CELPIP Speaking has 8 tasks, all recorded and scored by trained human raters (sometimes AI-assisted). You get 30–60 seconds prep and 60–90 seconds to speak per task. Here's what each one asks for and a template that works.
The 4 scoring pillars
- Content / coherence — did you answer the question fully?
- Vocabulary — range and precision
- Listenability — pronunciation, pacing, stress
- Task fulfillment — did you use the expected format?
Task-by-task templates
S1 — Giving Advice (30 sec prep, 90 sec speak)
Template: 'Well, if I were you, I'd [advice]. First, [reason 1]. Also, [reason 2]. So my advice is [restate].'
S2 — Talking about a Personal Experience
Use the 'PPF' pattern: Past — when and where it happened. Present — what it means to you now. Feel — emotion attached. 60 seconds fills easily.
S3 — Describing a Scene
Move spatially: foreground → middle → background. Name 3 clear details. Avoid starting with 'there is' twice.
S4 — Making Predictions
'It looks like [X] is about to [Y]. I can tell because [detail from image]. Afterwards, probably [consequence].'
S5 — Comparing and Persuading
Pick quickly. State your choice, give 2 pros of your pick, 1 con of the other. Don't describe both in detail — this is persuasion, not description.
S6 — Dealing with a Difficult Situation
You choose one of two audiences. Open with empathy ('I understand this is inconvenient'), propose one compromise, end with next step.
S7 — Expressing Opinions
Same as W2 template but spoken: state position, 2 reasons, concession, restate. 60 seconds.
S8 — Describing an Unusual Situation
The image is weird on purpose. Describe what's unusual first, speculate about 'how' or 'why' in one sentence. Don't try to normalise it.
Timing rules that keep you safe
- Never stop before the timer. 60 seconds of average speech ≫ 30 seconds of perfect speech.
- Don't rush. Graders score listenability — breathless = lower score.
- If you make a slip, don't apologise. Just continue naturally.