CELPIP Reading Part 3 - Reading for Information | Common Keywords

1. The "Absolute" Words (The All or Nothing Trap)

Words - All, always, every, everyone, none, never, only, solely, exclusively, invariably.  

• Passage: A --Many species of sharks live in warm waters. 
  • Question: Sharks live in warm waters.

The answer is going to be E because the passage says "many" (which implies some might not). The question says "exclusively" (meaning 100%).

•   Passage: The CEO signed the contract.
  • Question: Only the CEO signed the contract

The answer is E in this case also. We know the CEO signed it. We do not know if others signed it too.

2. The "Superlative" Words (The Best or First Trap)

Words: Earliest, first, last, best, worst, highest, lowest, primary, main, most important.

• Passage A: This technology is an efficient way to reduce carbon emissions.
  •  Question: This technology is the most efficient way to reduce carbon emissions.

Here also, the answer is E. The passage says it is "an" efficient way (one of many). The question claims it is the "most" efficient (number one).

3. The "Frequency" Words (The Often vs. Always Trap)

Words: Often, usually, sometimes, rarely, occasionally, generally, frequently.

• Passage B: Residents occasionally complain about the noise from the airport.
  • Question: Residents frequently complain about the noise.

For these types of questions also, the answer will be E. "Occasionally" means once in a while. "Frequently" means often. These definitions contradict each other.

4. The "Causation" Words (The Cause vs. Association Trap)

Words: Causes, leads to, results in, due to, because of, consequently.

• Passage A: People who drink green tea often live longer.
  • Question: Drinking green tea causes people to live longer.

The answer is E. The passage states a correlation (they happen together). The question states a causation (one causes the other). We don't know if the tea causes the long life (maybe tea drinkers just exercise more?).

5. The "Certainty" Words (The Will vs. Might Trap)

Words: Will, must, is, undoubtedly VS Can, could, might, may, likely, possibly.

• Passage C: The new policy could improve employee morale.
• Question: The new policy will improve employee morale.

The answer is E. The passage is tentative (could), and the question is certain (will). There is a distinct difference in meaning.