CELPIP Speaking Samples and Templates: Tasks 1–8 with Sample Answers

Task 1: Giving Advice

30 sec prep · 90 sec recording

Sample question: Your friend is thinking about quitting her full-time job to study nursing. She is excited but worried about money. Give her advice.

Template

1. Acknowledge the situation in one sentence.
2. Main advice + a reason tied to the person's problem.
3. Second advice + a concrete example.
4. Close with one clear next step.

Sample answer

“Sofia, I think nursing would suit you really well, and it's smart that you're thinking about money before you decide. My first suggestion is to keep working at least part-time while you finish the prerequisite courses. Many programs let you take those courses in the evening, so you could find out whether you enjoy the subject without losing your income right away. Second, I'd look into financial support before you quit. Some colleges offer bursaries for career changers, and a few employers help with tuition if you agree to work for them after you graduate. Even a small grant would reduce the pressure a lot. Finally, try to build a savings cushion of about three months of expenses. That way, an unexpected bill won't force you to drop out halfway through. So my advice is to start the first course this fall, keep your job for now, and make the full switch once your funding is clear.”

Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

30 sec prep · 60 sec recording

Sample question: Talk about a time you helped someone in an unexpected situation. What happened, and how did you feel?

Template

1. When and where it happened.
2. What happened, in time order (first, then, finally).
3. How it ended.
4. How you felt or what you learned.

Sample answer

“Last winter, I was waiting for a bus near my apartment when an older man slipped on the ice right in front of me. At first, he couldn't stand up, so I helped him sit on a bench and asked if anything hurt. He said his wrist was painful, so I called his daughter on his phone. While we waited, I kept him talking about his grandchildren so he would stay calm. About twenty minutes later, his daughter arrived and drove him to a clinic. I missed my bus and was late for work, but I didn't mind. I felt glad that I had stopped instead of walking past.”

Task 3: Describing a Scene

30 sec prep · 60 sec recording

Sample question: Describe a picture of a community garden on a sunny Saturday morning to someone who cannot see it.

Template

1. One-sentence overview of the whole scene.
2. Foreground: the people closest to you and what they are doing.
3. Left, centre, right: two or three details with colours or objects.
4. Background, then the overall mood.

Sample answer

“This picture shows a busy community garden on a sunny morning. In the foreground, a woman in a straw hat is kneeling beside a vegetable bed and pulling weeds. Next to her, a little boy is holding a green watering can that looks almost too heavy for him. On the left, two older men are building a wooden fence, and one of them is measuring a board. In the centre, there's a long table covered with baskets of tomatoes and lettuce. In the background, I can see a row of apartment buildings and a few people walking their dogs. Overall, it looks like a friendly, relaxed neighbourhood event.”

Task 4: Making Predictions

30 sec prep · 60 sec recording

Sample question: Look at the same community garden picture. What will probably happen next?

Template

1. Lead with your main prediction.
2. Prediction 2 + a reason you can see in the picture.
3. Prediction 3 + a reason.
4. Wrap up with what the scene will look like later.

Sample answer

“I think the volunteers are going to finish their work and then share the vegetables. The woman will probably finish weeding soon, and then she'll help the boy water the plants, because his can still looks full. The two men will likely finish the fence before lunch, since most of the boards are already in place. After that, I expect the people at the table will put the tomatoes and lettuce into bags for neighbours to take home. Some families might stay for a small picnic, because the weather looks perfect. By the afternoon, the garden will probably be quiet and tidy again.”

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

60 sec to choose · 60 sec prep · 60 sec recording

Sample question: Your family is planning a weekend activity. You chose a one-day cooking class; your brother suggests a hiking trip instead. Persuade your family that your choice is better.

Template

1. Restate your choice and briefly acknowledge the other option.
2. Reason 1: compare both options on the same point.
3. Reason 2: compare both options on a second point.
4. Close by restating your choice and a next step.

