🎓 Ace Your CELPIP Speaking Test: Tips, Strategies, and Templates
Are you preparing for the CELPIP Speaking Test and looking for ways to ace it? Look no further! In this article, we will share with you the exact tips, strategies, and templates that helped us get a CLB 12 and ace all 8 CELPIP Speaking tasks. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Task 1: Giving Advice
Task 1 is about giving advice. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to talk. In Task 1, you'll be presented with a scenario where you need to advise someone. It could be a friend, a family member, or a colleague. This question might look something like this: "Your friend is planning to move to a new city and is seeking advice. Provide your recommendations."
The first tip is to speak directly to that person. Address the person as if they are right in front of you. For example, "Hey Sarah, moving to a new city is exciting, but I have some tips that might help you."
The second tip is to make sure you offer at least two or three specific pieces of advice. For example, "Firstly, researching neighborhoods for safety and convenience is key. Secondly, it's wise to secure a job before moving."
The third tip is to use your imagination and tell a story or example. For example, "I remember when I moved to Vancouver and how researching schools helped me find the best place for my family."
The next tip is to use proper transitions and organize your thoughts with transitions like "firstly," "secondly," and "finally." It helps the listener to follow along.
The last tip is to use a closing statement because it adds a nice touch. It could be as simple as, "I hope these tips make your move smoother. Good luck!"
Pros: Offers specific advice, uses storytelling, and proper transitions.
Cons: None.
Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience
Task 2 is about talking about a personal experience. The question will be something like, "Talk about a time when you helped someone. What did you do, and how did it feel?"
Start by clearly setting the scene and describing the situation briefly to provide content. For example, "Back in college, I had a roommate who was struggling with his studies, and I saw an opportunity to assist."
Next, share your actions. This is where you detail what you actually did. So, don't be afraid to go into specifics. For example, "I noticed he was having trouble with math, so we set up weekly sessions where I helped him understand some formulas."
Since the task often asks about how you feel, make sure to express your feelings. For example, "Helping him succeed was not only rewarding but also strengthened our friendship. I felt proud and fulfilled."
Tip number four is to make your story more engaging. Use descriptive language that creates a picture. For example, "I'll never forget the smile on his face when he passed his exam. It was a moment of pure joy and accomplishment."
Finally, finish off with a reflective statement about the experience. For example, "This experience taught me the value of empathy and the impact small gestures can have. It's something I'll always cherish."
Pros: Uses storytelling and descriptive language.
Cons: None.
Task 3: Describing a Scene
Task 3 is about describing a scene. You've got about 30 seconds to prepare and then 60 seconds to talk. You will be shown a picture, and your job is to describe it as vividly as possible.
You should start your description by setting the scene. For example, "Alright, what we have got here is a busy downtown park."
The second tip is to go from the main things to the minor things. So, try to prioritize your description. Start with the most noticeable elements, and then you can move on to the smaller details.
The third tip is to use spatial terms. Phrases like "in the background," "in the foreground," "beside," "next to," "above," "below," can really make your description pop. So, if something significant is located in a particular corner of the image, point it out. Say something like, "In the top right corner, it helps the listener to visualize the scene."
Finally, don't forget to wrap it up. A simple closing like this can really put a bow on your task. You can say something like, "So, that's a little glimpse into this lively downtown park. Hope that paints a good picture for you."
Pros: Uses spatial terms and prioritizes description.
Cons: None.
Task 4: Making Predictions
Task 4 is about making predictions. You'll be looking at the same picture you saw in Task 3, but this time you're going to predict what is going to happen next. This task tests your ability to use future tenses like "will" and "is going to."
You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to talk. You can always start things off by saying, "I think several things are going to happen in the next few minutes." This sets the stage for your predictions.
The next step is to lay out multiple predictions. Don't just focus on one thing. Try to aim for at least three or four different predictions. For example, if you see a picture of a family packing for a camping trip, predict something like this: "The family will probably arrive at the campsite before sunset. Then, they are going to set up the tent."
The next tip is to use future tense a lot. So, drop "will" and "is going to" a lot. Say things like, "The father there will likely start a campfire," or "The kids are going to explore the nearby stream."
Also, give a tiny bit of reasoning for each prediction. For example, "Since they are packing a lot of fishing gear, I assume they'll spend a good chunk of time by the lake."
Finally, wrap up. In this case, you can wrap up with something like this: "Anyways, those were some of my predictions in this scene."
Pros: Uses future tense and gives reasoning for predictions.
Cons: None.
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Task 5 is about comparing and persuading. You start off with 60 seconds to decide between two options. For example, maybe it's choosing between going on a road trip and going on a flight.
You have another 60 seconds to get ready for your speech. This is your chance to think about why your choice is better compared to the other option.
Then, it's showtime. You have a full 60 seconds to lay down your argument and hopefully make a believer out of your imaginary friend, family member, or co-worker.
