CELPIP Speaking

Understanding the CELPIP Speaking Test

The CELPIP Speaking test is computer-based - you speak into a microphone, and your responses are recorded. There is no human interviewer, which allows you to focus entirely on your responses. Before the scored tasks begin, you'll get an unscored practice task (typically around 30 seconds prep and 30-60 seconds of speaking) where you can test your microphone, adjust your volume, and settle into the format. Use it as a warm-up - it doesn't count toward your score.

Test Format

The Speaking section consists of 8 scored tasks plus 1 unscored practice task at the beginning.

Task

Name

Prep Time

Speaking Time

1

Giving Advice

30 sec

90 sec

2

Talking About Personal Experience

30 sec

60 sec

3

Describing a Scene

30 sec

60 sec

4

Making Predictions

30 sec

60 sec

5

Comparing and Persuading

60 sec (selection) + 60 sec prep

60 sec

6

Dealing with a Difficult Situation

60 sec

60 sec

7

Expressing Opinions

30 sec

90 sec

8

Describing an Unusual Situation

30 sec

60 sec

A note on pacing: Tasks 1 and 7 are the only tasks with 90 seconds of speaking time instead of 60 - but they still give you only 30 seconds to prepare. This makes them the most challenging from a pacing perspective: You have less prep time per second of speaking than any other task. Plan to practice these two specifically until you can fill the full 90 seconds without running out of ideas.

Assessment Criteria

Criterion

What It Measures

Content/Coherence

Relevance, organization, flow

Vocabulary

Range, accuracy, appropriateness

Listenability

Clarity, pace, pronunciation

Task Fulfillment

Complete response to prompt

How to Use These Templates

The following templates are structural frameworks, not scripts. Memorize the shape of each response (opening → main points → closing), not the exact wording. Raters score thousands of responses and quickly recognize overused template phrases - relying on them word-for-word can hurt your Vocabulary score (limited range) and your Listenability score (rehearsed delivery sounds unnatural).

Use the templates this way:

• Internalize the structure so you never have to think about organization during the test
• Vary the exact wording based on the prompt - if the topic is a serious workplace conflict, "I'd be happy to give you some advice" sounds wrong; "Let me share what I'd do in your shoes" fits better
• Use the language banks (Persuasion Language, Opinion Language, etc.) as options to mix in, not single phrases to repeat
• Practice the structure with many different prompts until your speech sounds natural, not recited.

Task 1: Giving Advice

Advise a friend, family member, or colleague about a situation.

Format

• Prep time: 30 seconds
• Speaking time: 90 seconds
• Context: Personal/informal situation

Template

Opening (~10 sec): "[Name], I heard about your situation with [topic]. I'd be happy to give you some advice."

Advice 1 (~25 sec): "First, I would suggest that you [advice]. This is important because [reason]."

Advice 2 (~25 sec): "Another thing you might consider is [advice]. I think this would help because [reason]."

Advice 3 (~25 sec): "You could also try [advice]. In my experience, [supporting detail]."

Closing (~5 sec): "I hope this helps! Let me know how it goes."

Example Topics

• Job decisions
• Relationship issues
• Financial choices
• Health concerns
• Moving/housing decisions

Task 2: Talking About Personal Experience

Share a personal experience related to the given topic.

Format

• Prep time: 30 seconds
• Speaking time: 60 seconds
• Context: Personal storytelling

Template

Introduction (~10 sec): "I remember a time when [brief overview of experience]."

What happened (~30 sec): "[Describe the situation]. [What you did]. [What happened next]."

Reflection (~15 sec): "This experience taught me [lesson] because [reason]."

Closing (~5 sec): "It's definitely something I'll never forget."

Tips

• Be specific with details
• Use past tense consistently
• Show emotion and reflection
• Make it interesting

Task 3: Describing a Scene

Describe what you see in a picture.

Format

• Prep time: 30 seconds (view image)
• Speaking time: 60 seconds
• Context: Image description

Template

Overview (~10 sec): "In this picture/image, I can see [general description of the scene]."

Details - Location (~15 sec): "This appears to be [where]. The setting includes [environmental details]."

Details - People/Objects (~20 sec): "I can see [who/what]. They are [doing what]. There is also [other details]."

Details - Actions/Atmosphere (~10 sec): "It looks like [activity/mood]. The atmosphere seems [description]."

Closing (~5 sec): "Overall, this looks like a [summary]."

What to Describe

• Location/setting
• People (appearance, actions)
• Objects and details
• Actions and activities
• Atmosphere/mood

Task 4: Making Predictions

Look at a picture and predict what might happen next.

Format

• Prep time: 30 seconds (view image)
• Speaking time: 60 seconds
• Context: Speculation based on an image.

Template

Current situation (~15 sec): "In this image, I can see [describe what's happening now]."

Prediction 1 (~20 sec): "I think what will happen next is [prediction]. This is because [reason from the image]."

