley.
13) Nat took a sleeping pill wanting a good night’s sleep.
14) The organizers told everyone to wear hats that could prevent
sunburn due to UV rays.
15) André was chased by a wolf riding his bike down the highway.
16) In recent months, I have tried unsuccessfully to change your
opinions in a number of areas where we disagree.
17) You know the events, being a friend, that led to this decision.
18) Due to the windstorm, many businesses have closed their doors
for the day, such as the bakery and hair salon.
19) The coffee is great that I buy from you.
20) I’ll give you advice that will advance your career as a favour.
[13]
GRAMMAR
~DANGLING MODIFIERS~
Often an introductory element, a dangling modifier doesn’t logically
refer to anything mentioned in the sentence; it modifies something
that’s not stated: Growing up in a creative family, an arts career is
an option. (Who is growing up? Surely not the arts career, but an
unmentioned person.) We can’t repair dangling modifiers by moving
them; we must rewrite the sentence. One solution is to mention the
actor in the main clause, right next to the dangling modifier. Growing
up in a creative family, Noah has the option of an arts career. A
second solution is to add the actor to the dangling modifier: Since he
is growing up in a creative family, Noah has the option of an arts
career.
HOW TO FIND AND FIX DANGLING MODIFIERS

Solution One: Solution Two:
Dangling Name actor in Name actor in
main clause modifier
Eating popcorn, As the moviegoers
Participial Eating popcorn,
the moviegoers eat popcorn,
phrase crunching noises
make crunching crunching noises
(-ing form) are heard.
noises. are heard.
Eaten noisily, When moviegoers
Participial
Eaten noisily, it popcorn makes it eat popcorn
phrase
is hard to hear hard for noisily, it is hard
(-en or -ed
the soundtrack. moviegoers to hear to hear the
form)
the soundtrack. soundtrack.
To get a front- If we want to get a
To get a front-row
Infinitive row seat, early front-row seat,
seat, we must
phrase arrival is a early arrival is a
arrive early.
must. must.
With 3D glasses With 3D glasses When I wore 3D
Prepositional
on, Avatar was on, I found Avatar glasses, Avatar
phrase
startling. startling. was startling.
If watching a 3D If watching a 3D If we are watching
Adverb clause movie for the movie for the 100th a 3D movie for the
reduction 100th time, the time, we find the 100th time, the
thrill is gone. thrill is gone. thrill is gone.
[14]
BEWARE . . .
The passive voice is an important structure to know and use, but
don’t let it cause a dangling modifier.
 Noticing the package, it was inspected.
 Noticing the package, Dal inspected it.
Example A
Watching the pizza bake, Jim’s stomach growled.
(Wrong. Jim’s stomach didn’t watch the pizza bake; Jim did.)
Watching the pizza bake, Jim heard his stomach growl. 
As the pizza baked, Jim’s stomach growled. 
Example B
Climbing Mount Logan, an oxygen tank is needed.
(Wrong. The oxygen tank isn’t climbing; an unnamed person is.)
Climbing Mount Logan, mountaineers need an oxygen tank. 
For mountaineers climbing Mount Logan, an oxygen tank is needed.

1) As a small accounting firm, bookkeeping is our main service.
2) To participate in this fundraiser, a medical waiver must be
signed.
3) Living hectic lives, it’s often easy to forget about our friends.
4) A traditional culture, the concept of family is highly valued.
5) Being a restaurant owner, bankruptcy is always a threat.
6) Having discovered the issue, I contacted my supervisor.
7) Extra health insurance is advised when visiting the US.
8) Having received many complaints, it’s clear something is wrong
with the product’s design.
9) While reading the news, some insights popped into my brain.
10) Painted green by Rob’s friend, the kitchen looked bright and
welcoming.
[15]
GRAMMAR
~PRONOUN–ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT~
A common CELPIP error is using pronouns that do not agree with the
nouns they refer to (i.e., their antecedents). Pronouns and their
antecedents need to agree. We say, “Return the books when they are
due.” The pronoun they agrees with its antecedent noun books in
person (both are third person) and number (both are plural).
In fact, pronouns can agree with their antecedents in four ways:
 Person: first, second, or third
 Number: singular or plural
 Case: subjective, objective, possessive, or reflexive
 Gender: masculine, feminine, either, or neuter
HOW TO CHOOSE A PRONOUN THAT AGREES WITH ITS
ANTECEDENTS
The chart below can help you choose the right pronoun. For simplicity,
the chart does not include reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself,
himself, herself, oneself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Singular Plural
Subj. Obj. Possessive Subj. Obj. Possessive
Case Case Case Case case Case
Pronoun Adj. Pronoun Adj.
Pronoun Pronoun (subj. or (before Pronoun Pronoun (subj. or (before
obj.) noun) obj.) noun)
1st
I me mine my we us ours our
person
2nd
you you yours your you you yours your
person
he (m) him (m) his (m) his (m)
3rd she (f) her (f) hers (f) her (f)
they them theirs their
person its
it (neut) it (neut) Ø
(neut)
[16]
BEWARE . . .
Personal pronouns can replace a subject but should not repeat it.
 My cousin he is getting married next month.
Possessive adjectives must agree with the owner, not what is owned.
 Peter brought her his daughter to the infant care centre.

Example A
The classes are amazing, and every time I attend it I am inspired.
(Wrong. Classes is plural; it is singular.)
The classes are amazing, and every time I attend them I am
inspired. 
Example B
John gave a gift to her sister.
(Wrong. Her is feminine; John is masculine.)
John gave a gift to his sister. 

1) When I first met my future wife, he seemed friendly enough.
2) Your cooking is delicious; I really love them.
3) The loan that Luis and I took out was crucial for our business.
4) Sarah studies in her room because otherwise his brother bothers
her.
5) A little girl approached the door, and a man held it open to let
them enter first.
6) I’m calling about my cat. Have its paws and its ears been checked
yet?
7) Jennifer’s father has lent her his car.
8) My best friend Jorge he broke his leg and needs help from me.
9) Because I’m allergic to hamburgers, I feel sick every time I eat it.
10) One of our hostesses will accept your form if you give it to them
by Monday.
[17]
GRAMMAR
~NOUN COUNTABILITY~
A common CELPIP error is mishandling countable and uncountable
nouns. We can separate and enumerate countable nouns (one storm,
two storms). We can’t do this with uncountable nouns, as they lack
distinct boundaries (one weather, two weathers). Countable nouns
can be pluralized with -s or -es (storms), but uncountable nouns can’t
(weathers). Also, singular countable nouns can be preceded by the
indefinite article a (a snowflake). Uncountable nouns can’t (a
weather). With uncountable nouns, however, we sometimes use the
or other determiners.
Uncountable nouns include groups composed of similar items
(traffic), abstractions or ideas (happiness), recreational activities
(golfing), diseases (diabetes), elements (magnesium), some foods
(rice), gases (hydrogen), liquids (blood), metals (iron), natural
phenomena (electricity), occupations (engineering), particles (sand),
areas of study (psychology), and languages (English).
HOW TO USE EXPRESSIONS WITH UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
A. Countable Units B. Uncountable Nouns

a collection of clothing, furniture, jewellery, makeup, luggage
a pile/bunch of garbage, traffic, laundry, machinery, stuff
a career in accounting, nursing, medicine
a piece of advice, equipment, furniture, garbage, paper
an interest/degree in kinesiology, linguistics, philosophy
a cup of coffee, juice, tea, milk
a slice/piece of bread, cheese
a game/round of soccer, tennis, bridge, poker, chess
a sum of money, currency
a member of our staff
a tank/supply of gasoline, diesel, water
a case of bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, malaria
[18]
BEWARE . . .
Some nouns can be either uncountable or countable, depending on
their meaning.
 We’re out of  coffee.
 I’m going to grab a coffee at Tim’s.
Example A
I’ve been busy with exams and other stuffs.
(Wrong. Stuff is always uncountable, so it can’t have a plural -s.)
I’ve been busy with exams and other stuff. 
Example B
I’ll use my money to buy a furniture.
(Wrong. Furniture is always uncountable, so you can’t use the article
a. However, you can put some in front of most uncountable nouns.)
I’ll use my money to buy some furniture. 

1) We are collecting informations about your degree of satisfaction.

2) Many employers prefer to hire people with Canadian work
experience.
3) Kako is attending college in order to acquire more knowledges.
4) BC Hydro warned us about a planned power outage on Thursday.
5) If it’s a nice weather, I do errands and other stuffs.
6) Angela doesn’t carry a lot of baggages when she travels.
7) In five minutes we’ll stop for a gas. This will be an opportunity for
you to throw out your garbages.
8) Gregor wants to buy a car and some camping equipment with his
money.
9) Yonas came home with a broken arm and a case of malaria.
10) On behalf of all management and staffs, I congratulate you.
[19]
GRAMMAR
~USE OF THE~
A common CELPIP error is omitting or misusing the articles a, an,
and the. (I immigrated to the Canada from the Japan.) Although
anyone can communicate their general meaning without correctly
using articles, these errors are a constant distraction for the rater and
a sure sign of an English speaker who isn’t fully fluent.
English has a definite article (the) and an indefinite article (a/an).
These articles are placed before certain nouns or noun phrases. We
use the before all types of nouns when both speaker and listener
already know which one is being referred to. We use a or an before
singular countable nouns when the listener doesn’t know which one
is being referred to. This discussion focuses on the definite article,
the.
HOW TO USE THE
When the noun is Example

Obvious or familiar to Sorry, I ate all the grapes. We’ll have to buy some
speaker and listener more.
because of shared I feel like staying home; you can take the car.
knowledge
Known to speaker and A new planet has been discovered in a distant
listener because galaxy. The planet is similar to ours and may be
previously mentioned able to support life.
Known because The manager who runs Shop-Easy gave me a
specified in the suggestion.
sentence
Unique because it’s the The ozone layer around the Earth is being
only one that exists depleted.
Unique in its class She is the younger of the two sisters.
because of a modifier, Max bought a ticket for the biggest lottery in BC’s
comparative, or history.
superlative
A country whose name the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, the
includes “the” Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, the
United Kingdom, etc.
[20]
BEWARE . . .
We don’t use the to refer to things in general when we mean “all”;
with quantifiers (some, any), possessives (my, your), demonstrative
pronouns (this, that), and other articles (a, an); or with most singular
proper nouns.
 The immigration to a new country can be difficult.
 Lend me the your car keys.
 I’m visiting the Edmonton next month.
Example A
New teacher at St. Anne’s School is from Quebec City.
(Wrong. We both know the teacher you’re talking about, because
she’s specified in the sentence by the words new and at St. Anne’s
School.)
The new teacher at St. Anne’s School is from Quebec City. 
Example B
I come from Dominican Republic.
(Wrong. This country’s name needs the in front of it.)
I come from the Dominican Republic. 
1) The funeral was held at my grandparents’ house in Moscow.
2) Please call gas company, so they can check furnace for leaks.
3) Look at this photo. See the girl wearing the purple dress?
4) We supervise projects in every part of the Canada and United
States.
5) In future, anyone who can’t come to work must give twenty-
four hours’ notice.
6) People often say that the life is what you make it.
7) I have extended family back home in the India.
8) Jared, it’s mom speaking. Did you remember to clean fish
tank?
9) Is she from Philippines or the Sri Lanka?
10) The fridge is empty; it’s time to buy the eggs and milk.
[21]
GRAMMAR
~SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT~
A common CELPIP grammar error involves subjects and verbs that
don’t agree. Plural subjects need plural verbs; singular subjects need
singular verbs. However, it can be hard to know which word is the
subject and whether it’s singular or plural.
In the present simple tense, plural subjects agree with regular verbs
without -s or -es endings. (They wants want lunch.) Ignore any
prepositional phrase(s) coming between the subject and the verb;
these phrases don’t affect the verb. (Your lesson on safety rules were
was helpful.)
GUIDELINES FOR MAKING VERBS AGREE WITH SUBJECTS
Subject Singular Plural

Compound nouns (two elements considered separately) 
Gerunds (nouns ending in -ing) 
Uncountable nouns 
Indefinite pronouns: everybody, nobody, someone, 
something, anyone, anything, everyone, etc.
Some of, a lot of + singular noun 
Some of, a lot of + plural noun 
Each, every + singular noun (always singular noun) 
One of, each of, every one of + plural noun 
None of, neither of + plural noun (formal register) 
The number of + plural noun 
A number of [meaning “some”] + plural noun 
Names of countries that end in -s 
Names of fields of study that end in -ics 
Most expressions of time, money, weight, volume, and 
distance (e.g., dollars, kilograms, litres, etc.)
[22]
BEWARE . . .
Collective (group) nouns like committee, class, audience, and staff
are typically singular. When thinking of individuals within the group,
we usually add the word members.
 Our staff is highly trained, and our staff members learn from
each other.

