＋ May feel easier! May feel harder
＋ May feel easier
- Good at talking to people?Show your English in a real conversation.
- Like questions to guide you?The examiner asks questions; you respond.
- Good at explaining ideas?Develop your answers in an essay and discussion.
! May feel harder
- Nervous with an examiner?Speaking is a live interview.
- Spelling is a weakness?Misspelled listening and reading answers can lose marks.
- Long texts wear you out?Reading lasts 60 minutes; Writing is another 60.
＋ May feel easier
- Spelling is a weakness?Spell-check helps in Writing; choose answers in Listening and Reading.
- Prefer everyday English?Write emails and speak about familiar situations.
- Nervous with an examiner?Record your answers without a live interview.
! May feel harder
- Run out of things to say?Give advice, explain choices and persuade.
- Need someone to prompt you?Speak alone; no examiner helps the conversation along.
- Find long tests tiring?Complete all four skills in one sitting.
Easier or harder depends on your strengths. These are starting points, not score guarantees.
Find your fitIf this sounds like you…
“I know the answer, but spelling lets me down.”
→Try CELPIP firstWriting has spell-check; Listening and Reading use answer choices.
“I speak better when someone talks with me.”
→Try IELTS firstSpeaking is a live conversation.
“I prefer emails to describing graphs.”
→Look at CELPIP or IELTS GeneralIELTS Academic requires a report; General Training has a letter.
“An examiner makes me nervous.”
→Try CELPIP firstRecord your answers on a computer.
Before you book: check that your organisation accepts the test and version you choose.
Writing & marking at a glance
CELPIP
Write: Email + explain your choice in a survey
Marked by: People mark recorded Speaking and Writing.
See all tasks & scores →Still unsure?
We can help you choose and plan your preparation.