Prediction 2 (~20 sec): "Another possibility is that [alternative prediction]. This could happen because [reason]."

Closing (~5 sec): "I'm quite sure [most likely outcome] will happen."

Prediction Language

• "I think... will probably..."
• "It seems likely that..."
• "Based on [evidence], I predict..."
• "One possibility is that..."

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Compare two options and persuade someone to choose one.

Format

Task 5 is a two-stage task:

• Stage 1 - Selection (no speaking):
• You'll see two images side by side (e.g., two products, two venues, two travel options)
• You have 60 seconds to look at both and click on the one you'd recommend
• No speaking happens during this stage
• Stage 2 - Persuading:
• Prep time: 60 seconds (additional)
• Speaking time: 60 seconds
• You speak to persuade someone (named in the prompt) to choose the option you selected.
• Don't be thrown when you see two pictures and a selection screen first - that's normal. The actual speaking happens in Stage 2.

Template

Introduction (~10 sec): "[Name], you asked for my opinion about [topic]. Let me tell you what I think."

Your choice (~15 sec): "I would definitely recommend [Option A/B] because [main reason]."

Compare (~20 sec): "While [other option] has [advantage], [your choice] is better because [reason 1] and [reason 2]."

Persuade (~10 sec): "I really think you should go with [your choice]. You won't regret it!"

Closing (~5 sec): "I really think this is the right call for you."

Persuasion Language

• "I strongly recommend..."
• "You should definitely..."
• "The best choice is clearly..."
• "Trust me when I say..."

Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Respond appropriately to a challenging scenario.

Format

• Prep time: 60 seconds
• Speaking time: 60 seconds
• Context: Conflict or problem situation

Template

Acknowledge (~10 sec): "I understand that [acknowledge the situation/feelings]."

Take responsibility/Explain (~15 sec): "[Apologize if needed] or [Explain your position calmly]."

Solution (~25 sec): "Here's what I think we should do: [solution 1]. We could also [solution 2]."

Positive ending (~10 sec): "I'm confident we can work this out. [Reassurance/commitment]."

Diplomatic Language

• "I understand your concern..."
• "I apologize for any inconvenience..."
• "Let me see what I can do..."
• "Would it help if we...?"

Task 7: Expressing Opinions

Share your opinion on a topic and support it with reasons.

Format

• Prep time: 30 seconds
• Speaking time: 90 seconds
• Context: Opinion/argument

Template

State opinion (~10 sec): "In my opinion, [clear statement of your position]."

Reason 1 (~25 sec): "The first reason I believe this is [reason]. For example, [specific example or detail]."

Reason 2 (~25 sec): "Additionally, [second reason]. This is important because [explanation]."

Reason 3 (~20 sec): "Furthermore, [third reason with support]."

Conclusion (~10 sec): "For these reasons, I firmly believe that [restate opinion]."

Opinion Language

• "I strongly believe that..."
• "In my view..."
• "I'm convinced that..."
• "There's no doubt in my mind that..."

Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Describe an unusual or unfamiliar situation shown in a picture.

Format

• Prep time: 30 seconds (view image)
• Speaking time: 60 seconds
• Context: Creative description

Template

What's unusual (~15 sec): "This is a very unusual situation. I can see [describe the strange/unusual elements]."

Possible explanation (~20 sec): "This might be happening because [creative explanation]. Perhaps [another theory]."

More details (~15 sec): "I also notice [additional unusual details]. This adds to the strange atmosphere."

Closing (~10 sec): "This is definitely not something you see every day! It's quite [fascinating/bizarre/amusing]."

Creative Language

• "This is quite extraordinary..."
• "It's unusual to see..."
• "What strikes me as odd is..."
• "I've never seen anything like..."

General Speaking Tips

Fluency

• Speak at a natural, comfortable pace
• Don't stop abruptly - use fillers if needed
• Keep going even if you make mistakes
• Practice flowing from one idea to the next

Vocabulary

• Use varied vocabulary - avoid repetition
• Include some advanced words/phrases
• Use appropriate formality for context
• Practice synonyms for common words

Pronunciation

• Speak clearly - don't mumble
• Stress important words
• Use natural intonation
• Practice difficult sounds

Time Usage

• Use all of the speaking time
• If you finish early, add more details
• Don't rush - quality over quantity
• Practice with a timer

Practice Recommendations

1. Daily Practice: Record yourself speaking on various topics
2. Timer Training: Always practice with actual time limits
3. Image Practice: Practice describing pictures daily
4. Template Mastery: Internalize structures for each task
5. Listen Back: Review your recordings critically

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Solution

Finishing too early

Add more details, examples, reasons

Going off-topic

Stick to the prompt, stay focused

Repetitive vocabulary

Learn synonyms, practice variety

Nervousness

Practice until tasks feel natural

Running out of ideas

Use templates as frameworks