Reading Part 1: Reading Correspondence

To help someone remember something they need to do or already know.

“Just a quick note to remind you that the potluck starts at six on Saturday.”

“The building manager's email reminds tenants to move their cars before the snow removal.”

Often used: remind someone to · remind someone about · a friendly reminder

CELPIP tip: Look for "just a heads-up" or "don't forget"; both usually mean the writer's purpose is to remind, even if the word never appears.

Extremely pleased and excited about something.

“We were thrilled to hear you got into the nursing program.”

“I'm thrilled that the whole family can come for Thanksgiving this year.”

Often used: thrilled to hear · absolutely thrilled · thrilled about

CELPIP tip: Stronger than pleased or happy. Match it to options describing great excitement, not just satisfaction.

To politely say no to an offer or invitation.

“Sadly, I have to decline your kind invitation to the retirement dinner.”

“Omar declines the job offer because the position would require moving to Calgary.”

Often used: politely decline · decline an invitation · decline an offer

CELPIP tip: Writers rarely say "I decline" directly. Phrases like "I'm afraid I won't be able to" signal the same meaning in answer options.

Showing strong excitement and interest in something.

“Everyone on the committee was enthusiastic about your idea for a winter carnival.”

“Her enthusiastic reply shows she can't wait to start volunteering.”

Often used: enthusiastic about · an enthusiastic response · very enthusiastic

CELPIP tip: When an option says the writer is enthusiastic, find evidence like "can't wait" or "I'd love to" in the text before choosing it.

Late; not yet done, paid or returned even though the time for it has passed.

“Our records show that your library books are two weeks overdue.”

“A catch-up call with you is long overdue, so let's plan one soon.”

Often used: long overdue · overdue payment · an overdue apology

CELPIP tip: "Long overdue" can also be friendly, meaning something should have happened earlier. Read the context before assuming a complaint.

To strongly encourage or advise someone to do something.

“I urge you to see a doctor about that cough before it gets worse.”

“The letter urges members to renew before the price goes up.”

Often used: urge someone to · strongly urge · urge caution

CELPIP tip: Urge is stronger than suggest. If a writer says "you really must" or "please, don't wait", an option with "urges" is likely correct.

Having lost hope or enthusiasm because of a disappointment.

“The volunteers were disheartened when the garden was vandalized again.”

“I felt disheartened after my application was turned down a third time.”

Often used: feel disheartened · disheartened by

CELPIP tip: Sadder and more hopeless than annoyed. If the letter sounds low rather than irritated, this is the better tone match.

To say something again to make it clearer or stress its importance.

“I want to reiterate that the deadline for applications is Friday.”

“Let me reiterate how grateful we are for your help at the fundraiser.”

Often used: reiterate that · reiterate a point

CELPIP tip: A repeated point is one the writer cares about. If a question asks what the writer stresses, look for this word.

In a way that is not yet final or certain and could still change.

“We've tentatively booked the cottage for the long weekend in August.”

“The class reunion is tentatively scheduled for October, pending the venue.”

Often used: tentatively scheduled · tentatively agree · tentatively planned

CELPIP tip: A key word for questions about certainty. If a plan is tentative, options saying it is confirmed or final are wrong.

To give someone the information or news they have missed.

“Let me fill you in on everything that happened at the family reunion.”

“Could you fill me in on what the team decided at Monday's meeting?”

Often used: fill someone in on · fill me in

CELPIP tip: In friendly letters, this phrase often signals that the writer's purpose is to share news or give an update.

To do something nice for someone because you disappointed or hurt them earlier.

“I'm sorry I missed your birthday; let me make it up to you with dinner.”

“Jess promises to make it up to her sister by helping with the move.”

Often used: make it up to you · promise to make it up to

CELPIP tip: Often appears near an apology. It tells you the writer plans a future action, which may be the answer to a question about what happens next.

To show or say that you are thankful for something someone has done.

“I want to express my gratitude for the flowers you sent after my surgery.”

“The main purpose of Leila's letter is to express gratitude to her former coach.”

Often used: express my gratitude · express deep gratitude · express gratitude for

CELPIP tip: An answer option saying the writer wants to "express gratitude" may match a letter that only says "thanks so much" or "I can't tell you how much this meant".

Both positive and negative feelings about the same thing.

“I have mixed feelings about the move: the job is great, but I'll miss everyone.”

“Our family had mixed feelings when the old arena was torn down.”

Often used: have mixed feelings about · with mixed feelings

CELPIP tip: Tone questions may test a writer who is both pleased and sad. Options with a single strong emotion would be too simple.

As a reply or reaction to something that someone said or did.

“In response to your question, the pool will reopen after the long weekend.”

“I am writing in response to the notice posted in the lobby.”

Often used: in response to your email · in direct response to

CELPIP tip: Tells you this message is a reply. Questions may ask what the earlier message contained, so look for details the writer repeats.

A formal way to begin giving someone bad or disappointing news.

“We regret to inform you that the spring pottery course has been cancelled.”

“I regret to inform the committee that I must step down as treasurer.”

Often used: regret to inform you that · we regret to inform

CELPIP tip: It signals bad news in a formal letter. Questions about the purpose of such a message usually centre on what follows this phrase.

Surprised or shocked, usually by something unexpected or unpleasant.

“I was taken aback when I saw the new parking fees posted in the lobby.”

“Honestly, I was a bit taken aback by how quickly you sold the house.”

Often used: be taken aback by · a little taken aback

CELPIP tip: Shows surprise, often mild disapproval. Choose options that describe the writer as surprised, not necessarily angry.

To write a short, informal message to someone.

“I thought I'd drop you a line to say congratulations on the new job.”

“Drop me a line when you're back in Halifax and we'll grab lunch.”

Often used: drop me a line · just dropping you a line

CELPIP tip: Casual phrases like this tell you the writer and reader are close. Use that relationship to rule out answer options that suggest a formal link.

To help someone stop worrying about something.

“Just to put your mind at ease, the car is running perfectly since the repair.”

“I'm writing to put your mind at ease about Maya's first week at camp.”

Often used: put your mind at ease · to put their minds at ease

CELPIP tip: When a writer uses this, reassuring the reader is often the main purpose. Match it with options containing "reassure" or "calm worries".