CELPIP Speaking Sample Answers: Tasks 1–8 Walkthrough (CLB 9)

How CELPIP Speaking Is Scored

CELPIP Speaking has 8 tasks recorded in one uninterrupted session. Each task is scored on four dimensions: Content — Did you answer what was asked? Are your ideas relevant and developed? Coherence — Does your response flow logically? Vocabulary — Do you use varied, contextually accurate words? Listenability — Is your pronunciation clear enough to understand? CELPIP is accent-neutral — clarity matters, not accent.

Task 1 (Advice): CLB 7 vs CLB 9

Task 1 gives you a problem scenario and asks for advice. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. CLB 7 response: "I think you should try to save more money. It is a good idea to make a budget. You can also spend less on things you don't need." CLB 9 response: "In your situation, I would strongly recommend starting with a clear monthly budget that separates fixed expenses — like rent and utilities — from discretionary spending. Once you can see where your money is going, it is much easier to identify specific areas where you can cut back. Setting up an automatic transfer to a savings account on payday removes the temptation to spend that money before saving it." The CLB 9 response is specific, uses precise vocabulary (discretionary, automatic transfer), and develops ideas with examples.

Task 2 (Talking to Someone): Handling the Dialogue Format

Task 2 simulates a conversation. The key mistake: treating it like a monologue. Your response should: 1. Acknowledge what the other person said 2. Add your own perspective with reasons 3. Leave the conversation open Acknowledging the other person's point signals both Coherence and Listenability — it shows you're engaging with the conversation rather than reciting prepared lines.

Task 3 (Describing a Scene): What to Include

Task 3 shows you an image. Most candidates describe literally: "I see a park. There are trees." This scores CLB 6–7. A CLB 9 description does three things: describes the setting (where), describes the people and actions (who + what), and speculates or infers (why/how). Example: "The image shows a busy outdoor market, likely on a weekend morning given the crowd. In the foreground, a vendor is arranging fresh produce. Several shoppers are browsing nearby, which suggests a community-oriented atmosphere rather than a purely commercial one." The speculation lifts your Content and Vocabulary scores.

Task 5 (Comparing Two Situations): The Compare-and-Conclude Structure

Task 5 shows two images or scenarios. Use this structure: 1. Identify the core contrast in one sentence 2. Describe the specific advantages of Option A 3. Describe the specific advantages of Option B 4. State which you would prefer and why Candidates who list features without comparing them score CLB 7. The word "whereas" or "by contrast" is a signal of comparison — use it at least once.

Fluency Patterns That Lift Your Score

Fluency is not speed — it is the absence of unnatural pauses and the presence of smooth transitions:

• Use filler connectors to buy time: "What I find interesting about this is...", "The way I see it..."
• Bridge between points: "Building on that...", "Another angle worth considering is..."
• Be specific over general: say "dentist appointment" not "appointment"
• Use conditionals to develop ideas: "If I were in that situation, I would likely..."
• Always follow a point with "because" or "for instance"

Task 8 (Expressing Opinions): The Task Most Candidates Underperform

Task 8 is the opinion task — you have 90 seconds to agree, disagree, or present a nuanced view. High scorers structure Task 8 like a mini-essay: position → reason 1 with example → reason 2 with example → brief conclusion. Low scorers restate the prompt and run out of things to say before 90 seconds is up. Practice filling all 90 seconds. If you finish early, you likely gave shallow reasons. Go back and extend one with "For example..." or "This is especially relevant because..."

Practice All 8 Speaking Tasks

CELPIPACE Speaking practice covers all 8 task types with recorded sample responses, examiner-style annotation, and a self-assessment rubric. Practicing with the rubric in hand is the fastest way to internalize what CLB 9 sounds like before your test day.