CELPIP Speaking: All 8 Tasks Explained (Timing & Structures)
A clear, practical walkthrough of all 8 CELPIP Speaking tasks — how much time you get, what the examiner is listening for, and a simple structure you can reuse under pressure.
How the CELPIP Speaking Test Works
CELPIP Speaking is computer-delivered. You wear a headset, speak into a microphone, and your answers are recorded for scoring — there's no human examiner in the room, which trips up some test-takers who aren't used to talking to a screen.
The test has 8 tasks, each with its own short preparation time and response time. A clock counts down on screen for both stages, and once your response time starts, you cannot pause it — if you stop talking, the microphone keeps recording silence.
Because prep time is so short (usually only 30–60 seconds), the biggest skill in this test isn't vocabulary — it's having a ready-made structure you can drop any topic into within seconds. That's what this guide gives you for each task.
Task 1: Giving Advice (30s prep / 90s response)
You'll read a short scenario where a fictional person needs advice on a decision — for example, choosing between two options related to work, study, or daily life. You must recommend one option and justify it.
The scoring rewards a clear recommendation plus logical reasoning, not necessarily the 'correct' real-world answer. Commit to one side quickly; don't hedge or list pros and cons for both without choosing.
Quick structure: (1) Restate the situation in one sentence, (2) state your recommendation directly, (3) give two reasons with a brief example for each, (4) close with a short encouraging line. This fills 90 seconds comfortably without rambling.
Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience (30s prep / 60s response)
You'll be asked to describe a specific past experience — a memorable trip, a decision you made, a challenge you overcame. The prompt narrows the topic, so listen carefully to what exactly is being asked.
This task rewards narrative flow and natural past-tense storytelling more than complex vocabulary. Real or invented details both work — examiners cannot verify facts, only assess your language.
Quick structure: (1) One sentence setting the scene (when/where), (2) what happened, in sequence, (3) how it turned out or how you felt, (4) a one-line takeaway. Keep it simple and chronological rather than jumping around.
Task 3: Describing a Scene (30s prep / 60s response)
You're shown a single image and must describe what you see as if the listener cannot see it. There's no 'story' required here — it's a pure description task.
Weaker answers just list random objects. Stronger answers organize the description spatially (foreground to background, left to right) and comment on what people appear to be doing or feeling.
Quick structure: (1) One-sentence overview ('This looks like…'), (2) describe the main subject/people in the foreground, (3) describe the background and setting, (4) add a guess about mood, purpose, or context. This gives your description a logical order the listener can follow.
Task 4: Making Predictions (30s prep / 60s response)
You'll see an image with a hint of an unfolding situation — for instance, weather clouds gathering, someone reaching for something risky — and you must predict what happens next, using visual clues as evidence.
The key skill is connecting your prediction explicitly to what's visible in the image, using language like 'Since I can see… it's likely that…' Predictions without visual justification score lower.
Quick structure: (1) State the most likely outcome, (2) explain the visual clue that supports it, (3) mention a second, less likely possibility for balance, (4) briefly restate which outcome you find most probable and why.
Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (60s prep / 60s response)
You're shown two options (two images, often with brief details) and asked to choose one and convince someone to agree with you — for example, two apartments, two events, or two products.
This is the most argumentative task on the test. You get slightly more prep time because you need to actually compare two things, not just react to one. Pick your choice within the first 15 seconds of prep so you don't waste time deciding.
Quick structure: (1) State your choice immediately, (2) give reason one, comparing directly to the rejected option, (3) give reason two, again contrasting, (4) briefly acknowledge the other option's one advantage, then reaffirm your choice. Direct comparison language ('unlike the other option…') signals strong persuasive skill.
Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (60s prep / 60s response)
You're given an awkward or conflict-prone scenario — a friend, colleague, or family member has done something inconvenient or upsetting — and you must respond as though speaking directly to that person.
This task tests tone as much as content. Sound diplomatic, not aggressive or overly apologetic. Address the issue honestly but propose a constructive way forward.
Quick structure: (1) Acknowledge the situation calmly ('I understand that…'), (2) explain your position or concern clearly, (3) propose a solution or compromise, (4) close politely. Avoid simply venting frustration — examiners are listening for measured, solution-focused communication.
Tasks 7 & 8: Expressing Opinions and Describing an Unusual Situation
Task 7 (30s prep / 90s response) asks for your opinion on a general topic — technology, education, community life, and similar everyday themes. There's no right answer; consistency and clear reasoning matter most. Structure: state your opinion in one clear sentence, give two supporting reasons each with a short example, then close by briefly restating your view. Ninety seconds is long, so plan for at least two full reasons, not just one repeated point.
Task 8 (30s prep / 60s response) shows an image containing something odd, unexpected, or out of place, and asks you to describe it and explain why it's unusual. Structure: describe the scene briefly, identify exactly what's unusual and why it doesn't fit expectations, then speculate on a possible explanation. Keep the 'unusual' element as the clear focus rather than over-describing normal background details.
Across both tasks, the biggest scoring risk is running out of things to say and trailing off with long pauses. Practising with a strict timer — even just talking to your phone's voice recorder — builds the stamina to fill the full response window with content, not filler.
Key takeaways
- →Each of the 8 CELPIP Speaking tasks has a fixed prep time (30–60s) and response time (60–90s) that cannot be paused — plan your structure before you speak.
- →Committing to a clear position quickly (in Tasks 1, 5, and 7 especially) matters more than being 'right' — hedging wastes precious seconds.
- →A simple 3–4 part template per task type removes the guesswork under time pressure and prevents awkward silences.
- →Tone and diplomacy are directly scored in Task 6, not just grammar and vocabulary.
- →Regular timed practice — even informal recordings on your phone — builds the stamina to fill the entire response window with relevant content.
Frequently asked questions
Do all CELPIP test-takers get the exact same 8 tasks?
What happens if I stop talking before my response time ends?
Is it okay to invent details in Task 2 (Personal Experience)?
How much vocabulary range do I actually need for a good score?
Can I practise these exact task types before test day?
This guide is for practice and preparation only. Bandleep is independent and not affiliated with IELTS, IDP, the British Council, Cambridge English, CELPIP, Paragon Testing Enterprises, or IRCC. AI scores are practice estimates, not official results.