Example A
In our company, sometimes the technicians runs the meetings.
(Wrong. The plural subject technicians doesn’t agree with the
singular verb runs.)
In our company, sometimes the technicians run the meetings.
Example B
The tiles on the new floor is slippery.
(Wrong. The singular verb is doesn’t agree with the plural subject
tiles. You should ignore the prepositional phrase on the floor.)
The tiles on the new floor are slippery. 
1) Laura has signed two contracts that starts on January 1st.

2) The desserts at the café across from the hotel is expensive.
3) Finding the best employees ranks high on my list of priorities.
4) Your education and experience makes you an asset to us.
5) Forty kilometres are a short commute in this city.
6) The furniture feels so comfortable that you want to fall asleep.
7) The number of parks in Canada impress many newcomers.
8) We hope everyone at all our branches feels ready for the
changes ahead.
9) The Philippines are a source of many immigrants to Canada.
10) The accountants warned that a lot of the money goes to
administrative and overhead costs.
[23]
GRAMMAR
~PASSIVE VOICE~
A common CELPIP error is using the wrong form for the passive
voice. It is important to understand when and how to use the passive
voice correctly. Usually, we choose the passive when the receiver of
the action is more important than who did it. The passive is useful for
describing processes (how something is done).
English has two voices: active and passive. In the active voice, the
subject does the action. (Alex damaged the computer.) In the passive
voice, the subject receives or experiences the action. (The computer
was damaged.) Sometimes an optional “by” phrase tells us who or
what does the action. (The computer was damaged by Alex.) The
passive is a voice, not a tense, and it can be combined with modals,
conditionals, negatives, and most common verb tenses.
HOW TO USE THE PASSIVE
[ ] = optional
Passive Verb
[Modal or Past
Subject be [by-phrase]
Modifier] Participle
The computer was damaged [by Alex]

have
The data should backed up [by the users]
been
[by the
The lost data likely will be recovered
technician]
Beware . . .
The passive voice is never used with intransitive verbs such as seem,
belong, etc., or with the perfect progressive tense.
 It was happened.
 It has been being broken.
[24]
Example A
I am encourage by your good news.
(Wrong. The passive voice requires the past participle, not the base
form of the verb.)
I am encouraged by your good news. 
Example B
Soccer enjoyed by many Canadians.
(Wrong. The passive voice requires be in some form before the past
participle.)
Soccer is enjoyed by many Canadians. 
1) I can be reached at my home phone number during the

evenings.
2) The car is ready to be inspect at the auto shop.
3) Cash bonuses are offered to our top salespeople.
4) I would like to refund for my deposit on this merchandise.
5) Income tax returns must submit to Revenue Canada every
April.
6) I am requesting that your monthly allowance be use to buy
things you really need.
7) We made a list of everything that was need for the company
picnic.
8) A new plan has been initiated to unionize our workplace.
9) I hope my application will be consider as soon as possible.
10) Our organization is govern by the principle of justice for all.
[25]
GRAMMAR
~PRESENT PERFECT TENSE~
A common CELPIP error involves the present perfect verb tense. It is
often confused with the present simple, the past simple, and the
present perfect progressive.
We often hear the present perfect in news broadcasts: A tornado has

struck southern Ontario, causing extensive damage. Notice how
we’re focusing on the present result of a past event. We also use the
present perfect to describe states leading up to the present, past
events that occurred at indefinite times, and repeated actions leading
up to the present.
Continuous Indefinite Habits Present

State Leading Past Events Leading to Result
to Present Present
I’ve grown
I’ve often
I have lived in I’ve also tired of
asked myself
Canada for two lived in Cuba moving, so I
why I move so
years. and Fiji. want to stay
often.
in Canada.
Past events
Repeated past Present perfect
Past state that occurred
action. Often tells past cause
extending over at unstated
Meaning modified by of present
period of time times. When
“frequency” result. Focus is
up to present is not
adverb. on result.
important.
Often
Present perfect
confused Present simple Past simple Past simple
progressive
with
Beware . . .
If the past event has no clear connection with the present, we don’t
use the present perfect; we use the past simple instead.
 Howard Carter has discovered King Tut’s tomb in 1922.
[26]
Example A
I know Pedro since he was five years old.
(Wrong. The simple present tense doesn’t get across the idea of a past
state continuing up to the present.)
I have known Pedro since he was five years old. 
Example B
Many of us walk to work because gas prices rose so high.
(Wrong. The simple past verb rose doesn’t help communicate the
idea that the past event, rising gas prices, is the cause of the present
event, walking to work. That present result is the important thing.)
Many of us walk to work because gas prices have risen so high. 
1) Summer break is become an expected part of the school

calendar.
2) I have a headache since I woke up this morning.
3) Dan, now a healthy adult, was born with cancer, which he has
overcome at the age of nine.
4) It was only two days ago that I have made this reservation.
5) Tom has been sending me roses on my birthday for forty
years.
6) I’m feeling better now; thanks for all the medical care you
gave me.
7) As a 60-year-old lifelong adventurer, I’ve seen and done
everything.
8) I am lost my glasses.
9) I have never once doubted my decision to start a small
business.
10) It’s been a pleasure working with you over the past five years.
[27]
GRAMMAR
~PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE TENSE~
A common CELPIP error involves mishandling the present perfect
progressive verb tense. We use this tense for continuous or repeated
actions that started in the past and have gone on up to the present
time. Such actions may be finished or unfinished.
The present perfect progressive overlaps with but differs from the
present perfect simple. The former emphasizes duration, whereas the
latter emphasizes present result. The present perfect progressive
often excuses an unintended result (side effect). Also, it tends to
describe recently begun or temporary situations, whereas the present
perfect simple describes more long-standing and enduring situations.
HOW TO USE THE PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
Here is the form rule for the present perfect progressive tense:
 have [+ not] + been + present participle
The chart below shows the major uses of this verb tense.
Excuse for
Duration Unintended Repetition
Result
I’ve been driving Sorry for my dirty
I’ve been taking a
for six hours, and hands; I’ve been
lot of road trips
Wawa is still 100 working on the car
recently.
km away. engine.
Started in past   
Continuous  
Repeated 
Still ongoing 
?
Finished now 
[28]
BEWARE . . .
We normally use the present, not the present perfect progressive,
with the following:
 nonprogressive verbs such as be, know, seem, etc. (I have
been being a professional driver for ten years).
 expressions of frequency (I’ve often been driving driven to
Portage La Prairie).
 specific quantities (I’ve been spending spent $500 on new
snow tires.)
Example A
I am dancing since the age of four.
(Wrong. Be + present participle forms the present progressive; it
needs have been + present participle to form the present perfect
progressive.)
I’ve been dancing since the age of four. 
Example B
I have been knowing Frank for five years.
(Wrong. Know is a nonprogressive verb.)
I have known Frank for five years. 
11) I been thinking about you and wondering how you’re doing.
12) Their new baby has been being sick a lot lately.
13) You’ve been acting a little strangely this week.
14) Tanya has been scoring three goals this morning.
15) I have run my own IT consulting firm for six months.
16) We moved to the snowy Yukon, and I have been shovelled
ever since.
17) Have you been having headaches or dizziness lately?
18) I am living in this city since 2010.
19) Has Jeanette not been taking her vitamin pills every day?
20) I love creating art and have been painted since the age of
fourteen.
[29]
GRAMMAR
~SECOND CONDITIONAL~
Verb forms expressing events or situations that depend on and result
from other events or situations (if X + verb, then Y + verb) are called
conditionals. The conditional is a verb aspect, not a verb tense, voice,
or mood. CELPIP test takers tend to have trouble with conditionals
that refer to unreal (counterfactual) or improbable situations. The
best way to avoid this error is to learn and practice using the various
types of conditionals, shown below.
If-Clause Main Clause

Meaning
(Condition) (Result)
“Zero”
If I like it, I download it. If means when here.
(factual)
“1st” I’m predicting what
I will wake up
(predictive If I go to bed early, actually will happen if
early.
real or likely) the condition is met.
“2nd” (unreal I actually do not have a
If I had a million I would buy you a
present or million dollars, so I will
dollars right now, limousine.
future) not buy you a limo.
I would have I actually did not win
“3rd” If I had won the
bought you a that lottery, so I did not
(unreal past) lottery in 2012,
Mercedes-Benz buy a Mercedes-Benz.
HOW TO USE THE “SECOND” CONDITIONAL
The table below models the present/future unreal conditional.
If-Clause (Condition) Main Clause (Result)

If + subject + past simple verb subject + would + base verb
If I had to choose between X and Y, I would have trouble making a decision.
If I chose X instead of Y, I would think about the lost benefits of Y.
If I opted for Y instead of X, I would worry about the lost benefits of X.
If I were* offered a choice between I would ask whether it’s truly an either-or
X and Y, situation.
* In formal English, we often form the past tense of be in the if-clause by saying were
instead of was. This is called the subjunctive mood; we use it to describe wishes or
imaginary scenarios.
[30]
BEWARE . . .
Use no comma when the result clause is before the if-clause.
 She would earn more money, if she had a degree.

 She would earn more money if she had a degree.
In the second conditional, the past simple verb does not mean past
time; it means the action or situation is imaginary or improbable, not
factual.

Example A
If you handed in your report by tomorrow, I will appreciate it.
(Wrong. In this second conditional, the result clause needs the
auxiliary verb would.)
If you handed in your report by tomorrow, I would appreciate it. 
Example B
I would be pleased if your assistant edits the report.
(Wrong. In this second conditional, the if-clause needs the past
simple form of the verb rather than the present simple.)
I would be pleased if your assistant edited the report. 
1) If you follow these simple steps, you will meet with success.
2) If I have to choose any superpower, I will choose invisibility.
3) If I had to give you a medal, I will give you the gold.
4) It will be a nice surprise if one day you brought me flowers.
5) If you approve this project, I am grateful for the opportunity.
6) If anyone is caught cheating, they would be disciplined.
7) Please see me in my office if you require more information.
8) It would be appreciated if you refrained from smoking here.
9) It will improve our relationship if you are willing to listen—but
you’re not.
10) If you don’t stand for something, you would fall for anything.
[31]
PUNCTUATION
~CAPITALIZATION~
Knowing when to use capital letters in English is an important part of
good writing. Sometimes people do not capitalize words when
needed, or they capitalize words they shouldn’t. If you forget to
capitalize words, or if you use capitalization for no apparent reason,
the reader will look at those words again in case there is a reason for
the apparent mistake. This slowdown affects readability.
HOW TO USE CAPITAL LETTERS
 When using the pronoun I.

