CELPIP Speaking tasks, timing and tips
CELPIP Speaking has 8 scored tasks in about 15 min, after a practice task that is not scored. For each one you get 30 to 60 seconds to prepare and 60 to 90 seconds to speak, recorded at the computer with no examiner.
The scored tasks
| Part | What you do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1: Giving Advice | Advise someone about their situation. | 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak |
| Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience | Describe something that happened to you. | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 3: Describing a Scene | Describe a picture of a scene to someone who can't see it. | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 4: Making Predictions | Say what will probably happen next in the same scene. | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 5: Comparing and Persuading | Pick one of two options and persuade someone to choose it. | 60 s to choose, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation | Choose how to handle an awkward situation and say it to the person involved. | 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
| Task 7: Expressing Opinions | Give your opinion on a topic and support it. | 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak |
| Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation | Describe an unusual object or situation to someone who can't see it. | 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak |
Speaking starts with a practice task that is not scored.
Tips for every task
- Use the preparation time to pick two or three points and the order you will say them in.
- When the prompt names someone, talk to them as you would in real life and answer what they need.
- Keep speaking until the time runs out: a full answer with details and examples gives you more to show.
- Give your answer a shape: say your main point first, support it, then close with a short summary.
- If you lose your words, rephrase and carry on rather than stop.
Practise it on the clock
Speaking practice is coming soon. The free Listening & Reading mock is open now.
Questions
- How many tasks are in CELPIP Speaking?
- 8 scored tasks, after one practice task that is not scored.
- How long is CELPIP Speaking?
- About 15 min. Each task gives you 30 to 60 seconds to prepare and 60 to 90 seconds to speak.
- Is there an examiner in CELPIP Speaking?
- No. You speak into a microphone at the computer, and trained raters score the recordings.
See every part and task in the CELPIP test format, or how to practise for CELPIP.
These tasks and timings follow Paragon's published test format: see the sources on our CELPIP test format page.
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