CELPIP Speaking Guide: Questions, Answers & Phrases
This interactive guide is designed to help you prepare for the CELPIP Speaking Test. For each task, you can practice your response using the "Record" and "Play" buttons. The sample answers are hidden and can be revealed by clicking "Show Answer".
General Tips & Response Template
A strong response follows a clear structure. Use the following template to organize your thoughts and deliver a coherent answer.
General Template:
- Introduction (1-2 sentences): State your main point or purpose clearly.
- Body (3-5 sentences): Elaborate on your point with reasons, details, and examples.
- Conclusion (1-2 sentences): Briefly summarize your idea or make a final concluding statement.
CLB Speaking Level Breakdown
The key to improving your CLB score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Here's a clear breakdown of what examiners look for at different levels.
CLB 7-8: Clear, Coherent, and Fluent
- Tenses: Demonstrate a solid command of basic tenses (present, past, future). Use them correctly and without hesitation.
Example: "I **will go** to the store because I **ran out** of milk yesterday." - Vocabulary: Use a good range of common, everyday vocabulary. Try to use slightly more advanced synonyms where appropriate.
Example: Instead of "very good," say "excellent" or "terrific." - Sentences: Combine simple sentences using conjunctions to form compound sentences. This shows a good control of sentence structure.
Example: "I like to read **and** I also enjoy listening to podcasts." - Coherence: Use basic transition words to connect your ideas logically.
Example: "First...", "In addition...", "Finally..."
CLB 9-10: Complex, Sophisticated, and Natural
- Tenses: Go beyond simple tenses. Use a variety of perfect and conditional tenses to express more complex ideas.
Example: "I **have been studying** for weeks, so I am confident I **will do** well on the test."
Example: "If I **had known** about the traffic, I **would have taken** a different route." - Vocabulary: Use nuanced and less common vocabulary naturally. Use descriptive adjectives and powerful verbs to add detail and sophistication.
Example: Instead of "happy," say "elated" or "overjoyed." - Sentences: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences with a variety of subordinating conjunctions. This demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.
Example: "Although the project was challenging, we managed to complete it ahead of schedule." - Intonation and Pronunciation: Your speech should sound effortless, with natural intonation and rhythm. Avoid hesitation or searching for words. Your flow should be smooth and confident.
Task 1: Giving Advice
Core Strategy: Be empathetic and provide clear, actionable suggestions.
Templates & Useful Phrases:
Use this template for a well-structured response:
- Introduction: "If you're seeking advice on [topic], I would recommend [action]."
- Reason 1: "Primarily, [reason]." "This is because [explanation]."
- Reason 2: "Moreover, [reason]." "Considering this, [explanation]."
- Reason 3 (if applicable): "Additionally, [reason]." "It is advisable because [explanation]."
- Conclusion: "In conclusion, I suggest [action] due to [summary of reasons]."
Connectors & Phrases with Meanings:
| Phrase/Connector | Meaning & How to Use It |
|---|---|
| **Primarily** | Used to introduce your first and most important reason or suggestion. It means "firstly" or "most importantly." |
| **Moreover** | Used to add a new point that supports your main idea. It means "in addition" or "furthermore." |
| **Besides** | Similar to 'moreover,' used to introduce an extra reason. It means "in addition to what has been said." |
| **Lastly** | Used to introduce your final point or conclusion. |
| **Considering this** | Used to transition to a new idea based on the previous point. It means "given this information" or "in light of this." |
| **Due to** | Used to explain the reason or cause for something. It means "because of." |
| **It is a prudent idea since** | Used to justify a suggestion, highlighting that it is a wise or sensible choice. "Prudent" means wise or well-thought-out. |
| **This might be advisable because** | A polite way to suggest something, explaining the reason for the advice. "Advisable" means recommended. |
| **It is sensible as** | Used to justify a suggestion by explaining that it is a practical or reasonable choice. "Sensible" means practical or reasonable. |
| **It is logical as** | Used to justify a suggestion by showing it is based on sound reasoning. "Logical" means based on clear thinking. |
Template Example:
Example Prompt: A classmate is not doing well in Math class and has received several low grades. If this continues, he will not be able to pass the final exam. Give your classmate advice on what he should or should not do if he would like to improve his grades.
Example Response using the Template:
"If you're seeking advice on improving your math grades, I would recommend a two-part approach. **Primarily**, you should create a structured study schedule. **This is because** consistent practice is the most effective way to understand mathematical concepts. **Moreover**, I would strongly suggest you join a study group or seek help from a tutor. **Considering this**, collaborative learning can help you understand difficult concepts from a different perspective. **Lastly**, you should take practice tests regularly. **It is logical as** it will help you identify your weak areas and prepare for the final exam. In conclusion, I suggest you combine a consistent study routine with external help to boost your grades."