My husband and I would like to invite you for dinner.
 Days of the week, months of the year, and holidays.
Tuesday, August, Christmas, New Year’s
 Proper nouns and names.
Vancouver, Niagara Falls, the Atlantic ocean, John
 The first word at the beginning of each new sentence.
This is the new model. It will be available this fall.
 A person’s title if it comes before his name.
Ms. Peters, Dr. Black, Principal Gomez, Uncle David
 Main words in the titles of articles, books, or songs.
Studies in North American Birds, The Great Gatsby, “Let it
Be”
 With initials and acronyms.
John F. Kennedy, UK, CELPIP
 The names of countries, languages, and nationalities.
India, Arabic, Nigerian
 Nouns proceeded by “the” (considered proper nouns).
the Internet, the Queen, the President, the French
 Family members only when replacing their name.
I told Mother the good news, and she told my father.
[32]
BEWARE . . .
Be careful not to capitalize words, phrases, or whole sentences for no
reason. In English, capitalization conveys emphasis, and readers may
feel as if the words in all capital letters are being shouted at them.

Example A
I admit I spend too much time surfing the web.
(Wrong. Web here is considered a proper noun since it is always
proceeded by the.)
I admit I spend too much time surfing the Web. 
Example B
They are from canada and speak english.
(Wrong. Countries and languages need to be capitalized.)
They are from Canada and speak English. 

1) We had travelled to the Usa many times before moving there.

2) Unfortunately, we can’t see you until Thanksgiving.
3) In addition to her advanced degrees, she’s fluent in
cantonese.
4) Do you know Mr. Patel, Manager of the branch?
5) As you may remember, i love watching horror movies and
enjoy a good scare.
6) How about spending some time at our condo in Los angeles?
7) I can’t find your camera anywhere. is it possible you lost it on
the subway?
8) The beatles are one of the most famous musical groups in the
world.
9) PLEASE FIND MY RESUME ALONG WITH A COVER
LETTER IN THE ATTACHMENT.
10) They didn’t want their aunt to find out about the party.
[33]
PUNCTUATION
~COMMAS~
The comma is the most frequently used punctuation symbol in
English. As a result, it is often responsible for the most errors. Since
there are dozens of instances where commas can be used, the rules
for comma use are extensive. The most common are presented here.
We suggest that you review UNIT 2: RUN-ON SENTENCES, since it also
covers comma use.
HOW TO USE THE COMMA
 To separate independent clauses joined by coordinating
conjunctions such as or, and, but, and for in compound
sentences.
We will be travelling at that time, so we cannot receive the
delivery.
You can pay me now, or you can pay me later.
 To separate words, phrases, and clauses in a series of three or
more.*
The apartment was quiet, clean, and in a good location.
Walk down the hall, turn left, and then turn left again.
 To separate introductory words or phrases from the main clause.
Consequently, we had to skip lunch.
After the war, the peace treaty was drafted.
 To separate “extra” information that the reader doesn’t need to
understand the main clause.
Sheila, who works in the office, will open the door for you at 8
a.m.
Vancouver, which is on Canada’s west coast, is a beautiful city.
 After a salutation in a friendly letter.
Thank you,
Joe Smith
* Using a comma before and in a series is optional.
BEWARE . . .
Commas should not be used to separate compound predicates.
 Ricky kissed his wife goodbye, and went off to work.
 Ricky kissed his wife goodbye and went off to work.
[34]

Example A
My wonderful parents met twenty-nine years ago, they met on a
rainy afternoon.
(Wrong. Don’t use a comma to join two independent clauses not
joined by a conjunction.)
My wonderful parents met twenty-nine years ago. They met on a rainy
afternoon. 
Example B
We were tired from our busy day but, we wanted to see the show.
(Wrong. Don’t separate a conjunction from the clause it introduces.)
We were tired from our busy day, but we wanted to see the show. 
1) He’s looking for a job that is well-paid, challenging, and

interesting.
2) First of all you are responsible for the daily correspondence.
3) I believe, your experience can assist us to improve.
4) Besides recording the minutes of our meetings I make sure
the members are well informed.
5) I have tried to get in touch with someone at your company.
But the call is always redirected.
6) I think you will be able to do it, better than anybody else.
7) Unfortunately, we can’t hire you at this time.
8) The jacket I lost is blue made of wool and has red buttons.
9) Quebec located in the east of Canada, is a French-speaking
province.
10) For her birthday she wants a fancy dinner with all her friends
and, she asked her parents to buy her a new car!
[35]
PUNCTUATION
~SENTENCE ENDINGS~
A common CELPIP error is failing to use a period when necessary,
which leads to run-on sentences (see UNIT 2: RUN-ON SENTENCES)
and a confused reader. Test takers who are unable to use periods
effectively may produce responses that are harder to read and that
may not communicate ideas clearly and effectively, resulting in a
lower rating. Test takers also need to be careful to use question marks
in true questions only and to limit their use of exclamation marks to
sentences where it is appropriate to communicate surprise, shock, or
other strong emotions.
HOW TO AVOID SENTENCE END PUNCTUATION ERRORS
 Periods: Use a period to end each complete sentence.

Remember that a sentence expresses a complete thought. Do
not end a sentence with a period if it already ends with
another punctuation mark. (Do not make this mistake!)
 Question Marks: Only direct questions require question
marks. Embedded and reported questions may contain
questions, but they are actually statements, so question marks
should not be used. The exception to this is polite question
forms that include an embedded question. (Can you show me
which machine is broken?)
Embedded question: I don’t know where the library is.
Direct question: Where is the library?
Reported question: I always ask the driver how long it
will take.
Direct question: How long will it take?
Note the word order in the examples above: statement order
is subject–verb, whereas question order is verb–subject.
 Exclamation Marks: Use a single exclamation mark to end
a sentence that is truly surprising, shocking, or exciting. Do
not overuse!
[36]
BEWARE . . .
Always use a period after an abbreviation such as Dr. (doctor) or etc.
(etcetera). If an abbreviation is the last word of a sentence, do not add
another period.
Example A
We haven’t had rain for ten days it’s been sunny every day.
(Wrong. These are two independent clauses not joined by a
conjunction or transition word.)
We haven’t had rain for ten days. It’s been sunny every day. 
Example B
They asked what time the bus left?
(Wrong. This is a reported question.)
They asked what time the bus left. 
1) We bought some of the local delicacies for you I hope you like
them.
2) I wonder where he lives?
3) Hi, John. What’s new?. Let’s meet soon for a game of tennis.
4) After the meeting, we decided to renegotiate the contract.
5) Then, we met some really famous movie stars in the lobby of
the hotel!!!
6) They asked the concierge which way the museum was?
7) I have an appointment with Dr. Chan at 3 p.m.
8) We went to buy some things for my mom that she needs for
her wheelchair it was difficult for us.
9) Could you tell me where I can find ink refills?
10) We’d like to know when the problem will be solved.
[37]
PUNCTUATION
~APOSTROPHES~
The apostrophe has only two uses: to show possession and to indicate
an omission in spelling. Nevertheless, this punctuation symbol is
often used in error, even by native English speakers. Therefore, it is
wise to review its use.
HOW TO USE APOSTROPHES
To form the All in a day’s work.
possessive of singular Mr. Stone’s dog is so cute.
nouns
To form the The women’s association does very
possessive of plural charitable work.
nouns The Stones’ dog is so cute.
To show omission of I don’t work on Sundays. (do not)
letters or numbers I graduated in the Class of ’94. (1994)
To form the plural of I got five A’s and a B on my report card.
letters, numbers, His 5’s look just like 7’s.
symbols, and The @’s in email addresses always
referred-to words precede the company name.
Try not to use so many “but’s” in your
sentences.
Take note:
We only add an ’ to singular nouns that end with an /s/ or /z/
sound: Mrs. Jones’ purse. Mr. Perez’ wallet.
With joint possessions, add an ’s to the last word only; however,
with individual possessions, add an ’s to each word:
Are you going to Tina and Tony’s wedding?
Oh no! Both Tina’s and Barb’s weddings are on the same day.
With compound nouns, add an ’s to the last word only. It’s my
father-in-law’s car.
 With indefinite pronouns, add an ’s: Do we have everyone’s ticket?
Chris, we have everyone else’s ticket but yours.
[38]
BEWARE . . .
We don’t use apostrophes with possessive pronouns.
 After the next payment, the house will be our’s.

 After the next payment, the house will be ours.
Example A
Where will you be on New Year Day?
(Wrong. In this familiar term, the “day” actually belongs to the New
Year, so it must take a possessive apostrophe.)
Where will you be on New Year’s Day? 
Example B
Is this the ladies purse?
(Wrong. It should be either the ladies’ purses (many ladies) or, for
one lady, the lady’s purse .)

1) I wish I’d lived in the 60’s.

2) Moses’s story is told in the movie The 10 Commandments.
3) Lucy and Fred 50th anniversary is next Friday.
4) My mother always puts X’s and O’s at the end of her letters.
5) Whose coming tomorrow?
6) Please put everything back in it’s place.
7) Our neighbour father is an astronaut.
8) I know the Smiths are coming.
9) I wouldnt, shouldnt and wont!
10) Someones car is parked in your’s driveway.
[39]
PUNCTUATION
~FORMATTING~
Correct formatting is essential to clear, well-organized writing.
Without proper formatting, ideas may not be adequately separated,
which can cause confusion and unnecessary difficulty for the reader.
Proper formatting involves knowing how to position words,
sentences, and paragraphs on the page through the correct use of
indentation, line spacing, and spacing within and between sentences.
When writing a CELPIP response, it is important to use proper
paragraphing, especially for a longer, formal, or academic task.
Paragraphing may not always be necessary when composing a
response for the short task on the CELPIP-G test; this depends on the
content of the answer.
HOW TO FORMAT A RESPONSE
(Please refer to the sample text below for examples.)
 Paragraphing
–Paragraphing indicates that the development of one idea is
complete and that a new idea or concept will be addressed. Start
a new paragraph when introducing a new idea or subject within a
response (lines 8 and 14).
–Leave a blank line before starting the next paragraph (lines 7
and 13).
 Indentation
–The choice to indent is optional; what is important is that you
are consistent. If you indent for one paragraph, you must indent
for all of them. Use the tab key to leave a space before starting
the first sentence of the new paragraph (lines 3, 8, and 14).
 Line Spacing
–Responses should be composed using single line spacing, not
double.
–Leave an empty line after an opening salutation and after a
closing salutation before adding your name (lines 2 and 15).
[40]
BEWARE . . .
Do not start each sentence on a new line. Follow the rules for correct
paragraphing.
SAMPLE TEXT
1 To: All Staff Members

2
3 I am writing today to discuss a problem that has been ongoing
4 for several months and is having a negative effect on the
5 productivity of our office: office hours being used for personal
6 correspondence and socializing.
7
8 I believe it is of utmost importance that we solve these issues
9 immediately and propose several possible solutions. First, sales-
10 team members will be issued new monthly quotas starting in
11 September. Second, social media sites will be blocked, with
12 the exception of set lunch and break times.
13
14 Thank you all in advance for your cooperation on this issue.
15
16 The Management
OVER TO YOU
The following text has not been formatted. Rewrite the text, following the
rules for proper formatting.
Dear Julie. I can’t believe it’s been five years since my trip to Europe and
our wonderful vacation together in Italy. I had such fun and have never
eaten so much good food in my life! Anyway, how are you? How is the
new job? Are you still seeing the guy you met at the classical music
concert? The last time we spoke on the phone, you told me about an idea
you had for a new business. I want to hear all about what’s been going on
in your life. I’m writing today because I have some good news. My boss is
sending me to London at the end of August for a big IT conference, and I
was wondering if you could take a few days off and spend some time with
me in jolly old England. I was looking online, and flights from Rome are
a good deal at that time. That way, we can catch up in person. I’m looking
forward to hearing back from you soon. Take care. Sally
[41]
WORD CHOICE
~PREPOSITIONS OF TIME~
Prepositions show the relationship of a noun or a pronoun to some
other word in the sentence. They are almost always used in
combination with other words to create prepositional phrases. These
phrases are most often used to show location, movement, and
duration. However, prepositions can be combined with various words
to create literally thousands of different meanings.
One of the most common types of prepositional errors test takers

make in the CELPIP Writing Test occurs when referencing time. The
table below will help you learn how to use the most common
prepositions of time.
HOW TO USE PREPOSITIONS OF TIME (IN, AT, AND ON)
Preposition Use Example
parts of the day in the morning

months in June
in seasons in the autumn
years in 1988
points in the future in a second; in a few weeks
clock time at 4 o’clock
at time of day at noon; at lunchtime
entire holiday at Christmas
days of the week on Sunday
dates on March 3rd
on one holiday day on Christmas day
parts of the day or
on Friday afternoon; on the weekend
week
[42]
BEWARE . . .
At, on, and in are not usually used before next, last, this, and that:
 Are you available in this morning?
 What did you do on last Easter?
Example A
I was born in February 14th 1982.
(Wrong. Specific dates require the preposition on.)
I was born on February 14th 1982. 
Example B
I’ll be there at a minute.
(Wrong. A point of time in the future requires the preposition in.)
I’ll be there in a minute. 
1) What time at Sunday do you expect to meet her?

