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CELPIP Speaking templates: all 8 tasks

CELPIP Speaking has 8 tasks in about 15 minutes, each scored on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, and Task Fulfillment. Below is a quick structure for every task — use them to organize your answer and beat the clock, then speak naturally about the specific prompt.

1

Task 1Giving Advice

Acknowledge the situation → give one clear piece of advice → explain why it helps → add a second suggestion → reassure.

2

Task 2Talking about a Personal Experience

Set the scene (when/where) → what happened, in order → how you felt → why it mattered to you.

3

Task 3Describing a Scene

Overview of the image → foreground details → background details → what's happening / the mood.

4

Task 4Making Predictions

Say what you think will happen next → give a reason from the image → describe a likely outcome → a second possibility.

5

Task 5Comparing and Persuading

State your choice → reason 1 with a benefit → reason 2 with a benefit → briefly dismiss the other option → restate and recommend.

6

Task 6Dealing with a Difficult Situation

State the situation and your decision → explain your choice politely → offer a solution or compromise → close courteously.

7

Task 7Expressing Opinions

State your opinion clearly → reason 1 + example → reason 2 + example → acknowledge the other side → restate your view.

8

Task 8Describing an Unusual Situation

Say what's unusual → describe the key details → compare it to what's normal → your reaction or explanation.

Three habits that lift every task

  • Keep talking until the timer stops — silence costs more than a small slip.
  • Slow down slightly and finish your sentences cleanly — that’s Listenability.
  • Use your prep seconds to pick your first sentence, so you start without hesitating.

CELPIP Speaking questions

How is CELPIP Speaking scored?

Each task is rated on four dimensions, each 1–12: Content/Coherence (clear, organized ideas), Vocabulary (range and accuracy of word choice), Listenability (pronunciation, pace, intonation, and grammar as heard), and Task Fulfillment (did you fully do the task in the right tone and length). Your overall Speaking level blends the four.

How long is each CELPIP Speaking task?

You get short preparation time (about 30–60 seconds) and then 60–90 seconds to speak, depending on the task. The whole Speaking test is about 15 minutes across all 8 tasks. Keep talking until the timer stops — running out of things to say costs you more than a small mistake.

What is CELPIP Speaking Task 5?

Task 5, Comparing and Persuading, shows you two options and asks you to choose one and persuade a specific person. State your choice immediately, give two concrete benefits, briefly dismiss the other option, and end by recommending your choice. You're scored on how convincingly you argue, not which option you pick.

Should I memorize CELPIP Speaking templates?

Use templates as a structure to organize your answer and beat the clock, but never memorize full scripts. Raters can hear rehearsed, off-topic answers, and Task Fulfillment drops if your response doesn't fit the exact prompt. Practise the structure until it's automatic, then speak naturally about the specific situation.

How do I improve my Listenability score?

Listenability is about how easy you are to understand: clear pronunciation, a natural pace (not rushed), sensible pauses, and correct grammar. Record yourself, listen back, and fix the words that trip you up. Speaking a little slower and finishing sentences cleanly usually helps more than using bigger vocabulary.

Practise Speaking on the real interface

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