The 8 CELPIP speaking tasks: timing and how to approach each

The speaking test has a practice task and eight scored tasks and takes about 15–20 minutes. Each task gives you a short preparation time and then records your answer.

Tasks and timing

What is rated

Speaking is rated on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability (rhythm, pronunciation and intonation; pauses, interjections and self-correction; grammar and sentence variety) and Task Fulfillment (relevance, completeness, tone and length).

An approach for each task

• 1 · Advice: name the situation, give two or three pieces of advice each with a reason, end with encouragement. You have 90 seconds, so develop each idea.
• 2 · Personal experience: when, where and who; events in order; how you felt or what you learned.
• 3 · Scene: big picture first, then move through the scene in one direction. Who is where, doing what.
• 4 · Predictions: two or three predictions with reasons based on details you can see. Vary will, be going to, probably, might.
• 5 · Compare and persuade: in Part 2, acknowledge the other person’s preference, then compare directly and give two or three advantages of your choice.
• 6 · Difficult situation: state your choice, keep a diplomatic tone, explain, and offer a solution.
• 7 · Opinions: position in the first sentence, two reasons with examples, restate at the end.
• 8 · Unusual situation: shape, size, colour, material; compare it with something familiar; say what is strange about it.

Practise the way the test works

Use a timer for both preparation and speaking, record yourself, and listen back. Aim to use most of the speaking time at a natural pace rather than finishing early.