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CELPIP Practice Reading: Apply a Diagram ID: #60036 Easy Choosing a Birthday Gift

Read the following email message about the diagram on the left. Complete the email by filling in the blanks. Select the best choice for each blank from the drop-down menu (▾).

To: Janice
From: Paul
Date: June 2
Subject: Martha's gift

Hi Janice,

Martha hikes almost every weekend and says the bright sun hurts her eyes, so I like the sunglasses because they have 1.
. Her backpack is always heavy, and small things get crushed in it. Luckily, they come with 2.
, so they will stay safe inside her pack on long hikes.

Her birthday dinner is tomorrow, on Wednesday evening. The good news is that I could pick them up 3.
, so she will have them in time. She may not like the style, of course. If so, the guide says the sunglasses can be 4.
, so she does not need to worry.

The perfume is my backup, because she loves fresh scents. However, it would only be ready 5.
, which is too late.

Do you agree with my first choice?

Thanks,
Paul

Using the drop-down menu (▾), choose the best option.

Paul is mainly writing to 6.


Because Paul will collect the sunglasses at the studio himself, they can also 7.


Paul's feelings about his choice are best described as 8.
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.

Correct Answer: lenses that cut bright glare

Why this is correct: Paul likes the sunglasses because the sun hurts Martha's eyes. The sunglasses row says the lenses cut bright glare.

Tips: When the email names one item, read only that item's row for the answer.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • a brushed silver finish: The brushed silver finish belongs to the Silver Moon Band, which is a ring.
  • a fresh cedar and citrus scent: The cedar and citrus scent is the Cedar Trail Perfume, not the sunglasses.
  • a refillable glass bottle: The refillable glass bottle is part of the perfume, so it does not fit sunglasses.

Correct Answer: a blue hard case

Why this is correct: Paul wants the sunglasses to stay safe in a heavy backpack. The sunglasses row says a blue hard case is included.

Tips: Words like "come with" or "included" tell you to look for what is in the box.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • a refillable glass bottle: The glass bottle comes with the perfume, and it would not protect sunglasses.
  • free resizing within 60 days: Free resizing is offered for the Silver Moon Band ring, not for the sunglasses.
  • a brushed silver finish: The brushed silver finish is on the ring. It is not something the sunglasses come with.

Correct Answer: on the same day

Why this is correct: The birthday dinner is tomorrow, so Paul needs the gift fast. The sunglasses are ready on the same day.

Tips: Check the pickup time in the row for the item the writer is buying.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • in three business days: Three business days is the wait for the Silver Moon Band, because it must be sized.
  • after 4:00 p.m. Friday: Friday after 4:00 p.m. is when the perfume is ready, not the sunglasses.
  • after 6:00 p.m.: The studio closes at 6:00 p.m., so nobody can pick up a gift after that time.

Correct Answer: exchanged within 30 days with a receipt

Why this is correct: Paul says Martha does not need to worry if the style is wrong. The sunglasses can be exchanged within 30 days with a receipt.

Tips: Exchange rules are often different for each item, so match the rule to the right row.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • exchanged within 14 days if unopened: The 14 day rule is for unopened perfume. It is not the rule for sunglasses.
  • resized for free within 60 days: Free resizing within 60 days is for the Silver Moon Band ring only.
  • sized in the store: Only the ring row says it is sized in the store. The sunglasses row does not.

Correct Answer: after 4:00 p.m. Friday

Why this is correct: The perfume is Paul's backup. Its row says it is ready after 4:00 p.m. Friday, which is after Wednesday's dinner.

Tips: When the topic changes to a new item, move to that item's row.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • on the same day: Same day pickup is for the sunglasses. The perfume takes longer, so Paul says it is too late.
  • in three business days: Three business days is the wait for the ring, not for the perfume.
  • at 10:00 a.m.: 10:00 a.m. is when the studio opens each day. It is not when the perfume is ready.

Correct Answer: ask Janice what she thinks of his gift idea

Why this is correct: Paul explains why he likes the sunglasses. At the end, he asks Janice if she agrees with his first choice.

Tips: The main purpose is often in the question or request near the end of the email.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • ask Janice to pick up the perfume on Friday: The perfume is only a backup, and Paul never asks Janice to collect it.
  • complain about the studio's exchange rules: Paul is happy with the exchange rule and says Martha does not need to worry.
  • invite Janice to go hiking with Martha: Paul mentions Martha's hiking to explain his gift, not to invite Janice.

Correct Answer: be gift wrapped for free

Why this is correct: Paul says he could pick the sunglasses up himself. The note at the bottom says items picked up in the store get free gift wrapping.

Tips: Read the small note at the bottom of a diagram. It often gives a rule for every item.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • be resized for free: Free resizing is for the Silver Moon Band. The sunglasses row does not offer it.
  • be sized in the store: Sizing in the store is for the Silver Moon Band. The sunglasses row does not say that.
  • come in a refillable glass bottle: The glass bottle belongs to the perfume. The sunglasses come with a blue hard case.

Correct Answer: fairly sure, but open to Janice's view

Why this is correct: Paul clearly likes the sunglasses and even has a backup plan. But he still asks Janice if she agrees.

Tips: Look at how the writer ends the email. A question often shows the writer is open to ideas.

Why the other options are wrong:

  • certain, and not interested in other ideas: Paul asks for Janice's opinion, so he does care what she thinks.
  • disappointed that no gift is right for Martha: Paul found a gift he likes, so he is not disappointed at all.
  • worried that Martha will not like hiking: Martha hikes almost every weekend, so Paul knows she likes it.

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