How to Tackle CELPIP Reading Task 4 and Understand Conflicting Opinions Practice Tasks + Answer Key included)
- Language Flow Lab
- Nov 19
- 8 min read
The final challenge in the CELPIP Reading section: Task 4: Reading for Viewpoints is often the one students find the most demanding. And that’s perfectly normal. This task doesn’t just check whether you can understand a text; it asks you to follow two contrasting opinions, compare them, and then determine how a follow-up response connects to those viewpoints. Like Task 1, it includes two connected parts, and doing well here can make a significant difference to your overall score.
What You’ll Be Working With
Part 1 – The Main Article
You’ll start with a 250–300-word article that presents two clear sides of a debate. These topics are everyday issues you might hear discussed in Canadian communities, such as:
Should the city build a new public swimming pool?
Is banning plastic grocery bags a good idea?
Should remote work become a permanent option?
Part 2 – The Response
You’ll read a shorter text, often a letter, comment, or post written by someone reacting to the article. This section contains five blanks, and you’ll choose the best phrase from a dropdown to complete each one.
In total: 10 questions
5 multiple-choice questions about the original article
5 dropdown completions in the response
The Most Common Challenge
Students often mix up who expressed which opinion. The test intentionally uses labels that sound similar (e.g., “a community volunteer” vs. “a neighbourhood organizer”), and the answer choices frequently flip their viewpoints. Even strong readers lose marks here if they don’t stay organized.
Strategy for Achieving CLB 9–12
1. Create a Quick Two-Column Organizer (45–60 seconds)
As you read the article, draw two small boxes or columns on your scrap paper:
Side 1 (e.g., Sarah – resident) | Side 2 (e.g., Councillor Lee) |
Wants new community centre | Opposes the idea |
+ exercise & mental health | + too expensive |
+ brings community together | + low attendance at others |
Three or four bullet points per side are enough. This small step makes the rest of the task much clearer.
2. Answer the Multiple-Choice Questions (4–5 minutes)
Most of these questions ask things like:“Who believes X?” or “Do both/only one/neither person agree?”Your organizer turns these questions into quick matches.
3. Read the Response and Identify the Writer’s Position (2–3 minutes)
Ask yourself:“Does this writer support Side 1, Side 2, sit somewhere in the middle, or introduce a new perspective?”Make a simple note on your paper to keep this clear.
4. Complete the Dropdowns
The correct answer will always fit:
the writer’s viewpoint,
the details from the original article, and
natural grammar and flow.
If an option sounds grammatically perfect but doesn’t match the writer’s stance, it’s a trap! don’t choose it.
How to Build This Skill Outside Test Practice
Read short opinion pieces or “Letters to the Editor” from Canadian news sources (CBC, Global News, National Post, etc.).
Look for articles with two opposing viewpoints.
Summarize each viewpoint in a quick two-column format in under two minutes.
Then imagine writing a short response and predict the language you’d need to use.
With regular practice, you’ll become much faster at separating and labeling viewpoints—making this task feel far less overwhelming.
Task 4 isn’t really a reading race. It’s an organization challenge. By spending one minute mapping out the two sides clearly, you’ll make the rest of the task far more manageable.
Reading Task 4 Practice Task 1
Regulating Electric Scooters on City Sidewalks
Reading Passage
In recent months, the City Council has been debating whether to allow electric scooters on busy downtown sidewalks.
City Councillor Naomi Grant supports allowing e-scooters, arguing that they can reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions by offering a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to cars.“By permitting scooters on sidewalks,” Grant says, “we can encourage more residents to choose low-emission transport for short trips.”
However, pedestrian safety advocate Jordan Wu warns that mixing scooters with foot traffic could increase collisions.“Sidewalks weren’t designed for wheeled vehicles,” Wu notes. “Scooters traveling at 20 km/h among pedestrians, children, and the elderly is a serious hazard.”
Luis Romero, spokesperson for SwiftRide Scooters, proposes a compromise: creating designated scooter lanes at the edges of roadways.“Dedicated lanes,” Romero insists, “will keep scooters off sidewalks and protect pedestrians while still giving riders safe, smooth paths.”
Urban planner Dr. Serena Holt suggests a different middle ground: integrate scooters into existing bike lanes and add better signage at intersections.“Rather than blanket permissions,” Holt explains, “we need infrastructure upgrades, clear markings, physical separators, and traffic signals that account for micro-mobility vehicles.”
Local resident Martina Reyes appreciates the environmental benefits but worries about clutter and noise.“I support green transport,” Reyes says, “but I don’t want scooters abandoned on front steps or buzzing late at night under my window.”
Here is a response to the message. Complete the response by filling in the blanks. Select the best choice for each blank.
To the Editor,
The debate over e-scooters is critical. I agree with Councillor Grant that we need 1.▾:
a green alternative to cars
reducing sidewalk clutter
banning vehicles from sidewalks
creating designated lanes
but Jordan Wu’s point is undeniable: placing them on sidewalks is 2.▾ :
a serious hazard
a good compromise
a convenient option
a way to use bike lanes
The proposals from both SwiftRide and Dr. Holt, which focus on 3. ▾:
using bike or new road lanes
only improving signage
reducing carbon emissions
banning scooters downtown
seem like the most sensible path. We must also address the 4. ▾:
clutter and noise concerns
high speed of scooters
need for green transport
cost of upgrades
A successful policy must balance innovation with 5.▾ :
pedestrian safety and quality of life
carbon emission goals
company profit margins
existing bike infrastructure
Choose the correct answer.
