CELPIP Speaking test
Eight tasks recorded on the computer, each with 30–60 seconds to prepare and 60–90 seconds to speak. The section takes about 15–20 minutes.
8 tasks
- Task 1: Giving AdviceGive advice to a friend or family member who is facing a choice or a problem. Preparation: 30 seconds · Speaking: 90 seconds · Listener: Someone you know well
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal ExperienceDescribe a past experience, such as a time you learned something new or helped someone. Preparation: 30 seconds · Speaking: 60 seconds · Tense: Mostly past tense
- Task 3: Describing a SceneDescribe a picture of a busy scene, such as a park, a kitchen or a street market, to someone who cannot see it. Preparation: 30 seconds · Speaking: 60 seconds · Picture: A detailed illustration
- Task 4: Making PredictionsUsing the same picture as Task 3, predict what will probably happen next. Preparation: 30 seconds · Speaking: 60 seconds · Picture: Same as Task 3
- Task 5: Comparing and PersuadingChoose between two options, then persuade a family member that your choice is better than theirs. Choosing time: 60 seconds · Preparation: 60 seconds · Speaking: 60 seconds
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult SituationChoose one of two people to speak to in an awkward situation and explain your decision to them. Preparation: 60 seconds · Speaking: 60 seconds · Choice: Speak to person A or person B
- Task 7: Expressing OpinionsGive and support your opinion on a question, such as whether cities should ban cars downtown. Preparation: 30 seconds · Speaking: 90 seconds · Structure: Opinion, reasons, conclusion
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual SituationDescribe a strange object or scene in a picture to someone who cannot see it, usually on the phone. Preparation: 30 seconds · Speaking: 60 seconds · Picture: An unusual object or situation
CELPIP Speaking sample answers
Sample answers for every task at three CLB levels, with notes on what separates them.
How the section works
- The section opens with a short unscored practice task.
- You speak into a headset microphone. There is no examiner, and the recording stops when the timer ends.
- A preparation timer and a speaking timer are shown on screen for every task.
How CELPIP Speaking is scored
- Raters score four dimensions: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability and Task Fulfillment.
- The result is a CELPIP level from M to 12, which matches the same CLB level.
- Speaking until the timer ends is not required, but very short answers rarely show enough to score highly.
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.