Common English errors and how you can avoid them on your Celpip test

Common Errors to Avoid When Preparing for the Celpip Test

When preparing for the Celpip test, it’s important to go beyond just studying vocabulary and test formats. Here are some common errors to avoid when it comes to the test and writing components:

Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most frequent mistakes made on the Celpip test is subject-verb agreement. It is crucial that the subject and verb agree in number.

• Single subject → Single verb: The dog barks. (Singular)
• Plural subject → Plural verb: The dogs bark. (Plural)

Tips to Prevent Errors:

• Identify the subject and determine if it’s singular or plural.
• Pay attention to words that end in “s” as they can be misleading.
• When in doubt, ask yourself if you would say “He is” or “They are”?

Prepositions

Prepositions can be tricky for test-takers as they indicate the relationship between words in a sentence. Remember that prepositions express time, place, direction, cause, or method.

Tips to Prevent Errors:

• Practice common phrases containing prepositions to understand their usage.
• Use real-life examples to practice prepositions in context.
• Be cautious when translating from your native language as prepositions may vary.

Verb Tenses

Confusion with verb tenses is a common mistake on the Celpip test. Verb tenses indicate when an action takes place in the past, present, or future.

Tips to Prevent Errors:

• Look for time indicators in a sentence to determine the correct verb tense.
• Match the verb tense with the context of the story or article you are reading.
• Study verb tenses patterns by reading English media.

Time Management

Effective time management is essential for maximizing your score on the Celpip test. Poor time management can lead to incomplete responses and lower scores.

Tips for Time Management:

• Practice with Celpip Practice Tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
• Read instructions carefully to stay on track during the test.
• Allocate extra time for reviewing and checking for common errors.

Learning Tip

Children’s books and TV shows can be valuable resources for learning prepositions, verb tenses, and more. Incorporate these into your study routine to boost your English skills and confidence.

If you’re seeking more preparation tips for the Celpip test, consider joining a free live webinar hosted by Celpip experts. Check out our Upcoming webinars and sign up for a session today!