CELPIP Courses | Structured Prep Programs

Welcome to the Essential Collocations module for Law & Public Policy.

CELPIP frequently tests your ability to debate societal rules. You may have to write a survey response about a new city law (Writing Task 2) or express your opinion on a controversial social issue (Speaking Task 7).

To score a CLB 9+, you cannot use casual conversational language. You must sound like a lawyer or a politician by using formal legal collocations.

🤝 1. Verb + Noun Collocations

Do not translate verbs directly from your native language. Memorize these specific verb-noun pairs.

1. To Pass Legislation

Meaning: For a government to officially approve a new law.
The Trap: Do not say "make a law" or "create a rule."
Example (Writing Task 2): "The city council must urgently pass strict legislation to curb industrial pollution."

2. To Enforce Regulations

Meaning: To make sure people obey the rules.
The Trap: Do not say "make people do the rule" or "check the law."
Example (Speaking Task 7): "Having speed limits is useless if the police do not actively enforce the regulations."

3. To Reach a Verdict

Meaning: For a jury or judge to make a final decision in a court case.
The Trap: Do not say "make the court choice."
Example (Listening Part 6): "After three days of intense deliberation, the jury finally reached a guilty verdict."

4. To File a Lawsuit

Meaning: To officially start a legal claim against someone in court.
The Trap: Do not say "start a court fight" or "sue a paper."
Example (Speaking Task 2): "When the company refused to refund my money, I was forced to file a massive lawsuit."

🎨 2. Adjective + Noun Collocations

When describing legal issues, use these established adjective-noun pairs to sound incredibly fluent.

1. Legal Obligation

Meaning: A duty or responsibility that is required by the law.
Example (Writing Task 1): "As my landlord, you have a strict legal obligation to ensure the apartment is safe."

2. Criminal Offense

Meaning: An action that breaks the law and can be punished by the state.
Example (Speaking Task 7): "Dumping toxic waste into the river should be treated as a severe criminal offense."

3. Civil Rights

Meaning: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.
Example (Writing Task 2): "The proposed surveillance cameras are a massive violation of our fundamental civil rights."

4. Binding Contract

Meaning: A legal agreement that cannot be broken without legal consequences.
Example (Writing Task 1): "I refuse to pay the extra fees because they were not outlined in our legally binding contract."

🚀 3. Adverb + Adjective Collocations (The CLB 9+ Flex)

The fastest way to boost your vocabulary score is to combine an 'ly' adverb with an advanced adjective. Banish the word "very" from your vocabulary.

1. Strictly Prohibited

Instead of: "Very not allowed."
Example: "Smoking inside the building is strictly prohibited by law."

2. Legally Binding

Instead of: "A real rule."
Example: "The signature on that document makes the agreement entirely legally binding."

3. Constitutionally Protected

Instead of: "Protected by the country."
Example: "Freedom of speech is a constitutionally protected right that cannot be infringed upon."

4. Heavily Penalized

Instead of: "Given a big punishment."
Example: "Corporations that violate the environmental codes must be heavily penalized."

🎯 Module Specific Application

[!IMPORTANT]
Writing Task 2 (The Social Survey):
When asked to debate a city policy, do not frame it as a personal preference. Frame it as a legal necessity.

Low Score: "I think the city should make a rule against bad driving because it is dangerous."
CLB 9+: "The city has a fundamental legal obligation to pass strict legislation against reckless driving, and the police must aggressively enforce these regulations."

In the next chapter, we look at the news: Essential Collocations for Media & Entertainment.

Collocations for Law & Public Policy