2) We usually go home on Christmastime.
3) When on the afternoon do you expect him?
4) See you at next week.
5) I’ll meet you at 9:00 in front of the library.
6) Sandra usually does her shopping in Sundays.
7) I believe Michael said he had handed in his paper on last
Tuesday.
8) There are always fireworks at Canada Day.
9) Ask me again in three or four days.
10) I didn’t attend classes on that week.
[43]
WORD CHOICE
~TRANSITION TERMS~
Transition terms are words and phrases that help the reader or
listener follow your narrative and connect your ideas together. They
are like traffic signals, alerting the reader or listener to what might
come next. There are three areas where errors most often occur on
the CELPIP test in relation to transition terms:
1. They are not used at all. This usually means the test taker tries to
communicate a series of ideas that are disconnected and difficult to
piece together.
2. They are used illogically. Since specific transition terms have

specific meanings, they need to be chosen carefully or they will
confuse the listener or reader.
3. They are used erroneously. Sometimes transition phrases are used

ungrammatically.
HOW TO USE TRANSITION TERMS
 Don’t just assume that readers and listeners can link your
ideas together. Good writers and speakers use transition
terms to help guide their audience.
 Make sure you understand the meaning and proper usage of
all the transition terms. Try to improve your knowledge of
them by reading grammar books that offer many examples for
each.
BEWARE . . .
Using the same term repeatedly:
 I thought I’d finished, but I still had to proofread my work,
but my time had run out.
 I thought I’d finished, but I still had to proofread my work.
However, my time had run out.
[44]

Example A—Transitions not used
I don’t sleep well. I am always tired. I go to bed early. I can’t sleep. I
can only work part-time. I have no energy. (Wrong. Choppy and
disconnected.)
I don’t sleep well; therefore, I’m always tired. In spite of going to
bed early, I still can’t sleep. Consequently, I can only work part-time
because I have no energy. 
Example B—Transitions used illogically
I love to ski, and my husband hates it. (Wrong. And is used to join
similar ideas; but is used to show contrast.)
I love to ski, but my husband hates it. 
Example C—Transitions used erroneously
We are neither Chinese or American. (Wrong. We use nor with
neither and or with either.)
We are neither Chinese nor American. 
1) The nurse will give you some medication such that you will
feel better.
2) In order for meet your deadline, I’ll need to work overtime.
3) Because she was always late, so she bought two alarm clocks.
4) I am terrified of the ocean. Nevertheless, I can’t say no to a
free cruise.
5) Despite that I never did my homework, I still passed the
course.
6) Jake needs a new car. He lost his job. He’s a salesman and
needs a car to work. He should get a loan.
7) Sue walks quickly that it is often difficult to keep up with her.
8) As illustrated above, you must consider your logic in word
choice.
9) Roses are red. In contrast, so are some carnations.
10) I never liked beer and wine.
[45]
WORD CHOICE
~HOMONYMS AND MALAPROPISMS~
Homonyms are words that sound the same, but have different
spellings and meanings. An example is “none” (zero) and “nun” (a
holy woman). These two words are pronounced exactly the same, but
as you can see, their meaning and spelling are different.
Malapropisms are words that are frequently mistaken for other words
because they look and sound somewhat similar. Malapropisms often
result in nonsensical and humorous errors. An example is, “My aunt
is in a comma.” A “comma” is a punctuation symbol; this person
means to say that her aunt is in a “coma” (is unconscious).
Mistakes with homonyms and malapropisms are common in the

CELPIP Writing Test. Sometimes this problem occurs because of
overreliance on the Spell Check feature. Remember, the computer can
only determine if a word is incorrectly spelled; it cannot tell you if
you’ve used the wrong word. Sometimes, this word choice error is the
result of a problem with spelling or typing. Test takers either don’t
know the correct spelling of a word and guess incorrectly, or they type
the wrong word. Either way, an improper word is used.
HOW TO AVOID USING HOMONYMS AND MALAPROPISMS

 Try to leave time at the end of the writing test to review your
work. Look carefully at your word choices and double-check your
spelling.
 Never rely on the Spell Check feature alone and remember
that the CELPIP tests do not have Grammar Check.
 Study homonym lists in a grammar book or online; the more you
know about them, the fewer mistakes you will make.
[46]
BEWARE . . .
The use of improper word forms, as they can easily be confused.
 My brother has chronicle pain in his back.
 My brother has chronic pain in his back.
Example A—Homonyms
I’d steak my life on your ability to pass the test.
(Wrong. The word “steak” means a cut of meat.)
I’d stake my life on your ability to pass the test.

(Right. The word “stake” means to bet.)
Example B—Malapropisms
Canada doesn’t have any nuclear measles.
(Wrong. The word “measles” means a viral disease.)
Canada doesn’t have any nuclear missiles.

(Right. The word “missiles” means weapons.)
Find and fix any errors in the following sentences. Try to do this
without using a dictionary. Note that some sentences are correct.
1) My brother wears too much colon; you can smell him coming
from down the street!
2) My dog has fleece.
3) We have a beautiful pear tree in our backyard.
4) My family and I are busy planning our annul camping trip to
Trout Lake.
5) When the bomb went off it, blue the top right off the truck.
6) I hope I don’t make any spelling airs on the test.
7) When the fighter balled his hand into a fist, I knew Frank was
in trouble.
8) I don’t think I could endorse a full marathon.
9) I was completely odd by how beautiful Lake Louise was.
10) I have a hard time hearing the difference between “can” and
“can’t.” Contraptions are so difficult!
[47]
WORD CHOICE
~REDUNDANCIES~
A common error that occurs both in the CELPIP Writing and
Speaking Tests is the tendency for some test-takers to clutter their
responses with irrelevant and repetitious words and phrases. The use
of redundancies can create a barrier to communication and cause the
test-taker to lose marks.
There are three types of redundancies that commonly affect CELPIP

test-takers. First, there are redundant phrases such as twelve
midnight or won a victory. The second type occurs when a word is
used repeatedly in a sentence when a synonym could easily be
substituted. For example, “As a supervisor in this company, you
supervise your staff members.” Here, the word manage would be a
better choice in the second phrase. Finally, the repeating of nouns in
multiple simple sentences when sentence combinations and
pronouns could be used. Below are some examples.
How to Avoid Using Redundancies

I had a teacher in high school. My teacher taught me so much. I will
always remember my teacher.
 Replace some of the nouns with pronouns:

I had a teacher in high school. She taught me so much. I will
always remember her. (Better)
 Join sentences together to avoid repeating your subject:
I had a teacher who taught me so much in high school that I
will always remember her. (Best)
BEWARE . . .
The use of intensifiers that are vague and meaningless.
 I thought you did a really good job with that.

 I thought you did a good job with that.
[48]
Example A
I was so sad when my dog drowned to death.
(Wrong. Drown means to die in water, so to death is redundant.)
I was so sad when my dog drowned. 

(Right. We know the person is sad because the dog died.)
Example B
In my opinion, your opinion is a poor one.
(Wrong. This sentence sounds odd and is confusing.)
I believe your opinion is a poor one.

(Right. This sounds much better and is much clearer.)
1) My sister just had same identical twins.

2) My apartment is the apartment at the top of the stairs.
3) We had such a good time at Trout Lake; I hope we can all
return someday.
4) What will be, will be.
5) Today we are going to read a story. I think you will like it. It’s
about a man with a magic hat.
6) Jack had so much work to do that he only got home at 3 a.m.
in the morning.
7) A friend called me last night. My sister goes to school with
this friend.
8) I chose the second choice because there wasn’t much to
choose from.
9) There is no doubt but that if you study every day, you will
improve.
10) No one knows whose nose is in the picture.
[49]
WORD CHOICE
~REGISTER~
The term register means the correct use of language for a specific
purpose, within a given social situation. Typically, register relates to
formality or the degree of “proper” English that we attempt to use,
and it is closely related to “tone.” For example, when we
communicate with strangers, we often try to speak or write more
carefully than when we interact with friends or family members. As
well, business and purchasing situations usually call for a more
formal, less casual register.
CELPIP test takers are marked on their use of tone (level of
formality) in spoken and written responses. Therefore, test takers
need to decide what level of formality is appropriate for the situation.
The most common way to control register is through word choice.
The table below shows the difference between some low-register
terms (less formal) and high-register ones. In formal testing, it is
better to choose more formal language.
HOW TO USE A HIGH (MORE FORMAL) REGISTER:
Word Choice Low Register High Register

Slang wimpy weak
Jargon LOL That is funny
Symbols #; @; & number; at; and
Conversational
I’ve got it. I have it.
terms
Non-words * gonna going to
Fillers She, like, hates it. She hates it.
* In rapid speech, it is common for some words to be reduced, especially in midsentence.

When speaking, it’s not incorrect to say “I’m gonna attend” instead of “I’m go-ing-to
attend.” However, in writing, these non-words are not acceptable
[50]
BEWARE . . .
Overly formal or old-fashioned words:
 Are you coming to luncheon? (old-fashioned)
 Are you coming to lunch?
 Hence, it was a failure. (overly formal)
 Therefore, it was a failure.

Example A
I think I aced the test.
(Wrong. The term aced is slang and low register.)
I think I did well on the test. 
Example B
OMG did you see what he was wearing?
(Wrong. Jargon, especially texting abbreviations such as OMG, is not
appropriate in formal testing.)
Wow! Did you see what he was wearing? 
sentences are correct. Do not use a dictionary to help you.
1) The kids in this picture look so cute in their Halloween

costumes.
2) I New York because the people are so interesting.
3) Each monkey receives a bunch of bananas every morning.
4) That man acted positively beastly toward you.
5) We had heaps of snow this year, so I learned how to ski.
6) Although it is customary to tip in Canada, the % should
depend on the quality of the service you receive.
7) I like the lead actor in the movie because he is awesome!
8) Hayley and Jacob got married in 1999.
9) You couldn’t be more wrong about him.
10) Whilst visiting Niagara Falls, I fell and broke my ankle.
[51]
SPEAKING
~VOWEL SUBSTITUTION~
Sound substitution errors happen when a speaker replaces a sound in a
word with a different, incorrect sound. For example, if a speaker is trying
to say the word “vat” and substitutes the /v/ sound with the /f/ sound,
the result will be the word “fat.” This error is quite serious because it
changes the meaning of the word and therefore the message as well.
By far the most common sound substitution errors are with vowel
sounds. English has five vowel letters (a, e, i, o, and u), but there are
many more vowel sounds. As indicated, sound substitution can lead to
miscommunications. For example, if you said, “it’s note me” when you
meant to say, “it’s not me,” your intended message might not be
understood.
All sounds are created, in part, by the positioning of the mouth. Below is
a chart that uses key words to show the thirteen basic vowel sounds in
North American English. It also shows the different jaw and muscle
functions used to create each vowel sound. When your jaw is high, your
mouth is almost closed; when low, it is open. The muscles of your mouth
can be tense, like when you smile, or lax when neutral or relaxed. Note:
The three sounds in blue are called diphthongs, and they change position
when spoken. For example, the vowel sound in the word boy starts with
the jaw at mid level and the muscles lax as in but, then the jaw and
tension change until the vowel sounds like the one in beat.
HOW TO MAKE THE CORRECT VOWEL SOUNDS
Jaw Muscles Key Word Examples
Tense beat boot
High
Lax bit book
Tense bait boat
Mid
Lax bet but boy
Tense bat
Low
Lax bought bout bite
[52]
BEWARE . . .
Diphthongs are not two separate sounds (syllables). They are fluid
sounds that start as one vowel sound then evolve to another.

