How to use the Registers
By Michael Ukwuma
What a register is, why topic words raise your Vocabulary score, and a five minute routine for learning them.
A register is the set of words and phrases that belong to a particular area of life. The way people talk in a hospital is different from the way they talk at a school meeting or a city council. CELPIP tasks are built around these everyday areas.
When you can reach for the right word for the situation, your Vocabulary score rises and your answers sound natural. Raters look for word choice that suits the context, range and precision.
How to use them
- Skim one register for two minutes. Do not try to memorize everything.
- Choose five words or phrases you would really use.
- Say the model sentences aloud, then make one of your own for each of your five.
- Use at least two of them in your next writing or speaking practice task.
- Two days later, cover the page and try to recall your five.
A word of caution
Use a word only when you are sure of its meaning and how it sits in a sentence. One precise everyday word beats three impressive words used wrongly.
Our rule. Learn phrases, not single words. 'Book an appointment' is more useful than 'appointment' on its own.
Key points
- Registers are topic vocabularies.
- Five words at a time, used in real practice.
- Phrases beat single words.