The 3 hardest CELPIP Speaking tasks vary depending on individual strengths. However, several of our CELPIP students have told us that the Speaking tasks we will review in this post are the most challenging. All three CELPIP Speaking tasks require quick thinking, detailed descriptions, and strong persuasion skills.
Our students tell us that the three hardest CELPIP Speaking tasks are:
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Task 7: Expressing Opinion
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Below, we will describe each question type, provide sample questions, and then provide a brief strategy and sample answer, explaining why those answers are good.
If you want a broader range of the CELPIP hardest questions and most commonly made mistakes, watch our How to Pass CELPIP video:
Let’s examine the tasks our CELPIP students tell us are the most challenging, starting with the hardest.
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (Most Challenging)
For Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation, you will be given a statement that sets out a scenario. The scenario will require that you speak to someone to correct a mistake, voice your displeasure or some other situation that will require you to communicate about a problem.
You will be given 60 seconds to prepare and make notes. Then the audio recorder will open and you will speak for 60 seconds. An example of how the question will appear on your computer screen on test day is:
Our students tell us that they find this the most difficult for two reasons. First, they find it challenging because the task often involves delivering bad news, making a complaint, or resolving a conflict, which can be tricky. Second, test-takers struggle to balance being assertive while being polite.
A good answer needs to have several critical elements. You need to structure your answer to provide:
- A polite introduction including a greeting and a brief statement of the problem. Remember to keep a calm and respectful tone.
- Explain the problem clearly providing details and explain why that is a problem for you.
- Offer a suggestion or solution showing a willingness to cooperate.
- End on a positive note emphasizing cooperation.
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions Task 6 question sample
You work in a university administration office. A student has come to you complaining that their professor won’t accept their essay assignment. You call the professor who tells you that the submission deadline was yesterday and that she had repeatedly warned the class of the deadline. The student points out that the course syllabus says the submission deadline is today.
Choose ONE:
EITHER
Talk to the student. Explain why the essay assignment won’t be accepted for submission.
OR
Talk to the professor. Explain why the student’s essay should be accepted for submission.
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions task 6 Sample Answer for Option 1: Talking to the Student (Explaining Why the Essay Won’t Be Accepted)
Hello, I’m Sam, a student support officer here. I understand that the problem is that your professor won’t accept your essay submission because it is past the due date deadline.
I’ve spoken with your professor who told me that they had set the deadline for yesterday. She also mentioned that she had informed the class multiple times in the lead up to the deadline. I appreciate how this must be frustrating for you, and I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
While I understand that the subject syllabus mentions today as the due date, the professor has final authority over submission policies. That means that she is able to change the due dates for assignments as long as she gives plenty of notice to students. Unfortunately, this means that she can choose not to accept your essay at this point.
I recommend that you speak with your professor directly to discuss any possible alternatives, such as partial credit or an extension under special circumstances. In the future, it might be helpful to confirm deadlines with the professor beforehand to avoid any confusion.
I’m sorry for the situation, but I encourage you to reach out to your professor and see if there’s anything that can be done. Let me know if you need any further guidance.
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions Task 7: Expressing Opinion
For CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinion often involves a controversial or abstract topic, which requires forming an opinion on the spot. You only have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond, so there’s little time to structure a well-developed answer. An example of how the question will appear on your computer screen on test day is:
To do well on this task, you need to formulate a well organized answer quickly. Being well-organized, means that your response must have a clear structure. For example, your response should have:
- an introduction that clearly states your opinion
- two reasons, both with examples that support your opinion
- a conclusion that summarises your opinion.
If you ramble or give disorganized answers, you will have lower scores.
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions Task 7 sample question
Speaking Task 7 questions tend to follow the same format. You will be presented with a proposition. You then need to quickly choose whether you will argue for or against that proposition. You do not have time to argue both sides. For example:
Do you think children should have unlimited access to the internet, or should their usage be restricted? Explain your reasons?
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions Task 7 sample answer
I strongly believe that children’s internet usage should be restricted.
First of all, unrestricted internet access exposes them to inappropriate content. For example, social media and certain websites may contain harmful information that can negatively influence young minds.
Secondly, excessive internet use can affect their health and academic performance. Many children spend too much time on screens instead of engaging in outdoor activities or studying. Therefore, limiting their internet access can help them develop healthier habits.
In conclusion, I believe internet restrictions are necessary to protect children’s well-being and education.
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
We are told by our students that CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation is difficult because the image you will be shown is often a bit odd or unexpected, making it harder to describe. To do well on this task, you need to think quickly and be prepared to explain why it’s unusual and suggest possible reasons.
You only have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond, so there’s little time to formulate a well-developed answer. An example of how the question will appear on your computer screen on test day is:
Like many of the other speaking tasks, to do well on this task, you need to be able to formulate a well organized answer quickly. For example, your response should have:
- an introduction that describes the main subject clearly
- explain what is unusual or odd about the subject
- offer possible explanations
CELPIP Speaking hardest questions task 8 sample question
You see a man sitting on a beach wearing winter clothes on a hot day. Describe the situation.
Celpip Speaking hardest questions task 8 sample answer
In this picture, I see a man sitting on a sandy beach during what appears to be a hot, sunny day. The sky is clear, and there are people in the background wearing swimsuits and enjoying the ocean.
However, what makes this scene unusual is that the man is dressed in full winter clothing—he is wearing a thick coat, a scarf, gloves, and even boots! He seems completely out of place compared to the rest of the beachgoers.
There could be several explanations for this strange situation. Perhaps he has just arrived from a very cold country and hasn’t had time to change his clothes. Another possibility is that he lost a bet with his friends and is being forced to wear winter clothing as a joke. It is also possible that he has a medical condition that makes him feel cold even in warm weather.
Whatever the reason, I imagine he must be feeling very uncomfortable in that heavy outfit under the scorching sun. This picture certainly creates a funny and puzzling scene!
If you enjoyed our CELPIP Speaking hardest questions task breakdown but you would like to learn more about the others, watch our video below:
Next Steps
Passing your CELPIP is a massive step for making your Canadian dream a reality. Create your free account at E2, and let us help you make it happen.
About the author:
E2 is your trusted CELPIP test prep provider. We have helped over 2 million students achieve CELPIP success for over 10 years. Our experienced teachers are highly trained, and our training content and materials are of the highest quality.
Your next step to CELPIP success is to sign up for free, join one of our live classes and try some of our high-quality practice activities and assessments.