Start free
CELPIP Speaking · Task 2

Task 2 practice course: Talking about a Personal Experience

Tell one real or realistic story in order, with enough detail that the listener can picture it. 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 2 format and strategy first.

6 steps30 s to prepare · 60 s to speakFree · no account needed
Illustration: talking about a personal experience 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

One story, told in order

Task 2 asks about one time something happened, then lists two or three questions (what happened, how you felt, what you learned). Answer every one of them, in the order they are asked. Pick one event, not a habit.

Something went wrong

Talk about a time you got lost. What happened and how did you find your way?

  1. Set the scene: when, where, who
  2. The problem, with one vivid detail
  3. What you did, step by step
  4. How it ended and what you learned
Someone helped or you helped

Talk about a time a neighbour helped you. What did they do and how did you thank them?

  1. Set the scene: when, where, the situation
  2. What the person did
  3. How you felt
  4. How you thanked them or what changed
A first time or a change

Talk about a time you tried something new. Why did you try it and how did it go?

  1. Set the scene and why you tried it
  2. What it was like at first
  3. One moment you remember
  4. What you think about it now

Task 2 cheat sheet

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

Your 30 seconds and 60 seconds

Before you speak (30 s)
  • Pick the first true story that fits. Don't search for the perfect one.
  • Write a word for each question in the prompt, in order.
  • Add one detail you can describe: a time, a place, a sound, a feeling.
While you speak (60 s)
  • Open with when and where: "A couple of years ago, when I was..."
  • Use past tenses and time words (then, by the time, after that) to keep the order clear.
  • Spend most of the time on what happened, not the background.
Finishing
  • End with one sentence on how it ended or what you learned.
  • 60 seconds goes fast: if you reach the last question with 10 seconds left, answer it in one sentence.

Three mistakes that keep scores at CLB 7

  • A habit instead of one event. Name the day: "Last March, on a Sunday morning..."
  • Skipping a question. Write one word per question in your notes and tick them off as you speak.
  • Mixing up tenses. Tell it in the past simple, and use "had" for what happened earlier: "I'd forgotten to plug it in."

Phrases for each part of your story

  • Opening: “I'd like to tell you about the time I...”, “A couple of years ago, when I was...”
  • Setting the scene: “It was around... and...”, “To make things worse,...”
  • Moving the story on: “At first,...”, “By the time I...”, “After that,...”, “Luckily,...”
  • Feelings: “I was in a total panic.”, “I couldn't believe...”, “I was incredibly grateful.”
  • Ending: “In the end,...”, “Since then, I've...”, “Looking back, it taught me...”

Questions about Task 2

How do I organise a CELPIP Speaking Task 2 answer?

Task 2 asks about one time something happened, then lists two or three questions (what happened, how you felt, what you learned). Answer every one of them, in the order they are asked. Pick one event, not a habit. Something went wrong: Set the scene: when, where, who; The problem, with one vivid detail; What you did, step by step; How it ended and what you learned. Someone helped or you helped: Set the scene: when, where, the situation; What the person did; How you felt; How you thanked them or what changed. A first time or a change: Set the scene and why you tried it; What it was like at first; One moment you remember; What you think about it now.

How should I use my time in CELPIP Speaking Task 2?

Before you speak (30 s): Pick the first true story that fits. Don't search for the perfect one. Write a word for each question in the prompt, in order. Add one detail you can describe: a time, a place, a sound, a feeling. While you speak (60 s): Open with when and where: "A couple of years ago, when I was..." Use past tenses and time words (then, by the time, after that) to keep the order clear. Spend most of the time on what happened, not the background. Finishing: End with one sentence on how it ended or what you learned. 60 seconds goes fast: if you reach the last question with 10 seconds left, answer it in one sentence.

What mistakes lower a CELPIP Speaking Task 2 score?

A habit instead of one event. "I usually help my neighbours" doesn't answer "talk about a time". Raters want a single story. Instead: Name the day: "Last March, on a Sunday morning..." Skipping a question. The prompt lists what to cover. Leaving one out lowers the task score even if the story is good. Instead: Write one word per question in your notes and tick them off as you speak. Mixing up tenses. Jumping between present and past makes the order hard to follow. Instead: Tell it in the past simple, and use "had" for what happened earlier: "I'd forgotten to plug it in."

Is this Task 2 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.

Keep practising Task 2

More free practice courses

All CELPIP practice courses

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.