Preparing for the CELPIP Test requires more than a strong vocabulary and familiarity with the format—it’s also about avoiding common grammar errors that could reduce your score. According to Maple News, CELPIP raters frequently observe avoidable language mistakes that hinder test performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced English speaker, being mindful of these pitfalls can help you maximize your results on the reading, writing, listening, and speaking components.
One of the most frequent mistakes is subject-verb agreement. This rule requires that singular subjects take singular verbs (“The dog barks”), while plural subjects take plural verbs (“The dogs bark”). To master this, it’s important to first identify whether your subject is singular or plural—watch out for misleading words that look plural but aren’t. A helpful trick: ask yourself, “Would I say ‘he is’ or ‘they are’?” and align the verb accordingly.
Another challenge involves prepositions—words that show relationships between nouns and other elements of the sentence, such as time, place, and direction. Common phrases like “on the table,” “in the morning,” or “under the desk” often trip up even advanced ESL speakers. To avoid errors, practice with phrases from daily life, learn set expressions, and resist the urge to translate directly from your native language, since usage can differ dramatically.
Verb tenses are another stumbling block. Many test takers mix up when to use past, present, or future tense. Clue words like “yesterday,” “today,” or “tomorrow” can guide your choice of tense. When reading sample texts or listening to native speakers, observe the verb patterns and mirror them in your writing and speaking.
Beyond grammar, time management is a consistent issue. Some test-takers run out of time before completing their responses, lowering their scores. Efficient pacing is key. Maple News recommends using the official CELPIP practice tests with timers to simulate real test conditions. Also, make sure to read instructions carefully and allocate a few minutes at the end of the writing sections to review your work for avoidable errors.
To make learning more engaging, consider exposing yourself to children’s books or English-language media designed for language learners. These tools often emphasize basic sentence structure, tenses, and prepositions in a fun and accessible way, making them surprisingly effective for adults, too.
Preparing strategically—by focusing on common errors, improving grammar, and managing your time—can significantly boost your chances of scoring higher on the CELPIP Test. Maple News encourages test takers to take advantage of free CELPIP webinars and practice resources to build confidence and reduce test-day stress.