The strategy we personally use, which was very successful, is to start by acknowledging the other option. For example, you can say something like, "Hey, I know you're all about the road trip, and that's cool. But let me tell you why flying is a game-changer."
Next, you have to line up at least two or three strong reasons to back your choice. For example, if you like flying, you can mention how flying is much quicker or more convenient. You should also use comparative words. You have to ditch the numbers and get descriptive. For example, instead of saying, "My option takes three hours while yours takes five hours," you should say something like, "My option is way faster because the examiners are listening to comparative words like 'easier,' 'closer,' 'cheaper,' and so on."
You have to close with conviction. You have to finish strong by summing up your points. For example, you can say something like, "So yeah, that's why flying will get us to the fun way quicker than a road trip. I hope you're on board with that."
Pros: Uses comparative words and descriptive language.
Cons: None.
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Task 6 is about dealing with a difficult situation. You have a solid 60 seconds to brainstorm, and you have another 60 seconds to make the imaginary call to a friend or a family member to explain a situation.
You have to begin with basics. Always start off by a casual greeting. Something like, "Hi, it's Ali calling. How are you?"
Next, you have to acknowledge their feelings. If they are going through something, you have to show empathy. For example, "I'm so sorry to hear about your tough day. It really sucks, and I understand."
Then, you have to drop the bomb carefully. You have to explain why you can't make it to whatever event or situation they are counting on you.
Next, you have to offer an alternative. Say something like, "I'll be thrilled to help you in any way I can, just not today or tomorrow. How does next weekend sound?" It shows that you are not bailing completely, just postponing your support.
Finally, you have to wrap it up. You have to close the call on a positive note. For example, you can say something like, "Thank you so much for getting where I'm coming from. It means a lot."
Pros: Shows empathy and offers an alternative.
Cons: None.
Task 7: Expressing Opinions
Task 7 is about expressing opinions. It gives you a chance to show how well you can articulate your viewpoints. Just like Task 1, you have 30 seconds to collect your thoughts and then 90 seconds to express your opinions.
Be straight up with your opinion from the get-go. You have to start with something like this: "In my opinion, implementing a four-day workweek is a win-win for everyone."
Next, you have to unpack your opinion. Go for details and bring out two or three solid reasons to support your stance. You can utilize transitions like "firstly," "secondly," and so on.
90 seconds is a lot, so you can use it tactfully. You can improve your response with a story. It could be real or imaginary. It adds credibility and makes your response more relatable.
Finally, you have to close it strong. As you wrap it up, you have to restate your opinion and put a nice little bow on it. For example, "So, those are some of the reasons why I strongly feel that a four-day workweek is beneficial."
Pros: Uses storytelling and transitions.
Cons: None.
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Task 8 is about describing an unusual situation. You get a quick 30 seconds to eyeball this weird picture that CELPIP is going to show you, and then you have got 60 seconds to paint a picture with your words.
You have to start with a casual opener. Something like this: "Hey John, it's Ali. You won't believe what I'm looking at right now in Stanley Park." Sentences like this draw the listener into the scene right away.
Next, you have to dive into the details. Here is where you go beyond the weird or unusual to really capture what you're seeing. Think about color, shapes, maybe actions or people involved. Is there something funny about the setting?
Next, you have to try to describe the picture in a way that touches on multiple senses. For example, you can't say something like, "It smells like freshly baked cookies but looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie."
Finally, you have to add a dash of emotion. You have to really feel that. How does the scene make you feel? Does it make you excited? Does it make you confused? You have to share that too because it adds an extra layer to your description.
And, of course, you have to wrap up carefully. You have to conclude with something like this: "So, that's the quirky scene I'm looking at right now. Hopefully, I managed to paint a good picture for you."
Pros: Uses descriptive language and touches on multiple senses.
Cons: None.
Highlights
- Speak directly to the person in Task 1.
- Use storytelling in Task 2.
- Prioritize your description in Task 3.
- Use comparative words in Task 5.
- Show empathy in Task 6.
- Use transitions in Task 7.
- Touch on multiple senses in Task 8.
FAQs
Q: How long is the CELPIP Speaking Test?
A: The CELPIP Speaking Test takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Q: How many tasks are there in the CELPIP Speaking Test?
A: There are eight tasks in the CELPIP Speaking Test.
Q: Can I use notes during the CELPIP Speaking Test?
A: No, you cannot use notes during the CELPIP Speaking Test.
Q: How is the CELPIP Speaking Test scored?
A: The CELPIP Speaking Test is scored on a scale of 1 to 12.
Q: Can I retake the CELPIP Speaking Test?
A: Yes, you can retake the CELPIP Speaking Test as many times as you want.
Resources:
- [CELPIP Speaking Test](https://www.celpip.ca/celpip-speaking-test/)
