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CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

CELPIP Speaking Task 2 Sample Answer: A Travel Delay Experience

By David

Tell about a time when you experienced a travel delay. What happened, how did you handle it, and how did you feel about the situation?

Preparation
30 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds
Tense
Mostly past tense

The question

Tell about a time when you experienced a travel delay. What happened, how did you handle it, and how did you feel about the situation?

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

One of the most memorable travel delays I’ve experienced was during a trip to Europe a few years ago. I was at the airport, ready to fly from Paris to Rome, when they announced that our flight was delayed by eight hours due to a technical issue with the plane. At first, I was incredibly annoyed because I had plans to explore Rome that evening, but I decided to make the most of the situation. I found a quiet corner in the airport, listened to a podcast, and even struck up a conversation with a fellow traveler who turned out to be an artist. We ended up sharing stories and sketching together to pass the time, which made the delay surprisingly enjoyable. By the time I finally arrived in Rome, I felt grateful for the unexpected connection I had made, and it reminded me that sometimes delays can lead to meaningful experiences if you approach them with the right mindset.

160 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I experienced a travel delay when I was flying to visit my family last year. My flight was delayed by five hours because of bad weather, and I had to wait at the airport. I decided to make the best of it by walking around, buying a coffee, and calling my sister to chat. I felt a bit frustrated at first, but I was glad I stayed calm because I eventually got to my destination safely.

76 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I have travel delay one time. My plane not come on time. I wait in airport for three hour. I read book and eat food. I feel bored, but I okay.

31 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB

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