Practice Question: Your co-worker is struggling to manage their time and is always late on project deadlines. You've successfully used a few productivity methods to stay on top of your work. Call your co-worker and give them some advice on how to manage their time more effectively. (60 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak)
Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience
Core Strategy: Narrate a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Focus on conveying your feelings and the lesson learned.
Templates & Useful Phrases:
- Introduction:
- "I'd like to talk about..."
- "I'm going to talk about..."
- "What I'd like to talk about is..."
- "I remember a time when..."
- Describing the Experience:
- "It happened a few years ago..."
- "It took place..."
- "I felt so excited/nervous/happy..."
- "It was a truly memorable experience..."
- "I was so happy; on top of the world!"
- Narrative Connectors:
- First, Next, Then, At this stage, Subsequently, Meanwhile, Later, Then, During this process, Afterwards, Eventually, Finally
Practice Question: Describe a time when you helped someone in a difficult situation. What was the situation, and what did you do to help? (30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak)
Task 3: Describing a Scene
Core Strategy: Provide a detailed, logical description of the image. Start with the big picture and then move to specific details.
Essential Phrases:
- Overall Impression: "This picture shows...", "The scene appears to be..."
- Location: "In the foreground...", "On the left/right side...", "In the background..."
- Action: "The people seem to be...", "They are doing..."
Connectors & Tenses:
- Use spatial connectors like **'to the left,' 'in the center,' 'behind'**.
- Use the **present continuous tense** to describe what is happening (e.g., "the man is running").
Practice Question: Describe the image you see in as much detail as possible. (30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak)
Task 4: Making Predictions
Core Strategy: Use the visual cues from the image to make logical predictions. Justify your predictions with reasons.
Essential Phrases:
- Predictions: "I think...", "It's highly likely that...", "My guess is that..."
- Justification: "As a result...", "This will probably lead to..."
Connectors & Tenses:
- Use connectors for cause and effect like **'because,' 'so,' 'as a result,' 'consequently'**.
- Use the **future tense** to describe what you think will happen.
Practice Question: Look at the image and predict what will happen next. (30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak)
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Core Strategy: Present a balanced comparison of the two options before arguing persuasively for one.
Essential Phrases:
- Comparing: "While [Option A] has..., [Option B] offers...", "On one hand..., but on the other hand..."
- Persuading: "I strongly believe that...", "The best choice is clearly...", "You should definitely go with..."
Connectors & Tenses:
- Use contrast connectors like **'however,' 'in contrast,' 'while,' 'whereas'** and persuasive connectors like **'therefore,' 'for this reason'**.
- Use **present tense** to discuss the pros and cons.
Practice Question: Your friend is planning a trip and is deciding between staying in a hotel or renting an Airbnb. Call your friend and persuade them to choose one of the options, explaining why it's the best choice. (60 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak)
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Core Strategy: Be polite but firm. State the problem clearly and propose a logical solution.
Essential Phrases:
- Stating the Problem: "I'm calling to discuss a problem with...", "Unfortunately, there seems to be a mix-up..."
- Proposing a Solution: "What I'd like to propose is...", "I was wondering if you could..."
Connectors & Tenses:
- Use connectors for politeness and clarity like **'however,' 'therefore,' 'so'**.
- Use **past tense** to explain what happened and the **conditional** (e.g., "I was hoping you could...") to propose a solution.
Practice Question: You recently ordered a new laptop, but the wrong model was delivered to you. Call the company to explain the problem and propose a solution. (60 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak)
Task 7: Expressing Opinions
Core Strategy: Clearly state your opinion and support it with at least two strong reasons and examples.
Essential Phrases:
- Stating Opinion: "In my opinion...", "I firmly believe that...", "From my perspective..."
- Supporting Opinion: "The main reason for this is...", "For example, consider..."
Connectors & Tenses:
- Use connectors like **'furthermore,' 'in addition,' 'moreover,'** and **'for instance'**.
- Use **present tense** to state your opinion and support it with general truths. Use **past tense** for personal examples.
Practice Question: In your opinion, should children be given more freedom to choose their own subjects in school, or should they be required to follow a structured curriculum? Explain your opinion with reasons and examples. (60 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak)
Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Core Strategy: Use descriptive language to explain the unusual scene. Speculate on what might be happening.
Essential Phrases:
- Expressing Surprise: "You won't believe what I just saw...", "This is quite unusual..."
- Speculating: "It looks as if...", "It's almost as if...", "My best guess is..."
Connectors & Tenses:
- Use connectors for comparison and speculation like **'similarly,' 'like,' 'as though,' 'as if'**.
- Use the **present tense** and **present continuous** to describe the image. Use **modal verbs** (e.g., 'might,' 'could,' 'must') to express speculation.
Practice Question: Look at the image and describe the situation to a friend. (30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak)