City Councillor Grant’s main argument is that…
they are a significant hazard on sidewalks
they require infrastructure upgrades
they offer environmental and congestion benefits
they are a popular form of low-emission transport
Jordan Wu warns that…
scooters will help ease traffic congestion
scooters should be kept off sidewalks
allowing scooters on sidewalks is unsafe
scooters need to be integrated into bike lanes
Luis Romero proposes…
improving intersection signage
keeping pedestrians safe from scooters
integrating scooters into existing bike lanes
building dedicated paths on the street
Dr. Serena Holt recommends…
adapting current bike paths and adding new signs
adding physical separators to sidewalks
creating new lanes on roadway edges
allowing scooters on sidewalks
Martina Reyes’s main worry is…
the integration of scooters into bike lanes
the serious hazard to pedestrians
the potential to ease traffic
they will be noisy and left lying around
Reading Task 4 Practice Task 2
Read the following article from a website.
The Canadian government has a long history of funding visual and performing arts across the country. Unfortunately, in the face of difficult fiscal choices, the government has increasingly withdrawn its support. Meanwhile, some influential groups have recently claimed that funding for the arts is a waste of public money and falls outside the purview of the government.
In an interview, Myriam Donahue of the Canadian Taxpayers League expanded on this subject. “Society doesn’t accept government intervention in other economic sectors; the arts should be no different. Government intervention distorts the market. Artists should be more entrepreneurial and obtain money from the private sector,” claimed Donahue. “We appreciate a work of art the same way we appreciate a good meal or a sports game. Just as the government doesn’t tell us what to eat for dinner or what sports to watch, it shouldn’t be in the business of selecting which artist is fittest for public consumption. When that happens, taxpayers subsidize the leisure pursuits of society’s wealthiest people.”
Understandably, artists have resisted. “It’s not realistic to imagine that private sponsorship and philanthropy are a panacea to replace government funding,” explained community arts organizer Katarina Bakir. “Businesses see government support of the arts as a stamp of approval ensuring high standards of quality and integrity. With government cutbacks, the private sector has actually been more reluctant to sponsor events and artists. Earnings for most professional Canadian artists are already hovering around the poverty level. If funding cuts continue, artists will have to choose between falling further into poverty or changing professions.”
Eastern University sociologist Dr. Peter Horvath agrees that artists need entrepreneurial skills and sees many social benefits to public patronage for the arts. “The arts are often accused of being elitist, but surveys show that Canadians actually prefer artistic events to live sports. By funding the arts, governments create a shared meaning and a joint understanding of our country’s values. Supporting the arts provides a common good in the form of public shows and events, but it also enhances our cohesiveness as a community. It fosters a healthy society.”
Using the drop-down menu ( ), choose the best option according to the information given on the website.
1. The article is mainly about ▾
what measurable value the arts brings to our society.
why the private sector should financially support artists.
whether artists should rely on themselves or on charities.
whether working artists deserve government sponsorship.
2. Paragraph one provides a ▾
description of various types of performing arts.
few pieces of background information.
good example of the problem that follows.
brief historical overview of Canadian artists.
3. Myriam Donahue's views would likely be supported by ▾
administrators working for a government-funded arts council.
corporations dedicated to funding overseas health initiatives.
dance organizations reliant on government sponsorships.
Canadian residents interested mainly in spectator sports.
4. Bakir thinks that implementing Donahue’s ideas would lead to ▾
a decrease in the number of working artists.
a decrease in government income tax rates.
an increase in the quality and integrity of art.
an increase in private funding for the arts.
5. The author’s tone indicates support for ▾
eliminating public funding of visual and performing arts.
government commitment to supporting Canadian artists.
increased public participation in local arts organizations.
private sector funding for the arts across Canada.
The following is a comment by a visitor to the website page. Complete the comment by choosing the best option to fill in each blank.
I’m an alternative rock musician, and my band has been trying for years to get government funds to go on tour. We’ve been denied money by bureaucrats who seem willing to fund only classical ballet, operas, and symphony orchestras.
So Myriam Donahue strikes a chord with me when she says governments that fund the arts 6. ▾ . However, 7. ▾ , I’m wary of Ms. Donahue’s advice. Our brand of heavy metal music is a very small niche and doesn’t appeal to the mass market. It’s hard to imagine it would appeal to the “suits” who are your typical corporate donors. That’s why I question Ms. Donahue’s opinion that 8. ▾ .
9. ▾ Ms. Bakir’s prediction. That is, to survive economically, I may genuinely have to 10. ▾ .
do so without economic intervention
pay for the pastimes of the elite
undervalue the work of modern musicians
support administrators rather than artists
due to her lack of information on the issue
similar to Ms. Katarina Bakir
based on Dr. Horvath's strong opposition
despite her statistical evidence
artists should produce practical things
free handouts distort the true meaning of art
governments should have good taste
private philanthropy can sustain the arts
Moreover, I am also doubtful of
Thus, I could become an example of
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with
Indeed, Ms. Donahue does share
10.
cut back on my unnecessary spending
give up on my dream just to pay the rent
produce music of a lower quality standard
seek funds from more conservative donors
Answer Key
Reading Task 4 Practice Task 1
a green alternative to cars
a serious hazard
using bike or new road lanes
clutter and noise concerns
pedestrian safety and quality of life
they offer environmental and congestion benefits
allowing scooters on sidewalks is unsafe
building dedicated paths on the street
adapting current bike paths and adding new signs
they will be noisy and left lying around
Reading Task 4 Practice Task 2
Whether working artists deserve government sponsorship.
Few pieces of background information.
Canadian residents interested mainly in spectator sports.
A decrease in the number of working artists.
Government commitment to supporting Canadian artists.
Pay for the pastimes of the elite.
Similar to Ms. Katarina Bakir.
Private philanthropy can sustain the arts.
Thus, I could become an example of…
Give up on my dream just to pay the rent.
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