The CELPIP Speaking Test comprises eight distinct tasks, each designed to assess various aspects of your English communication skills. Having a structured approach for each task can significantly enhance your performance. Below is a concise guide to each task, complete with templates and short sample responses.
Task 1: Giving Advice
In this task, you're required to provide advice to someone facing a specific situation.
Template:
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Greeting and Acknowledgment: Start by greeting the individual and acknowledging their situation.
- Sample: "Hi [Name], I understand you're considering moving to a new city for work."
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Suggestion: Offer your advice clearly.
- Sample: "I suggest you research the cost of living and job opportunities in that city."
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Reasoning: Provide reasons or examples to support your suggestion.
- Sample: "This will help you determine if the move aligns with your career goals and financial plans."
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Encouragement: Conclude with positive words to motivate them.
- Sample: "I'm confident that with thorough research, you'll make the best decision for your future."
Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience
Here, you need to narrate a personal experience related to a given topic.
Template:
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Introduction: Set the scene by mentioning when and where the event occurred.
- Sample: "Last summer, I attended a music festival in my hometown."
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Main Event: Describe the events that took place, highlighting key details.
- Sample: "The atmosphere was electrifying, with live bands playing and people dancing joyfully."
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Conclusion: Reflect on the outcome or what you learned from the experience.
- Sample: "It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for live music."
Task 3: Describing a Scene
In this task, you'll describe an image in detail to convey a clear picture to someone who cannot see it.
Template:
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Brief Introduction: Provide a general overview of the scene.
- Sample: "The image depicts a bustling city park on a sunny afternoon."
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Overall Environment or Location: Describe the setting and ambiance.
- Sample: "Children are playing on the playground, while adults relax on benches under the shade of trees."
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Main People and Actions: Highlight the primary individuals and their activities.
- Sample: "A group of teenagers is playing frisbee, and a couple is walking their dog along the path."
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Additional Details: Mention other notable elements in the scene.
- Sample: "Vendors are selling ice cream from colorful carts, and a fountain is spraying water nearby."
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Overall Mood: Convey the general feeling or atmosphere.
- Sample: "The scene exudes a lively and cheerful atmosphere."
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Conclusion: Summarize the scene succinctly.
- Sample: "Overall, it's a vibrant snapshot of community life in the park."
Task 4: Making Predictions
Using the same image from Task 3, predict what might happen next.
Template:
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Brief Recap: Summarize the current situation depicted in the image.
- Sample: "Currently, the park is filled with people enjoying various activities."
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Prediction: State what you believe will happen next.
- Sample: "I anticipate that as the afternoon progresses, more families will arrive for picnics."
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Reasoning: Explain the rationale behind your prediction.
- Sample: "The clear weather and availability of open spaces make it an ideal spot for gatherings."
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Alternative Outcome (Optional): Mention another possible scenario.
- Sample: "Alternatively, if the weather changes, people might start leaving the park earlier than planned."
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Conclusion: Wrap up your prediction.
- Sample: "Overall, the park is likely to remain a hub of activity throughout the day."
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
In this task, you'll compare two options and persuade someone to choose your preferred one.
Template:
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Greeting and Context: Introduce the options and the purpose of your comparison.
- Sample: "Hi [Name], I understand you're choosing between buying a sedan or an SUV."
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Introduce the Items: Briefly describe both options.
- Sample: "The sedan offers better fuel efficiency, while the SUV provides more space."
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Indicate Your Choice: State your preferred option clearly.
- Sample: "I believe the SUV would be a better choice for you."
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Compare and Give Reasons: Provide reasons for your choice, highlighting advantages.
- Sample: "Considering your large family and love for road trips, the SUV's spaciousness and comfort are ideal."
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Address the Other Person's Preference: Acknowledge the merits of the other option but explain why your choice is better.
- Sample: "While the sedan is more fuel-efficient, it might not accommodate your family's needs on long trips."
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Conclude Politely: Summarize your points and restate your recommendation.
- Sample: "Overall, I think the SUV aligns better with your lifestyle and would be a more practical choice."
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
This task requires you to explain how you would handle a challenging scenario.
Template:
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Context and Greeting: Describe the situation and greet the person involved.
- Sample: "Hi [Name], I need to discuss an issue regarding the project deadline."
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State Your Decision: Clearly express your chosen course of action.
- Sample: "I propose we request a one-week extension to ensure quality work."
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Provide Reasons: Justify your decision with logical reasons.
- Sample: "Our team has encountered unexpected challenges, and additional time will allow us to address them effectively."
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Address Possible Concerns or Offer Alternatives: Acknowledge any potential issues and suggest alternatives if applicable.
- Sample: "I understand this may affect the overall timeline, but we can prioritize critical tasks to minimize delays."
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Wrap Up: Conclude with a reaffirmation of your decision and maintain a positive tone.
- Sample: "I believe this approach will lead to a successful project outcome. Thank you for your understanding."
Task 7: Expressing Opinions
In this task, you'll share your viewpoint on a given statement or question.
Template:
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Greeting and Introduction: Introduce the topic and greet the listener.
- Sample: "Hello, I'd like to share my thoughts on the importance of remote work."
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State Your Position: Clearly express your opinion.
- Sample: "I firmly believe that remote work offers numerous benefits to both employees and employers."
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Provide Reasons: Offer supporting arguments for your stance.
- Sample: "It provides flexibility, reduces commuting time, and can lead to increased productivity."
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Address a Counterargument: Acknowledge an opposing view and refute it.
- Sample: "Some argue that remote work hampers collaboration, but with modern communication tools, teams can stay connected effectively."
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Summarize or Conclude: Reiterate your main points and restate your opinion.
- Sample: "In summary, the advantages of remote work make it a viable option for many organizations."
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Wrap Up Politely: End with a courteous closing remark.
- Sample: "Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter."
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Here, you'll describe a unique or unexpected scenario to someone who isn't present.
Template:
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Introduction: Set the scene by explaining where and when the situation occurred.
- Sample: "Yesterday evening, I witnessed an unusual event at the downtown park."
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Describe the Unusual Situation: Detail what makes the situation unique or unexpected.
- Sample: "A group of people dressed in vintage 18th-century attire were performing a spontaneous dance routine."
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Explain People's Reactions: Share how others around responded to the situation.
- Sample: "Bystanders were surprised and gathered around, taking photos and videos."
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Share Your Own Feelings or Thoughts: Express your personal reaction to the event.
- Sample: "I was fascinated and delighted by the unexpected display of art and history."
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Conclude with the Outcome: Explain how the situation concluded or its impact.
- Sample: "The performance lasted about 15 minutes, leaving the audience cheerful and appreciative."