CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

CELPIP Speaking Task 2 Sample Answer: Successfully Resolving a Misunderstanding at Work

Explain how you managed to resolve a misunderstanding at work. Discuss what caused the problem, how you addressed it, and the outcome.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Tense

Mostly past tense

The question

Explain how you managed to resolve a misunderstanding at work. Discuss what caused the problem, how you addressed it, and the outcome.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Recently, there was a misunderstanding between me and a team member regarding a project deadline. Both of us assumed the other person would handle a certain task, which caused unnecessary stress. I initiated a conversation to clarify our roles and listened carefully to her perspective. We agreed on a clear plan moving forward and apologized for the confusion. Resolving the misunderstanding not only improved our teamwork but also taught me the value of open communication in preventing future issues.

79 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

A few months ago, my colleague and I disagreed about who should finish a report. We both thought the other person was responsible. I decided to talk to her directly and clear things up. After we discussed it, we realized it was just a mistake. We laughed about it and worked together to finish the report on time.

58 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

At work, I had a problem with a co-worker because we did not understand each other. We talked about it, and I explained my side. She explained hers too. After talking, we understood each other and worked better together.

39 words

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