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CELPIP Reading Test Practice | Apply a Diagram
Mad English TV
Overview
This video explains the 'Apply a Diagram' question type found in the CELPIP Reading test. It guides viewers on how to approach this section, which involves analyzing a diagram with transportation options and answering related questions within an eight-minute time limit. The presenter breaks down the process by comparing different travel methods (bus, train, plane, car) based on cost, duration, amenities, and flexibility, and then demonstrates how to use this information to answer sample questions, emphasizing strategic approaches like eliminating options and focusing on keywords.
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Chapters
- The CELPIP Reading test includes an 'Apply a Diagram' question type.
- This section requires answering eight questions in eight minutes.
- The task involves interpreting information presented in a diagram, often comparing different options.
- The goal is to teach an effective strategy for answering these questions.
Understanding the format and time constraints of the 'Apply a Diagram' question is crucial for efficient test-taking and maximizing your score.
The presenter introduces the question type by mentioning the time limit (8 minutes for 8 questions) and the need to analyze a diagram.
- Bus: Low cost ($100 return), no checked baggage, no bathrooms, no stops, only morning trips, 3.5-hour duration.
- Train: Higher cost ($260 return), first-class, scenic, free Wi-Fi, 4.25-hour duration.
- Plane: Moderate cost ($240 return), in-flight snack, free movie, airport close to town, very short duration (45 minutes).
- Car: Moderate cost ($180 for gas), offers freedom to explore, no need for taxis, 4-hour duration.
Comparing the pros and cons of various transportation methods based on provided data helps in making informed decisions, a skill directly tested in this question type.
Detailed comparison of bus, train, plane, and car, including price, duration, amenities like Wi-Fi or bathrooms, and flexibility.
- Question 1: Fill in the blank about buses being 'blank' due to an old fleet and no stopovers. The answer is 'least comfortable' because of the lack of bathrooms and stops.
- Question 2: The train is described in relation to airfares. The diagram shows the train costs $260 and the plane $240, making the plane cheaper. Therefore, the train costs 'more than I had expected' relative to the plane.
- Question 3: Identifying which option is 'far from our hotel'. Since the airport is stated as 'close to the town', the train station is the implied option that might be far, by elimination and context.
These examples demonstrate how to use the diagram's details and contextual clues within the questions to select the most logical answer.
Analyzing the sentence 'Buses are the blank because the fleet is old and there are no stopovers' and choosing 'least comfortable' based on the diagram's details about the bus.
- Question 4: Completing the sentence 'I really wouldn't mind blank because my car is economical.' The answer is 'driving' as it directly relates to using one's own car.
- Question 5: Determining what flexibility a car provides. The best answer is 'go sightseeing' because a car allows exploration of places potentially hard to reach otherwise, unlike commuting or just getting to a scheduled event.
- Question 6: Identifying the relationship between John and Linda. Based on the formal closing 'Regards John', they are colleagues or co-workers, not personal friends or neighbors.
- Question 7: Determining the main purpose of the event. The mention of an attached 'presentation file' indicates they are speaking at a conference.
- Question 8: Assessing John's attitude. He is described as 'cooperative' because he presents options and facilitates decision-making without being pushy.
These questions highlight the importance of inferring relationships, purposes, and attitudes from the text, going beyond simple fact retrieval from the diagram.
Inferring that John and Linda are colleagues because the email ends with 'Regards John', which is a formal closing.
- Strategy: Briefly glance at the diagram first to understand the types of information available (price, duration, pros/cons).
- Do not try to memorize all details; you will refer back to the diagram.
- Read the questions and answer the easiest ones first.
- If stuck, move to the next question and return later if time permits.
- If completely out of time, guess on remaining questions.
Employing a strategic approach, like prioritizing easy questions and managing time effectively, can significantly improve performance on timed tests.
The presenter advises to 'take a brief look at the diagram... then start looking at the questions and then answer the easiest ones if you can'.
Key takeaways
- The 'Apply a Diagram' question tests your ability to interpret visual information and text in conjunction with each other.
- Effective time management is critical; allocate roughly one minute per question.
- Break down complex information (like transportation options) into key features: cost, time, amenities, and flexibility.
- Use elimination to narrow down answer choices when unsure.
- Pay close attention to keywords in the questions and the diagram to find direct or implied answers.
- Inferential reasoning is often required to determine relationships, purposes, and attitudes.
- Don't overthink; sometimes the most straightforward answer, based on the provided information, is the correct one.
Key terms
Apply a DiagramCELPIP Reading TestReturn TicketChecked BaggageStopoverScenic TripIn-flight SnackAirfaresFleetCommuteSightseeingCooperative
Test your understanding
- How does the 'Apply a Diagram' question format differ from other reading comprehension tasks?
- What are the key factors to consider when comparing different transportation options in the diagram?
- How can you use the process of elimination to answer questions when you are unsure of the correct option?
- Why is it important to look for keywords in both the question and the diagram?
- What is the recommended strategy for managing time during the 'Apply a Diagram' section of the CELPIP Reading test?