CELPIP Speaking Task 2 vocabulary

The words and phrases

a few years ago

Sets the time of your story at the very beginning.
Example: A few years ago, I got lost on a hiking trail near Banff with two friends.

I'll never forget

Introduces a memory that was very important or emotional for you.
Example: I'll never forget the day I received my first paycheque in Canada.

it all started when

Begins the main events of your story clearly.
Example: It all started when my car broke down on the highway in the middle of January.

at first

Describes how things were or how you felt at the beginning.
Example: At first, I was too shy to speak to anyone at my new job.

shortly after

Shows that one event happened soon after another.
Example: Shortly after we arrived at the campsite, it started pouring rain.

all of a sudden

Introduces something unexpected that happened quickly.
Example: All of a sudden, the power went out and the whole street went dark.

before I knew it

Shows that time passed or something happened very quickly.
Example: Before I knew it, three hours had gone by and we were still laughing.

by the time

Shows what had already happened when another event took place.
Example: By the time the tow truck arrived, my phone battery was completely dead.

eventually

Introduces what finally happened after a long time or many problems.
Example: Eventually, a kind stranger stopped and helped us change the tire.

I was so nervous

Describes strong worry or fear you felt at a moment in the story.
Example: I was so nervous before my job interview that I could barely eat breakfast.

I felt relieved

Describes the calm feeling after a worry or danger ended.
Example: I felt relieved when the doctor told me my son's arm wasn't broken.

to my surprise

Introduces something unexpected that happened.
Example: To my surprise, my whole team was waiting at the restaurant to celebrate my birthday.

it turned out that

Reveals what was really true, often after confusion or worry.
Example: It turned out that my neighbour had picked up my parcel to keep it safe.

the best part was

Highlights the most enjoyable moment of the experience.
Example: The best part was watching the northern lights from the frozen lake.

looking back

Reflects on the experience from today's point of view.
Example: Looking back, I'm glad I took that risk and moved to Halifax.

I learned that

Shares the lesson the experience taught you, often at the end.
Example: I learned that it's always smart to carry a spare charger on long drives.

Put them to work on Task 2

Practise Task 2 on the test screen, or see how Task 2 works.