CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Template (Describing an Unusual Situation)

Master CELPIP Speaking Task 8 by describing unusual items or scenes clearly and concisely. Learn an easy template, get example phrases, and ace your speaking score.

Matthew ZareCELPIP Instructor
5 min read

The visual tour

  1. Story

    Hi [Name]. I know you have been looking for [Object]...

  2. Reaction

    I haven't seen anything this unique in a long time!

  3. Overview

    Describe the whole object + Size.

  4. Outer layer

    Describe what surrounds it (Fence/Walls).

  5. Centerpiece

    Describe the main attraction.

  6. Details

    Mention 1-2 small features.

  7. Close

    Do you think the kids would enjoy playing here, or is it a bit too colorful for them?

Video lesson· 11:19

A three line note, written in 30 seconds, that fills the whole minute

Jump to14

A real Task 8 question from the question bank, the note that made the answer, and the full 60 second description. Then the vocabulary: position words, the five connecting phrases, and what to say when you do not know the word for the thing in the picture.

CELPIP Speaking Task 8: The 3-Line Note That Fills 60 Seconds

The full CELPIP Speaking Course is free: CELPIP Speaking Course · More lessons on the CELTESTPIP YouTube channel

Goal

Describe a specific, often unusual scene to someone (a friend or family member) who cannot see it. You must paint a vivid picture using high-level vocabulary.

What the Examiner Looks For (Assessment Criteria)

  • Grammar (The "Emotional Connection")

    To show true interest or feeling in English, you must use the Present Perfect Tense (Have/Has + Past Participle).

    • Simple Past (Cold/Fact): "I didn't see this before." (Sounds robotic/disinterested).
    • Present Perfect (Warm/Interested): "I haven't seen anything like this before!" (Shows excitement/connection).

  • Vocabulary (Quality Adjectives)

    You must replace "Baby English" (Big, Good, Pretty) with "Level 9 Words" (Sizable, Magnificent, Enchanting).

  • Structure (The "20-Second Bridge")

    Do NOT describe the picture immediately. Spend the first 15-20 seconds building a story to burn time.

Step 1: The Setup (Tone, Story & Grammar)

Goal: Determine your feeling (Love vs. Interest), build the story, and use Present Perfect to sound natural.

A. The "Excitement Check"

The Prompt

"Whimsical candy playground."

Your Reaction

Fun/Exciting. → Enthusiastic Tone.

B. The Story Formula (Using Present Perfect)

Instead of starting with "I am here," connect it to the past using Have been.

  • Weak (Simple Past/Present):

    "Hi Sarah. You wanted a park. I found one."

    Strong (Present Perfect):

    "Hi Sarah. I have been thinking about what you said regarding a new park for the kids, and I think I have finally found the perfect spot."

Drafting Your Opening

"Hi Kathy. I know you have been searching for a unique playground for the kids for months. Well, I am walking through that new park right now, and I haven't seen anything quite like this before!"

Step 2: The Visual Tour (General → Specific)

Goal: Describe the object logically so the listener can visualize it. Do not jump around.

Strategy Table

Use this structure to organize your description.

  1. Stage: The Overview

    Action

    Describe the whole object + Size.

    Phrase Example

    "It is a sizable playground designed to look exactly like a candy land."

  2. Stage: The Outer Layer

    Action

    Describe what surrounds it (Fence/Walls).

    Phrase Example

    "The first thing you see is a vibrant fence made of giant, colorful candy canes."

  3. Stage: The Centerpiece

    Action

    Describe the main attraction.

    Phrase Example

    "In the center, there is a magnificent tower that looks like a cupcake."

  4. Stage: The Details

    Action

    Mention 1-2 small features.

    Phrase Example

    "There are numerous details, like stepping stones that look like Oreo cookies."

Step 3: The Closing (The Specific Question)

Goal: You must end the call naturally by asking the specific question found in the prompt.

Don't just say goodbye.

Look at the text at the bottom of the image.

Example

"Do you think the kids would enjoy playing here, or is it a bit too colorful for them?"

CELPIP Speaking Part 8: Model Answer (Score 9+)

Situation: You are walking through a new neighborhood park and you discover a very whimsical playground designed entirely with a candy theme.
Task: Call your friend, Sarah. Describe the playground in detail, specifically the equipment and the decorations, and suggest she bring her children here.

Start of Response

Hi Sarah. I know you have been searching for a unique place to take the kids for months, and I remember you said you wanted something that really stands out. Well, I am walking through the new neighborhood park right now, and I haven't seen anything quite like this before!

  1. Step 1: Story + Present Perfect

You won't believe this, but there is a stunning playground here designed entirely around a candy theme. It is quite sizable, so there is plenty of space for the children to run around.

  1. Tone: Enthusiastic
  2. Step 2: Overview

The decorations are absolutely enchanting. The entire area is surrounded by a vibrant fence that is shaped like giant, multi-colored candy canes.

  1. Step 2: Decorations

In terms of equipment, there is a magnificent play tower in the center shaped like a cupcake, complete with pink frosting on the roof. Leading up to it, there are fascinating stepping stones that look exactly like miniature Oreo cookies. It really is a delightful setup.

  1. Step 2: Equipment
  2. Step 2: Details

I really think you should bring the kids here this weekend; they would absolutely love it.

  1. Step 3: The Suggestion

Universal Templates

Memorize these openers and the Top 4 Adjectives for each category.

1. The Story Opener(Present Perfect)

  • "Hi [Name]. I know you have been looking for [Object]..."
  • "Hi [Name]. I have been thinking about our conversation regarding [Topic]..."

2. The Reaction(Emotional Connection)

  • "I haven't seen anything this unique in a long time!"
  • "I have never come across such a stunning design before."

  • 3. Size Adjectives (Replace "Big")

    • Sizable
    • Massive
    • Colossal
    • Mammoth

  • 4. Beauty Adjectives (Replace "Pretty")

    • Stunning
    • Enchanting
    • Exquisite
    • Vibrant

  • 5. Interest Adjectives (Replace "Interesting")

    • Fascinating
    • Intriguing
    • Captivating
    • Unique

  • 6. Quality Adjectives (Replace "Good")

    • Superb
    • Magnificent
    • Splendid
    • Marvelous

Put the template to work

Answer a real Speaking Task 8 question against the clock and get your answer scored.

Practise Speaking Task 8

Answer templates

Every CELPIP task, one template each

All templates
Speaking8 templates
  1. S1Giving Advice
  2. S2Personal Experience
  3. S3Describing a Scene
  4. S4Making Predictions
  5. S5Comparing and Persuading
  6. S6Difficult Situation
  7. S7Expressing Opinions
  8. S8Describing an Unusual SituationReading
Writing2 templates
  1. W1Writing an Email
  2. W2Survey Question

Related articles

All Speaking guides

About the author

Matthew Zare
Matthew Zare

CELPIP Instructor

Strategic CELPIP Coaching for Express Entry

View profile and articles

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.