Example A
Put the lead back on the jar, please. (Wrong. The speaker’s jaw is in
the correct high position; however the muscles around his mouth are
tense and they need to be lax.)
Put the lid back on the jar, please. 
Example B
My girlfriend is mid at me because I forgot her birthday. (Wrong. The
speaker has the correct relaxed muscle tension; however, his jaw and
mouth are high, when they should be more open.)
My girlfriend is mad at me because I forgot her birthday. 

The underlined words below have vowel substitution errors. Try
replacing the vowel sounds until you get a word that makes sense in
that sentence. Then, use the chart on the previous page to describe why
the vowel substitution error was made (i.e., jaw, tension, and/or
diphthong function.) Finally, practice saying the corrected sentence,
paying careful attention to your vowel sounds.
1) I forgot the cod to my home alarm, so the police shooed up at

my house.
2) Be careful driving tonight, it’s running very hard.
3) I loft my cellphone at Linda’s, so I need to stop by there tonight
to pack it up.
4) Do you know the card gum “Go Fish”?
5) Kima won the lottery; isn’t she looky?
6) I’m tired; I want to go hum.
7) This apple pay is really good.
8) Mark’s favourite meal is stood lamb.
9) I’m very prod of your good work.
10) I’m feeling seek.
[53]
SPEAKING
~PAUSING AND INTONATION~
Intonation is the most important aspect of English pronunciation
because it directly conveys meaning. Intonation is the raising () and
lowering () of pitch at the end of information units. Information
units are exactly what their name suggests: units of information or
meaning within an utterance. When speaking, we need to pause
briefly after each information unit. Look at the example below; it is
one sentence, but there are two units of information.
The house at the end of the street belongs to my brother.
1. The house is located at the end of the street.
2. This house is owned by my brother.
English intonation is quite easy to learn because it is so predictable.
With a few exceptions, we lower our pitch at the end of every
information unit as shown in the example ( / = pause).
The house at the end of the street / belongs to my brother.

The most common intonation error on the CELPIP Speaking Test is
when speakers raise their pitch at the end of an information unit
when they should be lowering it. This is very confusing for listeners
because rising intonation in English usually indicates a yes/no
question. Even though you are making a statement, it sounds like you
are asking a question, and this is confusing.
HOW CAN I LEARN ENGLISH INTONATION?
 Read: Information units follow grammatical patterns, such as
phrases and clauses, and are thus often, but not always, initiated
by sentence punctuation.
 Listen to the news in English, paying attention to where the
announcers pause and to their intonation (rising and lowering of
pitch). Once you can recognize information units and intonation
patterns, it will be easier for you to reproduce them.
[54]
BEWARE . . .
Pausing in the wrong location:
 Lucy said / my boyfriend is late. (Here, the boyfriend is late.)

 Lucy / said my boyfriend / is late. (Here, Lucy is late.)
Example
I understand what you mean.
(Wrong. Raising intonation indicates a yes/no question.)
I understand what you mean. 

Is this what you mean? 
Read the sentences below and mark a “ / ” between each information

unit. Then indicate the pitch by marking an arrow up  for a rise in
pitch, or down  for a lowering in pitch. Once you’ve checked your
answers, practice saying them out loud.
1) Cathy, could you call Edward and ask him what time he’s
arriving and, if he has time, to pick up some wine for dinner.
2) Do you need any help?
3) Yes/no questions require rising intonation; however, questions
that use “wh” words such as where or why do not.
4) When the speaker’s pitch rises at the end of an information unit,
listeners think they are being asked a question.
5) What’s the topic of your dissertation?
6) When you get to the intersection where Main meets Broadway,
you need to turn left then keep right until you see the exit.
7) Are you my teacher?
8) How many times have I told you? When you’re going to be home
late from school, call me and let me know.
9) Some languages use rising pitch constantly during speech. The
difficulty arises when this pattern is used while speaking English.
10) Mary isn’t coming today, is she?
[55]
SPEAKING
~STRESS AND RHYTHM~
Stress is the emphasis placed on certain syllables within words.
Stressed syllables are longer, clearer, and higher in pitch than
unstressed syllables. For example, with the two-syllable word little,
the stress is on the first syllable, i.e., li-ttle. Changing the stress in a
word can change its meaning, as demonstrated here with console:
console = the front panel of a car; console = to comfort someone.
Rhythm is the pattern of stress that occurs during spoken discourse.
In English, the rhythm alternates fairly regularly between stressed
and unstressed syllables and words within each information unit (a
spoken phrase that contains a single thought).*
When speaking, we use stress to show which words are most
important. As a result, we tend to stress “content words” such as
nouns, verbs, and their modifiers. Although most content words are
stressed within information units, one word is stressed the most. This
word gets primary stress because it is the most important. If stress,
especially primary stress, is placed on the wrong word, your listener
may become confused and misinterpret what you’re saying. Here are
some generalizations to consider:
 We usually give primary stress to the last content word in the
information unit.
In the MORning / I have a cup of COFfee / while I watch
the NEWS.
 Old information (repeated) almost never gets primary stress.
Q: Who is the CoORdinator / of your dePARTment?
A: MARcy is the coordinator.
Key: /=pause; bold =stress; bold+CAPS=primary stress
* See UNIT 27: PAUSING AND INTONATION, for more on information units.
[56]
BEWARE . . .
The first, not the last word in multi-word nouns usually gets the
stress.
 We tend to stress content WORDS.
 We tend to stress CONtent words.

Example A
Q: Where’s the black MARKer? It’s not on the DESK.
A: Look in the DESK.
(Wrong. Even if a word is the last content word, old information
doesn’t get primary stress.)
A: Look IN the desk. 
Example B
Q: The marker’s IN the desk?
A: YES/IN the desk.
Note: When we repeat something that someone has said, we follow
the same stress pattern to confirm that they have heard us correctly,
even if it’s old information.

Read the dialogue below. Put a “/” between information units.
Underline any words that should be stressed and put the word that
should receive primary stress in parentheses. Once you’ve checked
your answers, practice saying them out loud.
A: Do you want to go for coffee tomorrow around nine?

B: Sure. Where do you want to go?
A: I really like that place by the lake.
B: By Crimson Lake?
A: No, the lake by the university.
B: By the university? Oh right, I know the one.
A: Wait, I just remembered. I have a yoga class tomorrow.
B: OK. How about Saturday?
A: Unfortunately, I have to work.
[57]
SPEAKING
~SUPPORTING DETAIL~
The CELPIP Speaking Test measures your ability to communicate in
spoken English. Test takers are evaluated on many factors, including
relevance and depth of meaning. A common error during the
Speaking component is replying to test prompts without providing
enough descriptive detail.
Test takers who do well on the Speaking Test reply to test prompts
directly, but then they go on to support their answer with relevant
details. For example, if you are asked to name your favourite season
and you reply simply, “summer,” your answer would be considered
undeveloped and lacking supporting details. You should say why
summer is your favourite season and provide a series of examples.
For instance, you could say, “I like summer because it’s warm and I
can be outside more,” and so on.
Try to make sure the details you provide in your answers are relevant
to the test prompt. No matter how many supporting details you give,
if you aren’t answering the question asked or following the
instructions given, you will lose marks. The best way to stay on topic
is to read the test prompt carefully.
HOW TO GIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORTING DETAILS
 Provide reasons, examples, and explanations. One way to do

this is to use the word “because.”
 Practice describing pictures and illustrations. Talk about the
people and things you see, what they look like, where they are
located, and how are they are interacting with each other.
 Practice using descriptive words such as verbs, adverbs, and
adjectives.
 Practice limiting your pausing when you speak; pausing
occasionally for brief periods is natural, but long, frequent
pausing is not.
BEWARE . . .
It is best not to repeat the same phrase over and over.
[58]
 I like summer. I like summer because it is warm in the

summer. I also like summer because I can go outside.
Example A
I don’t know.
(Wrong. This answer is never acceptable; you must use your
imagination even if you don’t have any experience on the topic.)
Example B
Q: What is your favourite season?
A: I think Canadian winters are very cold.
(Wrong. Even though a season is mentioned, this answer is off topic
because it does not directly answer the question.)
Below are a series of questions and undeveloped answers. For each

answer, make a list of supporting details that could be used to
elaborate on the subject. Make a note if the answer is off topic and
provide an appropriate answer, again with supporting details.
1) Q: Who are you closest to in your family?

A: My mother.
2) Q: Describe something that frightened you as a child.
A: When I was a child, I was afraid of dogs.
3) Q: In your country, are women and men paid the same?
A: No, women are almost always paid less.
4) Q: Describe this picture.

A: There is a big tree in the middle.
5) Q: Where does most of your family live?
A: My family is not very big.
[59]
SPEAKING
~DISORGANIZED CONTENT~
In the CELPIP Speaking Test, you will be asked to respond to a series
of questions about many different things. Some questions are related
to illustrations or conversations, while others ask about your
preferences or opinions. It is important to answer each question in a
clear and organized fashion. When test takers don’t organize their
ideas, they have difficulty developing the topic. The listener also has to
work harder to identify and follow the ideas.
In an organized response, ideas flow together in a logical, sequential,
or easy-to-understand manner, and the listener can easily understand
your meaning. Before you start your response, you should use up to
twenty seconds to organize what you want to say. Use the paper and
pencil provided to note down key ideas and order them logically. The
chart below provides some guidance about how to approach some, but
not all, question types on the CELPIP Speaking Test.
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR RESPONSE
Question Type Organization Mode Key Words
Opinion or  Clearly state opinion or I feel that ...
Preference preference. My opinion is ...
 List supporting reasons. One reason ...
 Organize reasons logically. Another factor ...
 Provide strong support for each
reason.
Conversation  Recount the events in order. This is about ...
or Newscast  Identify relationships between These people are ...
people.
 Explain the problem and solution.
Illustration  First give an overview. This scene shows ...
 Explain where one thing/person The man beside the
is, and then relate the location of tree is ...
the other things to that.
 Describe size, shape, colour, NOTE: Use strong
activity, emotion. verbs and precise
adjectives
[60]
Example A—Explain Your Preference
Q: Do you prefer to eat at home or at restaurants?

A: Eating at home is nice. I like restaurants too. Last week I went to
a Lebanese restaurant and the food was so good. Last night I ate a
good meal at home.
(Wrong. The speaker talks about both choices but does not state a
preference. As well, the speaker uses common words like nice and
good, instead of more precise vocabulary such as pleasant,
comfortable, exceptional, etc.
A: I enjoy both, but eating at restaurants is a special treat for me. I

feel pampered when I select something appealing from the menu
and it is served to me while I relax. I love to experience different
tastes and aromas when I eat out . . . 
Example B—Describe an Illustration
Q: Describe what you see in this picture.

A: There are people doing so many things. Many different kinds of
people and lots of different things are happening. People are busy
working.
(Wrong. The listener has no idea what is going on in the picture.)
A: This shows a lot of workers building a house and paving a road.

It is a two-storey house and there are a variety of construction
workers doing different tasks. Several men are installing windows .
..

