When you tackle CELPIP Speaking Task 8, you’ll be describing a truly odd or unfamiliar object (or scene) to someone who can’t see it. The goal is to paint such a clear picture that the listener can easily imagine every quirky detail. Below is a simple six-part breakdown you can follow, with multiple example lines under each section so you can mix and match to form your own response.
1. Greeting & Context
Briefly greet the person you’re speaking to and explain why you’re describing this strange item or scenario.
- “Hi there! I came across something extremely odd and hoped you could help me figure it out.”
- “Hello! I’m calling because I found an unusual gadget in my attic, and I’m not sure what it is.”
- “Good afternoon. I’ve spotted the strangest product online and wanted to see if your store carries it.”
- “Hey! I discovered a bizarre contraption in my basement and could use your advice.”
- “Hi! Do you have a minute? I stumbled on a really peculiar item and I’d like a second opinion.”
- “Hello, I’m reaching out about something that looks like a mix between a backpack and a fish tank.”
- “Good morning! There’s a curious device here, and I’m not entirely certain how to describe it.”
2. Quick Overview
Offer a short summary of what the item or scene is, before going into detail.
- “It sort of resembles a regular coat, but it has a large hood shaped like animal ears.”
- “It appears to be a coffee maker, yet the top looks like a miniature spaceship.”
- “It looks like some kind of chair, only there’s a handle that flips out on one side.”
- “It seems to be a backpack with clear plastic panels and vents all around.”
- “It’s about the size of a small suitcase, but there’s a curved screen on the front.”
- “It looks like a normal lamp except for a rotating disk at the base.”
- “It seems to be an odd box with multiple buttons and a small speaker attached.”
3. Key Features
Highlight the most striking or peculiar details, such as design, color, attachments, textures, etc.
- “It’s covered in bright neon zigzags running diagonally across the surface.”
- “There’s a round glass dome on top that opens like a tiny hatch.”
- “The exterior feels fuzzy, almost like stuffed-animal fabric.”
- “A series of blinking lights run along each edge, pulsing in different colors.”
- “It has two handles on the back that look like steering rods.”
- “There’s a little compartment on the side, possibly for holding tools or small items.”
- “The bottom part has wheels that swivel in every direction.”
4. Possible Function or Use
Guess what it’s meant for or how it might be used—if you have any clue at all.
- “I’m guessing it’s meant to keep drinks warm while you’re on the move.”
- “It might be a pet carrier, given the vents and handle on top.”
- “It could be designed for someone who wants to charge devices while biking.”
- “I suspect it’s an all-in-one cooking device, but the extra parts are confusing.”
- “It might serve as a decorative lamp, though it’s oddly mechanical for just décor.”
- “It appears to be something for taking care of plants automatically.”
- “I think it’s a hybrid machine for making coffee and music, believe it or not.”
5. Reason for Describing
Explain why you need these details—perhaps you want to buy it, fix it, or identify it.
- “I’m hoping your store can tell me if it’s something you stock or can repair.”
- “I need to see if it’s safe to use before I attempt plugging it in.”
- “I was thinking of getting one as a unique birthday gift, so I’m checking availability.”
- “I’d like to confirm if this is the same model mentioned in your online ad.”
- “I want to see if it’s worth selling or if I should keep it for personal use.”
- “I’m curious if it’s actually designed for travel, because it looks heavy.”
- “I’d love more details on how to operate it correctly, in case I break something.”
6. Wrap Up
Close out politely, possibly with a next step or a “thank you.”
- “Thank you so much for listening—let me know if you have any ideas.”
- “I appreciate your help. I’ll be here if you need more specifics.”
- “Thanks again. I really hope we can figure out what this thing does.”
- “Please contact me if you need photos or more measurements.”
- “I’m grateful for your time. Do let me know if you carry anything similar.”
- “That’s pretty much it. Thanks for helping me make sense of this oddity.”
- “Let me know if you need any clarification—I’m just as puzzled as you might be!”
Most Important & Frequent Words/Vocabulary
Below are some helpful words you can use when describing unusual items. Each one comes with a short definition to make them easy to incorporate:
Descriptive Adjectives
- bizarre: very strange
- peculiar: slightly odd or unusual
- odd: not typical or normal
- strange: hard to understand or unusual
- unusual: not common or expected
- quirky: having an interesting or peculiar charm
- intricate: very detailed or complex
- bulky: large and difficult to handle
- transparent: see-through
- neon: very bright or fluorescent color
Adverbs & Connectors
- slightly: a little bit
- somewhat: to a moderate degree
- noticeably: in a way that is easy to see
- particularly: especially or more than usual
- presumably: very likely or assumed
- alternatively: suggesting another option
- nevertheless: despite what has just been mentioned
- meanwhile: at the same time
- moreover: in addition
- overall: taking everything into account
Action/Function Verbs
- rotate: turn around in a circle
- attach: fix or join something to another
- detach: remove or separate from something
- fold: bend or lay so that one part covers another
- expand: become larger or more extensive
- illuminate: light up or make bright
- operate: make something work or function
- assemble: put parts together to form a whole
- display: show or exhibit
- emit: send out or give off
Speculative Language
- It might be… suggesting a possibility
- It could serve as… offering a potential function
- It’s possible that… indicating uncertainty
- I’m guessing… giving a personal guess
- I suspect… implying a reasoned guess
- I wonder if… expressing curiosity
Prepositions & Directions
- on top (of): above or resting upon
- at the bottom: located in the lowest part
- around the edges: encircling the outer boundary
- inside: contained within
- outside: not within
- near the front: close to the forward-facing side
- beneath: underneath or below
- above: overhead or higher in position
- halfway along: in the middle portion
- to the left / right: on the left-hand or right-hand side
By weaving these terms into your description, you’ll give vivid, organized explanations that truly capture the odd nature of whatever you’re describing in CELPIP Speaking Task 8.