CELPIP Reading Part 2: Apply a Diagram Strategy

CELPIP Reading Part 2 is Reading to Apply a Diagram. The current official format contains 8 questions, and the 2026 CELPIP Reading Pro study pack suggests approximately 9 minutes for the part, divided into question sets of 5 + 3.

The main material combines point-form text and visuals. It may resemble a schedule, brochure, flyer, community guide, or another practical visual source. A second short email refers to that information and contains blanks to complete.

Quick strategy: map the visual before answering. Identify what it is, who created it, how sections are organized, and how text connects to images. For each question, use both the written labels and the visual evidence instead of treating one as decoration.

You can verify the current structure on the official CELPIP-General page and in the 2026 Reading Pro Study Pack.

CELPIP Reading Part 2 format

• Part: Reading to Apply a Diagram
• Questions: 8
• Question sets: 5 + 3
• Approximate practice timing: 9 minutes
• Main source: diagram/visual with point-form text
• Second source: short email about the visual, with blanks

Official examples include:

• transit, course, or event schedules;
• brochures or flyers;
• guides to community activities or procedures.

The tone of the visual is usually informative, helpful, concise, and not personal.

What Part 2 actually tests

Part 2 tests your ability to combine different information formats quickly.

Visual organization

You need to understand how the information is arranged. Look for:

• headings;
• categories;
• columns and rows;
• legends;
• icons;
• labels;
• dates and times;
• conditions;
• footnotes;
• exceptions.

Connection between text and image

A correct answer may require one clue from a label and another from a visual feature. Do not assume the written paragraph contains everything.

Specific information

Part 2 often rewards quick location of precise facts.

Inference

Some questions require you to apply the information to a person's situation rather than simply repeat a number or label.

Paraphrase

As in all CELPIP Reading parts, question wording may express the source information differently.

The official approximate 9-minute method

First 30 seconds — preview the diagram

Ask:

• What type of visual is this?
• Who created it?
• What is its purpose?
• How is it organized?
• How do the words connect to the images?

Next 30 seconds — preview the message

Identify:

• writer;
• recipient;
• purpose.

About 5 minutes — Question Set 1

For each question:

1. identify keywords;
2. find the relevant section;
3. check both text and visual clues;
4. watch for paraphrase;
5. apply any condition or exception.

About 2.5 minutes — Question Set 2

Use the diagram as evidence to complete the second message.

Final 30 seconds — review

Make sure every question is answered.

Original mini-diagram example

Imagine a community recreation flyer:

Program	Day	Time	Fee	Notes
Beginner Yoga	Tuesday	6:00–7:00 p.m.	$12	Mats provided
Family Swim	Wednesday	5:30–7:30 p.m.	$8/family	Children under 12 need an adult
Pottery Basics	Thursday	6:30–8:30 p.m.	$24	Materials included
Walking Club	Saturday	9:00–10:00 a.m.	Free	Meets at north entrance

Question: Which activity best fits a parent who wants to participate with a 10-year-old child on a weekday?

A. Beginner Yoga
B. Family Swim
C. Pottery Basics
D. Walking Club

Best answer: B.

The key clues are parent + 10-year-old + weekday + participate together. Family Swim explicitly allows families and requires an adult for children under 12.

Question: Which program includes the supplies needed for the activity?

A. Beginner Yoga only
B. Pottery Basics only
C. Both Beginner Yoga and Pottery Basics
D. Walking Club and Family Swim

Best answer: C.

“Mats provided” and “materials included” both mean participants do not need to supply those items.

This example shows why paraphrase matters: provided and included can both support the broader idea of supplies being available.

A better way to read diagrams

Step 1: Find the structure before the details

Do not start reading every line from top to bottom. First understand how information is grouped.

Step 2: Notice restrictions

High-value words include:

• only;
• except;
• minimum;
• maximum;
• before;
• after;
• must;
• included;
• additional;
• members only;
• ages 12+.

These often decide between two otherwise plausible answers.

Step 3: Translate the question into filters

Suppose a question asks for an activity that is:

• after 6 p.m.;
• under $20;
• available on a weekday.

Treat those as three filters. Eliminate any row that fails even one.

Step 4: Read footnotes

A footnote can change the meaning of a price, eligibility condition, or time. It is not optional decoration.

Common Part 2 mistakes

1. Reading only the text and ignoring the image

The official guide explicitly tells candidates to look for clues in the text and diagram.

2. Reading every detail before seeing the questions

Map the visual first. Then let each question tell you where to focus.

3. Missing units

$20 per person is not the same as $20 per family. Minutes, kilometres, dates, percentages, and age ranges matter.

4. Ignoring exceptions

A program may look correct until a small note says “weekends only” or “registration required.”

5. Matching one keyword instead of the full situation

A choice must satisfy all conditions in the question.

How to practice Part 2

Use real-life Canadian-style information sources such as:

• public transit schedules;
• community-centre program tables;
• library event flyers;
• park maps;
• city service brochures;
• registration instructions.

For each source, create your own questions:

• Who is eligible?
• Which option fits a specific schedule?
• What is included?
• What condition changes the price?
• Which option would a particular person choose?

This trains application rather than passive reading.

Part 2 checklist

• Did I identify the visual's purpose?
• Did I understand how it is organized?
• Did I use both text and visual clues?
• Did I check conditions and footnotes?
• Did I watch for paraphrase?
• Did I answer all 8 questions?

Practice CELPIP Reading Part 2

Use CELPIP Reading Practice for diagram-based questions and all other Reading task types. Review the 2026 CELPIP Reading Guide, then move to a full CELPIP mock test for complete exam practice.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in CELPIP Reading Part 2?

The current official format has 8 questions.

How much time should I target?

The 2026 Reading Pro study pack suggests approximately 9 minutes.

What kind of diagram appears?

The official guide gives examples such as transit/course/event schedules, brochures, flyers, and practical community guides.

Should I read the diagram or the passage first?

The official strategy begins with a short preview of the diagram and its organization, followed by a short preview of the related message.

Are the answers always stated word-for-word?

No. CELPIP frequently uses paraphrase, so match meaning and conditions rather than identical wording.