Speaking skill and its tasks

The CELPIP Speaking section takes 15–20 minutes and includes 8 tasks. You record your spoken responses into a headset at your test workstation — there is no live examiner. Each task gives you preparation time before the recording starts.

Scoring evaluates four dimensions: vocabulary range, listenability (how easy you are to understand), task fulfillment, and coherence. A strong response is clear, relevant, organized, and uses a variety of natural English expressions.

The 8 speaking tasks

1. 1

   Giving Advice

   You hear about a problem a friend or family member is facing and must give practical advice. Prep time: 30 s | Response time: 90 s.

2. 2

   Talking about a Personal Experience

   You are shown a topic and must describe a relevant personal experience. Prep time: 30 s | Response time: 60 s.

3. 3

   Describing a Scene

   You see an image and must describe what is happening in detail. Prep time: 30 s | Response time: 60 s.

4. 4

   Making Predictions

   You see a picture and must predict what will happen next, explaining your reasoning. Prep time: 30 s | Response time: 60 s.

5. 5

   Comparing and Persuading

   You are given two options and must compare them, then convince someone to choose one. Prep time: 60 s | Response time: 60 s.

6. 6

   Dealing with a Difficult Situation

   You must respond to an unexpected or uncomfortable problem scenario in a calm, constructive way. Prep time: 60 s | Response time: 60 s.

7. 7

   Expressing Opinions

   You state and support your opinion on a statement or policy. You are expected to agree or disagree and give clear reasons. Prep time: 30 s | Response time: 90 s.

8. 8

   Describing an Unusual Situation

   You see an unusual or unexpected scene and must describe it and explain what might have caused it. Prep time: 30 s | Response time: 60 s.

What makes a strong speaking response

• Stay on topic — Every second of your recording counts. Irrelevant tangents lower your task fulfillment score.
• Use a clear structure — A simple intro → main points → brief conclusion works for almost every task. Scorers reward organized speech.
• Vary your vocabulary — Avoid repeating the same words. Use synonyms and natural English phrases — don't try to sound overly academic.
• Speak continuously — Silence loses time and points. If you lose your train of thought, use a filler phrase ("One thing I should mention is...") to keep talking.
• Speak clearly, not slowly — Articulate clearly at a natural pace. Speaking too slowly can make you sound hesitant, which affects the listenability score.