The best way to prepare for the speaking test is to listen to
conversations, dialogues, and newscasts. Listen carefully to the
speakers and how they organize their speech.
Please refer to the answer key for this unit. You will find a list of
practice activities to help you improve your speaking skills.
[61]
NOTE: This test includes examples for each GRAMMAR and WORD CHOICE
unit presented in Common CELPIP Errors. All the PUNCTUATION units
except for Formatting are also included. However, none of the SPEAKING
units are part of this test. These items are not included because the
format of the test does not suit those skills.
GRAMMAR
Instructions: Find and fix any errors in the following sentences. Note
that some sentences are correct.
1) Joe fondly remembers the restaurant which he first saw his wife.
2) Running playfully through the rain, the little boy’s umbrella got
broken.
3) I have lots of experience as a secretary, I have never worked as a
waitress.
4) Humans and the dogs evolved together and helped each other
survive in prehistoric times.
5) To do well on the CELPIP Test, studying this book is a good idea.
6) I prefer to start my workday at 7:00 a.m. because there is less
traffic at that time.
7) This press release has being reviewed carefully by our editors.
8) I’ve been spending the last ten years trying to improve my
English skills.
9) There are three things you can do to increase your vocabulary:
read the paper, listen to the news, and watching TV.
10) I work for a company in which provides daycare for all workers
who have preschool-aged children.
11) There had been terrible flooding in Alberta this year.
[62]
12) Two of our teachers went to the concert, and he told me that it
was even better than they expected.
13) I asked my friend to get me three or four silver jewellery when
she went to Mexico for her vacation.
14) There are many people in this picture they are all very busy
doing a variety of things.
15) My mother has started playing the violin about fifteen years ago.
16) Most of the students in the class finds the worksheets too
difficult.
17) The workers were truly amazed when they realized that they
would all be receiving an extra week of holiday time.
18) I knew that I wanted to marry her first time I saw her, and two
years later we were married!
19) I met my husband back in 1981. When I was a student.
20) My little sister always forgets to ask me before she takes some
candy, and then he is surprised when I get mad at her.
21) We saw the Rocky Mountains, driving to Banff.
22) All the flights at the airport was delayed because of the heavy
snowstorm.
23) Rushing into the classroom halfway through the class, it was too
late for the teacher to start the test.
24) Our country is base on the fundamental principles of equality,
freedom, and democracy.
25) My mother and I enjoy doing a few things together, such as
playing music, going for walks, and we also like concerts.
26) It is preferably for all test takers to get a good night’s sleep before
the test.
27) You would get a better score on the CELPIP test, if you learned
everything n this book!
28) My brother been looking for an affordable apartment in
Vancouver for quite a while.
29) Despite the flooding. My brother was able to return to his house
and retrieve his belongings.
30) It would be ideal if you can take a holiday before you start your
new job.
[63]
PUNCTUATION
1) Look at the dog chasing it’s tail.

2) I’d like mushrooms, green peppers, and pepperoni, on my pizza.
3) The french always have such wonderful bread.
4) Excuse me when does the lost and found office open?
5) Do not end your sentence with a preposition!!!!
6) Could you lend me your book?
7) “How many Ps are there in apostrophe?”
8) When In the World is Gina going to get here!
WORD CHOICE
1) I like bread and butter.

2) I can’t believe you just said that allowed.
3) At March 16th, could we plan to work on the garden?
4) My nephew is hoping to become a Jewish rabbi.
5) Tomorrow morning I need to get up earlier but I need to get to
work on time.
6) I need to take medication because I have an inflection in my ear.
7) The voucher is enclosed in the letter.
8) I’m planning on taking the CELPIP test on a few weeks.
9) Do you want to hang out tomorrow?
(Teenager speaking to grandfather)
10) Fruit juice has almost as much sugar as soda.
[64]
GRAMMAR
1. WORD FORM
1) comfortable (The noun comfort should be an adjective.)
2) complaint (The verb complain should be a noun.)
3) aware (The noun awareness should be an adjective.)
4) exceptionally (The adjective exceptional should be an adverb.)
5) appreciative (The verb appreciate should be an adjective.)
6) terminated (The noun termination should be the past participle in the passive
voice verb be terminated.)
7) suspicions (The adjective suspicious should be a plural noun.)
8) no change needed (The infinitive verb to lack is correct here.)
9) the basics (The adverb basically should be a noun, to form the idiomatic
expression the basics.)
10) religion (The adjective religious should be a noun.)
2. RUN-ON SENTENCES
1) Comma splice. Possible solutions:

a. Start a new sentence after children OR
b. change the comma to a semicolon OR
c. keep the comma and add a conjunction before the work. Appropriate
conjunctions: and or for.
2) Fused sentence. Possible solutions:
a. Start a new sentence after Eddie Curzon OR
b. put a semicolon after Eddie Curzon OR
c. put a comma and a conjunction after Eddie Curzon. Appropriate
conjunction: and.
a. Start a new sentence after that OR
b. put a semicolon after that OR
c. put a comma and a conjunction after that.
4) No change needed—effective compound sentence.
a. Start a new sentence after the pronoun you OR
[65]
b. put a semicolon after you.

7) Neither a comma splice nor a fused sentence. This compound sentence needs a
comma before but.
a. Start a new sentence after brother OR
b. put a semicolon after brother OR
c. put a comma and a conjunction after brother. Appropriate conjunction:
and.
10) Comma splice. Possible solutions:
a. Start a new sentence after alone OR
b. change the comma to a semicolon OR
c. keep the comma and add a conjunction before whenever. Appropriate
conjunction: for.
3. SENTENCE FRAGMENTS
1) Prepare for your first class, which will be on May 1st. (adjective clause
fragment)
2) I’d like you to stay until May 30th, though I know that’s hard. (adverbial clause
fragment)
3) This message is regarding the appointment I booked under the name of
Antonio Carrasco. (prepositional phrase fragment)
4) We’ll name you best employee and promote you to manager. (detached
compound verb fragment)
5) Next week I’ll be back in Iowa, trying to sell the house. (participial phrase
fragment)
6) On behalf of everyone, congratulations on a job well done. (prepositional
phrase fragment)
7) I’m married to Joe, a businessman from Montreal. (appositive noun phrase
fragment)
8) (No change needed. Both word groups are sentences. Each sentence is made
up of one independent clause.)
9) The budget should be cut in a number of areas, such as costly renovations to
government buildings. (prepositional phrase fragment)
10) Francesca came here on a work placement program to be a nanny in Toronto.
(infinitive verb fragment)
4. PARALLELISM
1) No change needed. (parallel adjective clauses)
[66]
2) Richard and I are friends, co-workers, and good buddies. (parallel noun
phrases)
3) I enjoy my job so much that I’ve never been late, absent, or unproductive.
(parallel adjectives)
4) Being a baker entails mixing the dough, baking the batter, checking the oven,
and cleaning the kitchen. (parallel noun phrases)
5) No change needed. (parallel noun phrases)
6) In our offices, we consider smoking around clients inconsiderate and
unprofessional. (parallel adjectives)
7) Please contact me on my cellphone during the day or at my home phone
number during the evening. (parallel adverbial/prepositional phrases)
8) I’d describe myself as driven to succeed but still easygoing. (parallel
participles/adjectives)
9) No change needed. (parallel adverbs)
10) No change needed. (parallel verb phrases)
5. USING WHERE AND IN WHICH
1) Nick couldn’t stay at the hotel where he forgot to reserve a room.

(A hotel is a place, and where is correctly used as an object of its adjective
clause.)
2) The couple took on a large debt, which will soon be paid off.
(Debt isn’t a place. Besides, we can’t use in which as the subject of an adjective
clause.)
3) I’m interested in buying the desk which I recently saw in your store.
(Which refers to desk, and a desk isn’t a place.)
4) Swim only at a beach which has a lifeguard to keep you safe.
(A beach is a place, but we can’t use where as the subject of an adjective
clause. We can use which as the subject of an adjective clause.)
5) No change needed.
(Land is a place, and where is correctly used as an object of an adjective
clause.)
(Situation is one of the abstract nouns that takes where or in which.)
7) Nachos are a snack which you can eat at many restaurants.
(Which refers to snack, and a snack isn’t a place.)
8) No change needed. That has been omitted. This is possible because that is an
object in its adjective clause.
(The new dance [that] everyone has been doing.)
9) No change needed. Without is an appropriate preposition here.
[67]
10) We had a conversation which was reassuring to both of us.

(We have to say which instead of in which here because this relative pronoun
is the subject of the adjective clause which was reassuring to both of us. We
can’t use in which as a subject of an adjective clause, only as an object, e.g.,
like this: “We had a conversation in which we reassured each other.”)
6. MISPLACED MODIFIERS
1) Misplaced adverbial prepositional phrase. Corrected: They met through a

dating service when they were twenty.
2) Misplaced adverb clause. Corrected: When he was planting trees in the Nicola
Valley, Dan listened to an audiobook about the prime minister.
3) Misplaced participial phrase. Corrected: Wanting a good night’s sleep, Nat
took a sleeping pill.
5) Misplaced participial phrase. Corrected: Riding his bike down the highway,
André was chased by a wolf. Corrected:
André, riding his bike down the highway, was chased by a wolf.
7) Misplaced participial phrase. Corrected: Being a friend, you know the events
that led to this decision.
8) Misplaced adjectival prepositional phrase. Corrected: Due to the windstorm,
many businesses, such as the bakery and hair salon, have closed their doors
for the day.
9) Misplaced adjective clause (relative clause). Corrected: The coffee that I buy
from you is great.
10) Misplaced adverbial prepositional phrase. Corrected: As a favour, I’ll give you
advice that will advance your career.
7. DANGLING MODIFIERS
These are suggested solutions; other solutions are possible.
1) Dangling prepositional phrase.

Solution One: As a small accounting firm, we mainly provide bookkeeping
services.
Solution Two: As we are a small accounting firm, bookkeeping is our main
service.
[68]
2) Dangling infinitive phrase.

Solution One: To participate in this fundraiser, participants must sign a
medical waiver.
3) Dangling participial phrase.
Solution One: Living hectic lives, we often easily forget about our friends.
Solution Two: Because we live hectic lives, it’s often easy to forget about our
friends.
4) Dangling appositive phrase.
Solution One: As members of a traditional culture, we highly value the concept
of family.
Solution Two: In a traditional culture, the concept of family is highly valued.
5) Dangling participial phrase.
Solution One: Being a restaurant owner, I am always threatened by
bankruptcy.
Solution Two: Because I am a restaurant owner, bankruptcy is always a threat.
6) No change needed. (The participial phrase having discovered the issue
modifies the subject I.)
7) Dangling participial phrase. (reduced from an adverb clause)
Solution One: Extra health insurance is recommended for travellers when
visiting the United States.
Solution Two: Extra health insurance is recommended when you are visiting
the United States.
8) Dangling participle. (present perfect tense)
Solution One: Having received many complaints, I clearly see that something
is wrong with the product’s design.
Solution Two: Because I have received many complaints, it’s clear something
is wrong with the product’s design.
9) Dangling participle. (reduced from an adverb clause)
Solution One: While reading the science news, I had some insights that
popped into my brain.
Solution Two: While I was reading the science news, some insights popped
into my brain.
10) No change needed. (The participial phrase painted green by Rob’s friend
logically modifies kitchen.)
8. PRONOUN–ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT
1) she seemed (She agrees with wife, which is feminine.)
2) love it (It refers to the gerund cooking, which is singular.)
[69]
3) no change needed (Our agrees with Luis and I.)