Sample answer

“I know the hiking trip sounds fun, but I really think the cooking class is the better choice for our family this weekend. First, the forecast says it might rain on Saturday, and a muddy trail with the kids wouldn't be enjoyable. The cooking class is indoors, so the weather won't matter at all. Second, we can go hiking any weekend for free, but this class is a special one-day event that teaches Italian dishes. We'd also come home with recipes we can use again for family dinners. So let's book the cooking class now and save the hike for a sunny day next month.”

Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

60 sec prep · 60 sec recording

Sample question: Your manager has asked you to work this Saturday, but you promised to help your best friend move apartments that day. Choose one person to talk to and explain your decision.

Template

1. Speak to the person and name the problem.
2. State your decision clearly.
3. Give the main reason.
4. Offer a practical way to make it up, then close politely.

Sample answer

“Hi Jason, I need to talk to you about Saturday, and I'm really sorry about this. My manager asked me to cover a shift because two people are sick, and the store can't open without one more person. I've decided to say yes, because my team is depending on me. I know this makes moving day harder for you. To help, I'll come over on Friday evening to pack boxes with you, and I'll pay for a moving helper for the morning. I can also come straight after my shift to help you unpack. I hope you understand.”

Task 7: Expressing Opinions

30 sec prep · 90 sec recording

Sample question: Do you agree or disagree: cities should make public transit free for everyone? Explain your reasons.

Template

1. State your opinion in the first sentence.
2. Reason 1 + a short example.
3. Reason 2 + a short example.
4. Acknowledge the other side briefly, then restate your opinion.

Sample answer

“In my opinion, cities should make public transit free, or at least much cheaper, for everyone. My first reason is that it would reduce traffic. If people didn't have to pay every time they rode the bus, many would leave their cars at home for short trips. For example, when my city offered free transit during a summer festival, the buses were full and downtown parking was much easier to find. My second reason is fairness. For a family on a tight budget, transit fares can add up to more than a hundred dollars a month, which is money they could use for food or rent. Free transit would make it easier for them to get to work, school, and medical appointments. Of course, someone has to pay for the system, so the city might need to raise parking fees or find other funding. Still, I believe the benefits for traffic and fairness are worth the cost.”

Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

30 sec prep · 60 sec recording

Sample question: You see an unusual object in a shop. Call your friend, who owns a small cafe, and describe it so she can decide whether to buy it.

Template

1. Say what it is overall.
2. Shape, size, colour, and material.
3. Main parts and where they are.
4. What it is probably used for, then help the listener decide.

Sample answer

“Hi Ana, I found something unusual that might work for your cafe. It's a bicycle, but there's a small wooden bookshelf attached behind the seat. The shelf is about the size of a suitcase, painted light blue, and it has two levels with a little railing so the books don't fall out. On the front, there's a metal basket and a sign that says Free Books. I think it's meant to be parked outside as a decoration and a mini library. It costs two hundred dollars. If you want something eye-catching for the entrance, I'd say it's worth it.”

Task 1 / Task 5 (Advice or Persuade)

• Open: “I recommend choosing OPTION because…”
• Reason 1 + example.
• Reason 2 + example.
• Close: “So overall, OPTION fits better for …”

Task 3 (Describe a Scene)

• Start global → move left to right → then background.
• Use location words: “in the foreground”, “on the left”, “in the distance”.
• Include 2–3 details (colors, actions, objects).

Task 4 (Predictions)

• Open: “I think they will…”
• Prediction 1 + why; Prediction 2 + why.
• Use future markers: will / going to / probably / likely.

Task 7 (Opinion)

• Open: “In my opinion, …”
• 2 clear reasons; each with a short example.
• Close: “That’s why I believe …”

Task 1: Giving Advice

“I recommend choosing the public park. First, it creates green space for families and reduces city noise. For example, our nearby park hosts free events that bring neighbors together. Second, it’s cheaper to maintain than a shopping mall and promotes health. So overall, the park benefits more people.”

Task 4: Making Predictions

“I think the couple will book a small hotel for the weekend. They look relaxed and have light luggage, so they probably just want a short break. They might also visit museums nearby, because they’re holding a city map. That’s why I believe they’ll stay in the downtown area.”