CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

CELPIP Speaking Task 2 Sample Answer: Hosting a Surprise Birthday Party for a Close Friend

Talk about a time when you hosted a surprise birthday party for a close friend. How did it go, and how did everyone react?

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Tense

Mostly past tense

The question

Talk about a time when you hosted a surprise birthday party for a close friend. How did it go, and how did everyone react?

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Last spring, I spent weeks organizing a surprise birthday party for my closest friend. I coordinated with her family and friends, decorated my apartment, and created a playlist of her favorite songs. When she walked in and everyone shouted “Surprise!” she was completely overwhelmed and teared up. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, and she kept telling me how special she felt. Hosting the party was not only rewarding but also deepened our friendship, reminding me how important it is to celebrate the people we care about.

89 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

For my friend’s birthday, I organized a secret party at my house. I invited all her friends, decorated the place, and ordered her favorite food. When she arrived, everyone yelled “Surprise!” She was shocked and started to cry from happiness. Seeing her so happy made all the planning worth it, and we all had a wonderful night.

57 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I planned a surprise party for my best friend last year. I invited her friends and bought a cake. When she came in, she was really surprised and happy. We all had fun, and she thanked me a lot. I felt proud and glad she liked it.

47 words

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