4) her brother (Her agrees with Sarah, who is female.)
5) let her enter (Her agrees with girl, which is singular and feminine.)
6) no change needed (Its agrees with cat, which here is gender neutral.)
7) no change needed (Her is understood to refer to Jennifer; his agrees with
father.)
8) Jorge he (The pronoun he should not repeat the subject.)
9) eat them (Them agrees with hamburgers, which is plural.)
10) give it to her (Her agrees with one of our hostesses, which is singular and
feminine.)
9. NOUN COUNTABILITY
1) information (uncountable)
2) no change needed (Experience is used here as an abstract idea; therefore, it’s
uncountable.)
3) knowledge (uncountable)
4) no change needed (Unlike baggage and luggage, outage is countable.)
5) it’s nice weather, other stuff (uncountable)
6) baggage (uncountable)
7) stop for gas . . . your garbage (All are uncountable. Note that opportunity
can be used as either a countable or uncountable noun. Here it is being used
in a countable sense.)
8) no change needed (Car is countable; equipment and money are
uncountable.)
9) no change needed (Arm is countable, a case of is a countable quantifier for
malaria.)
10) staff (uncountable)
10. USE OF THE
1) no change needed
2) the gas company, the furnace (Both speaker and listener know which gas
company and furnace the speaker means.)
3) no change needed (You know which girl I mean, because she’s specified in
the sentence. Also, since we both can see the photo, it’s obvious to both of us
which purple dress I mean.)
4) Canada, the United States (The United States is one of the countries whose
name uses the.)
5) the future (There’s only one future; it’s unique.)
[70]
6) say that life is what you make it (We don’t use the before a noun when we
mean “all” and “in general.”)
7) back in India (We don’t use the with the name of this country.)
8) clean the fish tank (Since I’m your mom, you and I both know which fish
tank I mean.)
9) the Philippines or Sri Lanka (The Philippines needs the. Sri Lanka does not.)
10) buy eggs and milk (No definite eggs and milk are specified here—just some
eggs and milk, any kind, from anywhere.)
11. SUBJECT –VERB AGREEMENT
1) start (agrees with contracts)

2) are (agrees with desserts)
3) no change needed (ranks agrees with finding)
4) make (agrees with education and experience, compound nouns considered
separately)
5) is (agrees with forty kilometres, a singular expression of distance)
6) no change needed (feels agrees with furniture, a singular uncountable noun)
7) impresses (agrees with the number of, a singular expression)
8) no change needed (feels agrees with everyone, a singular expression)
9) is (agrees with The Philippines, a singular noun)
10) no change needed (goes agrees with a lot of + the singular noun money)
12. PASSIVE VOICE
1) no change needed
2) be inspected (You need the past participle, not the base form of the verb.)
3) no change needed
4) be refunded (You need the passive voice here: be + past participle.)
5) be submitted (You need the passive voice here: be + past participle.)
6) be used (You need the past participle, not the base form of the verb.)
7) was needed (You need the past participle, not the base form of the verb.)
8) no change needed (This is the passive voice with the present perfect simple
tense.)
9) be considered (You need the past participle, not the base form of the verb.)
10) is governed (You need the past participle, not the base form the verb.)
[71]
13. PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
1) has become (The present perfect form rule is have (not be) plus past
participle.)
2) have had (This is a state leading up to the present.)
3) overcame (Overcoming cancer is a finished past action with no clear
relevance to the present situation.)
4) made (Making the reservation is a finished past action with no clear
relevance to the present.)
5) no change needed (The present perfect progressive emphasizes the long
continuing nature of the action.)
6) have given (The present perfect is used for the past cause—expert medical
care—of a resulting present situation: feeling much better.)
7) no change needed (The present perfect describes past events that happened
at an indefinite time, when is not important.)
8) have lost (The present perfect form rule is have (not be) + past participle.)
9) no change needed (This is the negative form of repeated past habit leading
to the present.)
10) no change needed (This is a state leading up to the present.)
14. PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE TENSE
1) have been thinking (The present perfect progressive requires has/have.)

2) has been sick (Be is nonprogressive.)
3) correct
4) has scored (present perfect + specific amount)
5) have been running (The emphasis is on duration, more recent situation.)
6) have been shovelling (The present perfect progressive requires the present
participle. Using have + been + past participle unintentionally creates the
passive voice.)
7) correct
8) have been living
9) correct
10) have been painting (The present perfect progressive requires the present
participle. Using have + been + past participle unintentionally creates the
passive voice.)
[72]
15. SECOND CONDITIONAL
1) No change needed. (First (predictive) conditional.)

2) If I had to choose any superpower, I would choose invisibility. (Second
conditional—unreal situation.)
3) If I had to give you a medal, I would give you the gold. (Second conditional—
unreal situation.)
4) It would be a nice surprise if one day you brought me flowers. (Second
5) If you approved this project, I would be grateful for the opportunity. (Second
6) If anyone is caught cheating, they will be disciplined. (First conditional—
predictive real situation. Note the passive voice in both clauses.)
7) No change needed. (Zero conditional—factual situation.)
8) No change needed. (Second conditional—unreal situation. Note the passive
voice in the first clause.)
9) It would improve our friendship if you were willing to listen—but you’re not.
(Second conditional—unreal situation. Note the subjunctive be in the if-
clause.)
10) If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. (First
conditional—predictive of a likely event.)
PUNCTUATION
16. CAPITALIZATION
1) Because it is an acronym, all the letters in USA must be capitalized.

2) Correct.
3) Cantonese should be capitalized.
4) Mr. should be capitalized as a title before Patel, but manager should not be
capitalized as it comes after his name.
5) Pronoun I should be capitalized.
6) Angeles also needs to be capitalized, even as the second part of a two-part
name.
7) Is should be capitalized as the first word of a new sentence.
8) Beatles should be capitalized as it is a name.
9) Never write a sentence or entire response in all capital letters.
[73]
10) Correct. The word aunt does not need to be capitalized as it is not before or
replacing a name.
17. COMMAS
1) Correct. Well-paid, challenging, and new are part of a list or series describing
job.
2) There should be a comma after First of all as it is a phrase introducing the
main clause.
3) The comma after I believe is unnecessary and should be removed.
4) There should be a comma after Besides recording the minutes of our meeting,
which is extra information in this sentence.
5) A comma should replace the period, and the but should not be capitalized.
6) The comma is unnecessary and should be removed.
7) Correct. Unfortunately introduces the main clause.
8) There should be a comma after blue as it is part of a series. A comma after
wool, before and is optional (see: Beware section).
9) There should be a comma after Quebec, as located in the east of Canada is
extra information.
10) The comma should be after birthday and before and. The comma after and
should be removed.
18. SENTENCE ENDINGS
1) There should be a period between you and I hope. These are two complete
sentences.
2) This is an indirect question, which is a type of statement. A period should be
used rather than a question mark.
3) Remove the period after the question mark.
4) Correct.
5) There are too many exclamation points. Only one is necessary.
6) This is a reported question, which is a type of statement. A period should be
used rather than a question mark.
7) Correct. There is a period after the abbreviation Dr. and another period is not
needed after the abbreviation p.m. at the end of a sentence.
8) There should be a period after wheelchair and before it (which should be
capitalized). These are two complete sentences not joined by a transition or
conjunction word.
9) Correct.
10) Correct.
[74]
19. APOSTROPHES
1) I wish I’d lived in the 60’s. (’60s)

2) Moses’s story is told in the movie The 10 Commandments. (Moses’)
3) Lucy and Fred 50th anniversary is next Friday. (Fred’s)
4) Correct
5) Whose coming tomorrow? (Who’s)
6) Please put everything back in it’s place. (its)
7) Our neighbour father is an astronaut. (neighbour’s)
8) Correct (Smiths is plural, not possessive)
9) I wouldnt, shouldnt and wont! (wouldn’t, shouldn’t and won’t)
10) Someones car is parked in your’s driveway. (someone’s/your)
20. FORMATTING
Dear Julie,
I can’t believe it’s been five years since my trip to Europe and our
wonderful vacation together in Italy. I had such fun and have never eaten so
much good food in my life!
Anyway, how are you? How is the new job? Are you still seeing the guy
you met at the classical music concert? The last time we spoke on the phone you
told me about an idea you had for a new business. I want to hear all about what’s
been going on in your life.
I’m writing today because I have some good news. My boss is sending
me to London at the end of August for a big IT conference and I was wondering if
you could take a few days off and spend some time with me in jolly old England. I
was looking online, and flights from Rome are a good deal at that time. That way,
we can catch up in person.
I’m looking forward to hearing back from you soon.
Take care,
Sally
[75]
WORD CHOICE
21. PREPOSITIONS OF TIME
1) What time at Sunday do you expect to meet her? (on)

2) We usually go home on Christmastime. (at)
3) When on the afternoon do you expect him? (in)
4) See you at next week.
5) Correct
6) Sandra usually does her shopping in Sundays. (on)
7) I believe Michael said he had handed in his paper on last Tuesday.
8) There are always fireworks at Canada Day. (on)
9) Correct
10) I didn’t attend classes on that week.
22. TRANSITION TERMS
1) The nurse will give you some medication such that you will feel better. (so)
2) In order for meet your deadline, I’ll need to work overtime. (to)
3) Because she was always late, so she bought two alarm clocks.
4) Correct.
5) Despite that I never do my homework, I still passed the course. (I still passed
the course despite never doing my homework.)
6) Jake needs a new car. He lost his job. He’s a salesman and needs a car to work.
He needs to get a loan. (Jake needs a new car, but he lost his job. Because he’s
a salesman and needs a car to work, he needs to get a loan.)
7) Sue walks (so) quickly that it is often difficult to keep up with her.
8) Correct.
9) Roses are red. Surprisingly, so are some carnations.
10) I never liked beer and wine. (or)
23. HOMONYMS AND MALAPROPISMS
1) My brother wears too much colon; you can smell him coming from down the
street! (cologne)
2) My dog has fleece. (fleas)
3) Correct
4) My family and I are busy planning our annul camping trip to Trout Lake.
(annual)
[76]
5) When the bomb went off, it blue the top right off the truck. (blew)
6) I hope I don’t make any spelling airs on the test. (errors)
7) Correct.
8) I don’t think I could endorse a full marathon. (endure)
9) I was completely odd by how beautiful the Lake Louise was. (awed)
10) I have a hard time hearing the difference between “can” and “can’t.”
Contraptions are so difficult! (Contractions)
24. REDUNDANCIES
1) My sister just had same identical twins.

2) My apartment is the apartment at the top of the stairs. (one)
3) Correct.
4) Correct.
5) Today we are going to read a story. I think you will like it. It’s about a man
with a magic hat. (Today, we are going to read a story about a man with a
magic hat, which I think you are going to like.)
6) Jack had so much work to do that he only got home at 3 a.m. in the morning
7) A friend called me last night. My sister goes to school with this friend. (A
friend who my sister goes to school with called me last night.)
8) I chose the second choice because there wasn’t much to choose from. (option)
9) There is no doubt but that if you study every day, you will improve.
10) Correct.
25. REGISTER
1) The kids in this picture look so cute in their Halloween costumes. (children)
2) I New York! (love)
3) Correct.
4) That man acted positively beastly toward you. (badly)
5) We had heaps of snow this year; I can’t wait for spring. (a lot of)
6) Although it is customary to tip in Canada, the % should depend on the quality
of the service you receive. (percentage)
7) I like the lead actor in the movie because he is awesome! (great)
8) Hayley and Jacob got married in 1999. (were)
9) Correct.
10) Whilst visiting Niagara Falls, I fell and broke my ankle. (while)
[77]
SPEAKING
26. VOWEL SUBSTITUTION
Practice saying each key word. Try to feel the differences in muscle tension when
you alternate words. Also, use a mirror to help you gauge the openness of
your mouth. Then practice saying them in their sentences. Remember, the
descriptions given below are only for the vowel sounds, not the entire word.
1) Cod = a very open mouth and relaxed muscles

