Listening Part 3: Information

Describing a service or session you can attend without booking ahead.

“Our drop-in tax clinic runs Tuesday evenings in the community room.”

“The swim is drop-in, so just show up with your pass.”

Often used: drop-in session · drop-in centre · on a drop-in basis

CELPIP tip: Drop-in means no registration. If an answer says you must book first, check whether the speaker described the service as drop-in.

Open to people who arrive without an appointment, especially a clinic or service counter.

“We do take walk-in patients, but booked appointments are seen first.”

“The walk-in hours for licence renewals are mornings only.”

Often used: walk-in clinic · walk-in hours · accept walk-ins

CELPIP tip: Speakers often contrast walk-in and booked options. Note the limits on walk-ins, such as certain hours or priority rules.

Describing money that will not be given back, even if you cancel or do not attend.

“The twenty-dollar booking fee is non-refundable.”

“Deposits are non-refundable after the first of the month.”

Often used: non-refundable deposit · non-refundable fee · strictly non-refundable

CELPIP tip: Note which payment is non-refundable and from what date. Speakers often make one fee refundable and another not.

Relevant to or affecting a particular person, case or situation.

“The student discount is only applicable to full-time students.”

“Fill in the sections that are applicable to you and leave the rest blank.”

Often used: where applicable · applicable to · applicable fees

CELPIP tip: Listen for who or what a rule is applicable to. A detail that applies only to one group is a common trap in information questions.

To put your name on a list to join an activity, service or program.

“You can sign up for the fall programs starting next Monday at nine.”

“Seniors who sign up before June get the early rate.”

Often used: sign up for · sign up online · sign up early

CELPIP tip: Note the date, method and any early deadline for signing up. These practical details are natural question material.

The times during which a business or service is open to the public.

“Our hours of operation change in summer. We close at five on weekdays.”

“Please check the hours of operation before driving out to the depot.”

Often used: regular hours of operation · extended hours of operation · holiday hours

CELPIP tip: Times are easy to mishear. Write them down with the day they apply to, because questions may ask when a service is available.

A document or item that shows a fact is true, such as where you live or how old you are.

“To get a library card, you'll need proof of address, like a recent utility bill.”

“Kids under twelve ride free, but we may ask for proof of age.”

Often used: proof of address · proof of residence · proof of purchase

CELPIP tip: Note exactly which proof is accepted. Speakers often list examples, and a question may ask which document would or would not work.

Able to be used or accepted for a certain length of time or purpose.

“Transfers are valid for ninety minutes in any direction.”

“This voucher's valid for any class, but not for private lessons.”

Often used: valid for one year · valid for travel · valid for all locations

CELPIP tip: Listen for both the time limit and any exclusions. A question may test whether the item can be used in a particular situation.

By going somewhere yourself rather than by phone, mail or online.

“Name changes have to be done in person at a service centre.”

“You can renew online, or in person if you need a new photo.”

Often used: apply in person · must be done in person · in person or online

CELPIP tip: Speakers often list several ways to do something. Note which tasks need an in-person visit, because questions test those limits.

To check or act so that something is certain to be done or correct.

“Make sure your name matches exactly what's on your health card.”

“Just make sure the bins are at the curb by seven on collection day.”

Often used: make sure that · make sure you bring · just make sure

CELPIP tip: Advice starting with make sure is often a key instruction. Note it, because a question may ask what the listener should remember to do.

A phrase that begins an explanation of a process by naming what to do first.

“The first step is to create an account on the city's website.”

“The first step is a quick phone screening, and then we book an in-home visit.”

Often used: the first step is to · the next step is · the final step is

CELPIP tip: This opens a sequence. Number the steps in your notes as they come, since questions often ask what to do first, next or last.

To have to do something because a rule, law or organization says you must.

“All volunteers are required to complete a short safety session before their first shift.”

“You're not required to bring your own equipment, but you're welcome to.”

Often used: be required to attend · not required to · legally required to

CELPIP tip: Separate what is required from what is only recommended. Questions often test that difference, and speakers switch between the two quickly.

Before a particular time or event, usually so that something can be prepared.

“Please book the accessible van at least two days in advance.”

“If you pay in advance, you'll save five dollars on each ticket.”

Often used: book in advance · pay in advance · a week in advance

CELPIP tip: Note how far in advance something must be done. The number of days or weeks is a typical detail question in information talks.

To remember an important point and consider it when you act or decide.

“Keep in mind that the east entrance is closed during the renovation.”

“One thing to keep in mind: the pool's cash-free now.”

Often used: keep in mind that · one thing to keep in mind · please keep in mind

CELPIP tip: Speakers use this to flag an exception or warning. What follows is often exactly the kind of detail a question targets.

A system where people get something in the order they arrive or ask, until it runs out.

“Garden plots are given out on a first-come, first-served basis starting April first.”

“Parking passes are first-come, first-served, so line up early.”

Often used: on a first-come, first-served basis · strictly first-come, first-served

CELPIP tip: This phrase implies limited supply and no booking. It often answers a question about how spots are given out or why arriving early matters.

To have the right to receive or do something under a rule or agreement.

“Members are entitled to two free guest passes each month.”

“If your flight's cancelled, you may be entitled to a meal voucher.”

Often used: entitled to a refund · entitled to a discount · fully entitled to

CELPIP tip: Match each benefit to the group that is entitled to it. Speakers often describe different benefits for different people.

Depending on a condition, or possibly affected by something such as a change or fee.

“Late returns are subject to a small daily fee.”

“The schedule's subject to change if the weather turns bad.”

Often used: subject to change · subject to approval · subject to availability

CELPIP tip: Subject to adds a condition that limits the main fact. Answer choices that state the fact without the condition may be wrong.

As soon as or after something happens, used to show the order of steps.

“Once your form's been approved, you'll get a confirmation email.”

“You can collect your permit once the fee has cleared.”

Often used: once you've registered · once that's done · only once

CELPIP tip: Once links two steps in sequence. If a question asks what happens after a certain step, look for the clause that starts with once.