Episode Summary: Welcome to a closer look at how to respond to CELPIP Speaking Tasks 7 and 8.

Today I'll be covering strategies, tips, and practice prompts to help you feel confident and prepared for this section of the exam.

In This Episode

Speaking Task 7 — Giving Your Opinion (starts ~1:20)

  • Why you're already an expert at this task — you've expressed opinions before
  • A "Do you think…?" style question — more approachable than it seems


5 Key Tips for Task 7:

  1. Read & understand the question — stay on topic, avoid bunny trails (~2:03)
  2. Speed — quickly decide your position; there are no right or wrong answers (~3:16)
  3. Three points — aim for 3 main ideas, each backed by a reason or example. Formula: (1 main point + 1 reason/example) × 3 = complete answer (~3:41)
  4. Be logical — make sure your ideas sound logical when presented (~4:30)
  5. Use transitions — phrases like "First of all," "Second," "Third," "And finally" help test raters follow your flow (~4:30)


Timing for Task 7 (~5:56)

  • 30 seconds to brainstorm: jot down one-word triggers, aim to identify 3 big ideas
  • 90 seconds to record your response
  • Draw from real-life experience to strengthen your answer


Task 7 Practice Prompt (~7:52)

"Do you think your city is doing enough to provide affordable housing? Why or why not?"

Speaking Task 8 — Describing an Unusual Image (starts ~9:19)

  • Describe a strange/unfamiliar object as if you're on a phone call with a friend
  • The strategies you used in Speaking Task 3 can also help you here!


5 Key Tips for Task 8:

  1. Talk to a friend — use their name, keep it personal (~10:13)
  2. Set the scene — start with "I'm looking at a…" blanket statement (~10:34)
  3. Divide and conquer — mentally split the image into 4 quadrants; describe one section at a time (~10:47)
  4. Use strong descriptive language — vary your descriptors across color, shape, size, and similes; don't over-rely on one category (~12:11)
  5. Conclude — leave ~10 seconds at the end to wrap up, e.g., "So Johnny, what do you think of this?" (~12:54)


Task 8 Practice Prompt (~13:41)

"You are at a local artisan market, and you see this unusual custom-crafted piece of home decoration that your friend would likely love. Call them and describe the object in detail so that they can visualize it and decide if they want you to buy it for them." (Image available here!)Resources & Call to Action


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