Code = mouth open midway and tense muscles
Shooed = the mouth is almost closed (lips are rounded as if you are kissing)
Showed = mouth is open midway; both sounds require tense muscles
2) Running = mouth muscles are relaxed
Raining= muscles are tense; both sounds have jaw midway open
3) Loft = mouth very open
Left = mouth midway; both sounds have lax muscles
Pack = mouth open wide with tense muscles
Pick = muscles lax and mouth open a little with corners turned up like a small
smile
4) Gum = muscles lax
Game= muscles tense; both have mid position jaw
5) Looky = jaw is high with mouth protruding a little
Lucky = jaw (mouth) is midway with lips relaxed against the teeth; both
sounds have lax muscles
6) Hum = same as “lucky” above
Home = mouth is midway same as “hum,” but muscles are tense and rounded,
as if you were saying “Oh!”
7) Pay = mouth is midway and mouth is tense and tight against the teeth
Pie = this diphthong starts with the mouth open and muscles lax like with the
word “bought.” In the same breath (don’t pause) the mouth rises and the
muscles tense until you are making a long e sound like with the word
“beat.” It should sound something like this “ah‿ee”
8) Stood = jaw is high and mouth lax
Stewed = mouth is still high but muscles are tense and lips are pursed like in a
kiss; the opening of your mouth is a very small circle
9) Prod = mouth open wide and muscles are relaxed
[78]
Proud = this diphthong starts out the same as above with a very relaxed open
mouth, but it progressively becomes the “boot” sound with the kissing lips
and tight muscles. It should sound something like this “ah‿oo”
10) Seek = jaw is high with teeth clamped shut, muscles are very tight. This
position looks like someone in pain.
Sick = jaw is high; teeth may be touching and mouth is wide, but there is not
the tension of the previous sound. Muscle tension is the most important
factor between these two sounds. Seek is very tense; sick has almost the
same mouth, however all the tension is gone.
27. PAUSING AND INTONATION
Note: As mentioned in this unit, rising intonation is used for yes/no questions
only and the most common intonation error is when speakers continuously
ends their information units with rising intonation. Not mentioned in this unit
is that there is a third level of intonation called the “fall-rise,” which is used to
indicate there is more information to come. We do not cover this intonation
pattern because it does not frequently interfere with understanding.
1) Cathy / could you call Edward and ask him what time he’s arriving /and
/if he has time/ to pick up some wine for dinner
2) Do you need any help
3) Yes/no questions require rising intonation / however/ questions that use
“wh” words such as where or when/ do not
4) When the speaker’s pitch rises at the end of an information unit/ listeners
think they are being asked a question
5) What’s the topic of your dissertation
6) When you get to the intersection where Main meets Broadway / you need to
turn left / then keep right until you see the exit
7) Are you my teacher
8) How many times have I told you / When you’re going to be home late from
school / call me and let me know 
9) Some languages use rising pitch constantly during speech / The difficulty
arises when this pattern is used while speaking English
10) Mary isn’t coming today/ is she
[79]
28. STRESS AND RHYTHM
A: Do you want to go for (coffee)/ tomorrow around (nine)?

B: (Sure)/ Where do you want to (go)?
A: I really like that place by the (lake).
B: By (Crimson) Lake?
A: (No)/ the lake by the (university).
B: By the (university)? /Oh (right)/ I (know) the one.
A: (Wait)/ I just (remembered)/ I have a (yoga) class tomorrow.
B: (OK)/ How about (Saturday)?
A: (Unfortunately)/ I have to (work)
29. SUPPORTING DETAIL
1) Q: Who are you the closest to in your family?

A: My mother. (undeveloped)
Possible Answer: I am closest to my mother. When I was a child, my father
worked very long hours and sometimes had to go out of town to work, so my
mother had to do most of the parenting. She was always available to me, and
she still is. I talk to her every day, even when I’m on holiday I call her from
wherever we are, which drives my husband crazy! But I need to hear her voice,
or I feel something is missing.
2) Q: Describe something that frightened you as a child.

A: When I was a child, I was afraid of dogs. (undeveloped)
Possible Answer: As a child I was afraid of dogs. Our neighbours had a big dog
they kept chained beside their house. He was supposed to be a guard dog, and
he would bark, growl, and lunge at anyone who walked by. I was always so
afraid he would get loose and attack me. I even had nightmares about him.
This made me afraid of all dogs; even small ones that were friendly would
frighten me.
3) Q: In your country, are women and men paid the same?

A: No, women are almost always paid less. (undeveloped)
Possible Answer: It is not usually talked about openly, but women are almost
always paid less than men. It doesn’t matter what his job is—a factory worker
or a doctor—a man doing the same work gets paid more. Women have tried to
protest against this, but they have been ignored or called troublemakers by the
government. This is why many more women are interested in immigrating to
countries like Canada.
[80]
4) Q: Describe this picture.

A: There is a big tree in the middle. (undeveloped)
Possible Answer: This is a picture of a park filled with many people doing
many different activities. In the middle, there is a large tree, under which a
family is picnicking. There is a playground to the right with many children
having fun on the equipment. Some children are swinging, some are in the
sandbox, and some are climbing on the jungle gym. There’s a pool to the left of
the tree with many adults and children enjoying the water or sunbathing.
5) Q: Where does most of your family live?

A: My family is not very big. (doesn’t answer question; undeveloped)
Possible Answer: My husband and I live here in Toronto, but most of our
family is back in Iran. Actually, neither my husband’s nor my family is very
big. I have one brother, and my husband is an only child. Both our parents live
in Tehran. It’s difficult because they are getting old and will soon need more
support. We both wish they were closer to us. At least my parents have my
brother with them. My husband’s parents are all alone, so he worries terribly
about them.
30. DISORGANIZED CONTENT
There are no short activities in the “Over to You” section of this unit. Instead, we
have provided a list of ongoing activities that you can do in the weeks leading
up to your CELPIP test to help you with these skills.
Do the following practice exercises while focusing on your organizational skills. As
you practice, speak aloud and keep your talking time to a maximum of forty
seconds for #1–7. Try to speak for at least one minute, and preferably two
minutes, for #8.
1) Look at a picture in the newspaper and describe what you see.
2) Look at one thing or person in the same picture and describe that in detail.
3) Listen to a conversation and practice explaining what you heard.
4) Listen to one news item and then explain what it was about.
5) Give your opinion about a news item and support it with facts.
6) Give your opinion about a family member or a famous person. Support your
opinion with strong facts.
[81]
7) Explain why you like one thing or person more than another. Again, support
your opinion with strong facts and details.
8) Give your opinion about a current topical issue. When you practice this, you
can talk for up to two minutes. Support your opinion with good reasons and
logical supporting details.
31. REVIEW TEST

Grammar
1) Joe fondly remembers the restaurant in which he first saw his wife. (Using
Where and In Which)
2) Running playfully through the rain, the little boy somehow broke his umbrella.
(Dangling Modifiers)
3) I have lots of experience as a secretary, but I have never worked as a waitress.
(Run-On Sentences)
4) Humans and dogs evolved together and helped each other survive in
prehistoric times. (Use of The)
5) To do well on the CELPIP Test, you should study this book is a good idea.
(Dangling Modifier)
6) I prefer to start my workday at 7:00 a.m. because there is less traffic at that
time. (Correct)
7) This press release has been reviewed carefully by our editors. (Passive Voice)
8) I have spent the last ten years trying to improve my English skills. (Present
Perfect Progressive)
9) There are three things you can do to increase your vocabulary: read the paper,
listen to the news, and watch TV. (Parallelism)
10) I work for a company in which provides daycare for all workers who have
preschool-aged children. (Using Where and In Which)
11) There has been terrible flooding in Alberta this year. (Present Perfect)
12) Two of our teachers went to the concert, and they told me that it was even
better than they expected. (Pronoun–Antecedent Agreement)
13) I asked my friend to get me three or four pieces of silver jewellery when she
went to Mexico for her vacation. (Noun Countability)
14) There are many people in this picture, and they are all very busy doing a
variety of things. OR
a. There are many people in this picture; they are all very busy doing a
variety of things. OR
b. There are many people in this picture. They are all very busy doing a
variety of things. (Run-On Sentences)
[82]
15) My mother has started playing the violin about fifteen years ago. (Present
Perfect)
16) Most of the students in the class find the worksheets too difficult. (Subject-
Verb Agreement)
17) The workers were truly amazed when they realized that they would all be
receiving an extra week of holiday time. (Correct)
18) I knew that I wanted to marry her the first time I saw her, and two years later
we were married! (Use of The)
19) I met my husband back in 1981, when I was a student. (Sentence Fragments)
20) My little sister always forgets to ask me before she takes some candy, and then
she is surprised when I get mad at her. (Pronoun–Antecedent Agreement)
21) Driving to Banff, we saw the Rocky Mountains. (Misplaced Modifier)
22) All the flights at the airport were delayed because of the heavy snowstorm.
(Subject–Verb Agreement)
23) Rushing into the classroom halfway through the class, the teacher knew it was
too late to start the test. (Misplaced Modifier)
24) Our country is based on the fundamental principles of equality, freedom, and
democracy. (Passive Voice)
25) My mother and I enjoy doing a few things together, such as playing music,
going for walks, and attending concerts. (Parallelism)
26) It is preferable for all test takers to get a good night’s sleep before the test.
(Word Form)
27) You would get a better score on the test if you learned everything in this book!
(Second Conditional)
28) My brother has been looking for an affordable apartment in Vancouver for
quite a while. (Present Perfect Progressive)
29) Despite the flooding, my brother was able to return to his house and retrieve
his belongings. (Sentence Fragments)
30) It would be ideal if you could take a holiday before you start your new job.
(Second Conditional)
Punctuation
1) Look at the dog chasing its tail. (Apostrophe)

2) I’d like mushrooms, green peppers, and pepperoni on my pizza. (Commas)
3) The French always have such wonderful breads. (Capitalization)
4) Excuse me, when does the lost and found office open? (Commas)
5) Do not end your sentence with a preposition. (Sentence Endings)
[83]
6) Could you lend me your book? (Correct)

7) “How many P’s are there in apostrophe?” (Apostrophe)
8) When in the world is Gina going to get here! (Capitalization)
Word Choice
1) I like bread and butter. (Correct)

2) I can’t believe you just said that aloud. (Homonym)
3) On March 16th, could we plan to work on the garden? (Preposition of Time)
4) My nephew is hoping to become a Jewish rabbi. (Redundancy)
5) Tomorrow morning I need to get up earlier but I need to get to work on time.
(Transition Terms)
6) I need to take medication because I have an infection in my ear.
(Malapropism)
7) The voucher is enclosed in the letter. (Redundancy)
8) I’m planning on taking the CELPIP test in a few weeks. (Preposition of Time)
9) Do you want to do something tomorrow? (Register)
10) Fruit juice has almost as much sugar as soda. (Correct)
[84]

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THIS COPY BELONGS TO HASSANALIZADEH, AHMAD (ALISOCCERSTAR@HOTMAIL.

Useful for ALL the CELPIP tests!

COMMON CELPIP® ERRORS

Copyright © 2013 Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of The

First Printing: July 2013

All rights reserved. It is illegal to reproduce any portion of this

Paragon Testing Enterprises

Common CELPIP Errors

Vancouver: Paragon Testing Enterprises

 Grammar: 15 error types

Sometimes the explanations and examples in this book require the

Common CELPIP Errors

HOW TO USE SUFFIXES TO CHANGE WORD FORM

Common CELPIP Errors

FIND THE ERRORS: EXAMPLES

OVER TO YOU: PRACTICE

1) My new armchair is very comfort.

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

OVER TO YOU: PRACTICE

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

HOW TO PLACE MODIFIERS CORRECTLY

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

HOW TO FIND AND FIX DANGLING MODIFIERS

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

FIND THE ERRORS: EXAMPLES

OVER TO YOU: PRACTICE

Common CELPIP Errors

A. Countable Units B. Uncountable Nouns

Common CELPIP Errors

FIND THE ERRORS: EXAMPLES

OVER TO YOU: PRACTICE

1) We are collecting informations about your degree of satisfaction.

Common CELPIP Errors

HOW TO USE THE

When the noun is Example

Common CELPIP Errors

Common CELPIP Errors

GUIDELINES FOR MAKING VERBS AGREE WITH SUBJECTS

Subject Singular Plural

Common CELPIP Errors

FIND THE ERRORS: EXAMPLES

1) Laura has signed two contracts that starts on January 1st.

Common CELPIP Errors

HOW TO USE THE PASSIVE

The computer was damaged [by Alex]

Common CELPIP Errors

FIND THE ERRORS: EXAMPLES

OVER TO YOU: PRACTICE

1) I can be reached at my home phone number during the