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CELPIP Speaking · Task 1

Task 1 practice course: Giving Advice

Give a friend or family member clear advice and explain why each piece of advice will help. Work through six short steps, from how the task works to a timed answer, about 30 minutes in all. New to this task? Read the Task 1 format and strategy first.

6 steps30 s to prepare · 90 s to speakFree · no account needed
Illustration: giving advice in daily life
Step 1 of 6

Learn the task

How to organise your answer, what to do with your time, common mistakes and useful phrases, then a quick check.

Part 1 of 5

Know the question type, then pick a shape

Task 1 questions come in three types. Read the last sentence of the question first: it tells you which one you have. The opening and the close are the same for all three.

Choose between two options

Your friend can't decide between renting downtown or buying in the suburbs. Advise him.

  1. Open: name the person and say which option you'd pick
  2. Two reasons your choice is better, each with a detail
  3. One or two weak points of the other option
  4. Close: a short wish for them
Pros and cons of one plan

Your sister is thinking of going back to school at 40. Advise her on the advantages and disadvantages.

  1. Open: name the person and say you'll cover both sides
  2. Two advantages, each with a detail
  3. Two disadvantages, each with a way to handle it
  4. Close: your overall advice and a wish
How to do something well

Your co-worker is nervous about a job interview. Advise him on how to prepare.

  1. Open: name the person and reassure them
  2. Three steps, in the order they should do them
  3. A reason or example for every step
  4. Close: a confident wish

Task 1 cheat sheet

The key points of the course on one screen, to read again just before your test.

Your 30 seconds, 90 seconds and the gap after

Before you speak (30 s)
  • Decide the question type in the first 5 seconds.
  • Note three ideas in two or three words each, numbered in the order you'll say them.
  • Next to each idea, write one reason or example word.
While you speak (90 s)
  • Talk to the person by name, as if they are in front of you.
  • Pause between sentences, not in the middle of them.
  • Watch the timer: at 20 seconds left, move to your close.
If time is left over
  • With 10 seconds or more, add one more detail or offer to help ("Call me if you want to practise together").
  • With less, stop. Silence at the end does not cost points; a rushed half-sentence can.

Three mistakes that keep scores at CLB 7

  • Advice with no reason. Say the advice in one sentence, then spend two sentences on why and how.
  • The same idea three times. Ask yourself the questions the listener would ask: when? how often? what if it doesn't work? Each answer is a new detail.
  • Talking about the person, not to them. Use their name and "you": "Dev, you should ask your manager..."

Phrases for each job in your answer

  • Opening: “I know this has been on your mind, so here's what I'd do.”, “First of all, you have every reason to...”
  • Giving advice: “My first suggestion is to...”, “If I were you, I'd...”, “Have you thought about...?”, “It might be worth...”
  • Giving a reason: “That way, you'll...”, “The main reason is that...”, “This matters because...”
  • Giving an example: “For instance,...”, “...such as...”, “You could even...”
  • Moving on: “Next,...”, “Another thing to keep in mind is...”, “Finally,...”
  • Closing: “I'm sure you'll do well.”, “Let me know how it goes.”, “If it doesn't work out, we can think of something else together.”

Questions about Task 1

How do I organise a CELPIP Speaking Task 1 answer?

Task 1 questions come in three types. Read the last sentence of the question first: it tells you which one you have. The opening and the close are the same for all three. Choose between two options: Open: name the person and say which option you'd pick; Two reasons your choice is better, each with a detail; One or two weak points of the other option; Close: a short wish for them. Pros and cons of one plan: Open: name the person and say you'll cover both sides; Two advantages, each with a detail; Two disadvantages, each with a way to handle it; Close: your overall advice and a wish. How to do something well: Open: name the person and reassure them; Three steps, in the order they should do them; A reason or example for every step; Close: a confident wish.

How should I use my time in CELPIP Speaking Task 1?

Before you speak (30 s): Decide the question type in the first 5 seconds. Note three ideas in two or three words each, numbered in the order you'll say them. Next to each idea, write one reason or example word. While you speak (90 s): Talk to the person by name, as if they are in front of you. Pause between sentences, not in the middle of them. Watch the timer: at 20 seconds left, move to your close. If time is left over: With 10 seconds or more, add one more detail or offer to help ("Call me if you want to practise together"). With less, stop. Silence at the end does not cost points; a rushed half-sentence can.

What mistakes lower a CELPIP Speaking Task 1 score?

Advice with no reason. "You should save money. You should talk to your boss." is a list, not advice. Raters look for why each idea helps. Instead: Say the advice in one sentence, then spend two sentences on why and how. The same idea three times. Running out of ideas, many speakers repeat their first point in new words. It sounds like padding. Instead: Ask yourself the questions the listener would ask: when? how often? what if it doesn't work? Each answer is a new detail. Talking about the person, not to them. "He should ask his manager" sounds like a report. Task 1 is a conversation. Instead: Use their name and "you": "Dev, you should ask your manager..."

Is this Task 1 course free?

Yes. Every step is free and needs no account; nothing you type or record leaves your browser. With a free CELPass account you can also answer new questions and get an AI score.

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