How to Use Preparation Time in CELPIP Speaking
By David · Speaking · Published · 4 min read
CELPIP gives you 30 or 60 seconds to prepare before each Speaking task. That is not long, and many test takers waste it reading the prompt twice or trying to compose full sentences. This post explains how much time each task gives you and a simple routine for using it.
How much preparation time does each CELPIP Speaking task give you?
Tasks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 give you 30 seconds to prepare. Task 6 gives you 60 seconds. Task 5 gives you 60 seconds to choose between two options and then 60 seconds to prepare once the other person's option appears.
| Task | Preparation | Speaking |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Giving Advice | 30 seconds | 90 seconds |
| 2: Personal Experience | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 3: Describing a Scene | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 4: Making Predictions | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 5: Comparing and Persuading | 60 seconds to choose, then 60 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 6: Difficult Situation | 60 seconds | 60 seconds |
| 7: Expressing Opinions | 30 seconds | 90 seconds |
| 8: Unusual Situation | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
A preparation timer and a speaking timer are shown on screen for every task, and the recording starts when preparation ends.
What should you do in the first few seconds?
Read the prompt once, carefully, and find the exact job: who you are speaking to, and what you must do (advise, describe, predict, persuade, explain, give an opinion).
Underline the job in your head. In Task 1, for example, "Give Daniel some advice" tells you the listener is Daniel and the job is advice, not a description of his problem.
Should you write full sentences while preparing?
No. Thirty seconds is enough to choose ideas, not to write sentences. Think, or jot down if you have note paper, two to four keywords: one per point you plan to make.
For a Task 1 prompt about a friend who wants to buy a car, your keywords might be: "budget, used vs new, test drive". Each keyword becomes one developed point when you speak. Check the official CELPIP website for what materials are provided on test day.
What is a good 30-second routine?
Spend about 5–10 seconds understanding the task, about 15–20 seconds choosing two or three points, and the last few seconds deciding your first sentence.
- Seconds 0–10: read the prompt, identify the listener and the job.
- Seconds 10–25: pick two or three points (advice, reasons, areas of the picture, predictions).
- Seconds 25–30: say your opening sentence silently in your head so you start without hesitation.
The opening sentence matters more than people expect. A confident first sentence sets your pace; a slow, hesitant start often leads to a rushed ending.
How should you use the longer time in Tasks 5 and 6?
Use the extra time to collect specific details you will compare or explain, because those details are what lift the answer.
- Task 5, choosing time: pick the option that is easier to defend and note two of its strongest facts (price, distance, size, features).
- Task 5, preparation time: when the family member's option appears, find two clear weaknesses in it compared with yours.
- Task 6: decide quickly who you will speak to, then plan your reason and one realistic compromise or alternative.
What should you plan for Tasks 1, 2 and 7?
Plan your points and one reason or detail for each, because these tasks are judged on how well you develop ideas, not just on how many you have.
- Task 1 (90 seconds of speaking): choose two or three pieces of advice, each with a reason linked to the person's situation.
- Task 2 (60 seconds): decide the story's ending first, so you do not run out of time before you reach it. Then pick one vivid detail.
- Task 7 (90 seconds): choose your side within the first few seconds, then two reasons you can each support with an example. Pick the easier side to defend, not necessarily the one you believe.
Original CELPass example of Task 7 keywords for "Should cities ban cars downtown?": "yes, cleaner air, safer for walking, example: car-free weekend downtown". That is enough for a full 90-second answer.
What should you plan for the picture tasks?
Plan a route through the picture, not a list of objects. Decide where you will start and which direction you will move.
For Task 3, pick your overview sentence and three areas (for example: left, centre, background). For Task 4, choose three people or groups and find one visual clue for each prediction. For Task 8, decide what familiar object you will compare the unusual item with.
What if the preparation time ends before you have a plan?
Start with your opening sentence anyway, then use the first point you thought of. The recording starts whether you are ready or not, so a calm start with one idea is better than silence.
A flexible template helps here: even without a full plan, you know the shape of the answer and can fill it as you go.
How can you train your preparation time?
Practise with real timers until 30 seconds of planning feels normal, and review whether your plan survived the answer.
- Do "prep-only" drills: read ten prompts, give yourself 30 seconds each, and say your keywords out loud.
- After each recorded answer, check whether you used every keyword and whether your opening matched your plan.
- Mix task types in one session so you get used to switching quickly, as you will on test day.
The CELPass question bank lets you practise each Speaking task with the real preparation and speaking timers, and scores the recording on the four CELPIP dimensions.
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CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.