Task 2 vocabulary: Talking about a Personal Experience
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Speaking Task 2, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 2 format and strategy.
Verbs 12
remember
verbCLB 5/rɪˈmɛmbər/To bring a past event back into your mind.
“I still remember the day I got my first job offer.”
Similarrecallrecollectlook back onCELPIP tip 'I still remember...' is a natural, engaging way to open your story.
decided
verbCLB 5/dɪˈsaɪdɪd/Made a choice after thinking about options.
“After a lot of thought, I decided to move to Calgary.”
Similarchoseresolvedmade up my mindCELPIP tip Use it to mark the turning point of your story.
struggled
verbCLB 7/ˈstrʌɡəld/Had difficulty doing something.
“At first, I struggled to understand the local accent.”
Similarhad a hard timebattledwrestled withCELPIP tip Shows a challenge, which makes your story more interesting.
managed to
verbCLB 6Succeeded in doing something difficult.
“Eventually, I managed to find an affordable apartment.”
Similarsucceeded inwas able toCELPIP tip Follow with the base verb. Great for showing how a problem was solved.
recalled
verbCLB 7/rɪˈkɔːld/Remembered something from the past.
“I recalled my mother's advice right at that moment.”
SimilarrememberedrecollectedCELPIP tip A more advanced past-tense alternative to 'remembered'.
overcame
verbCLB 8/ˌoʊvərˈkeɪm/Successfully dealt with a difficulty.
“Eventually, I overcame my fear of public speaking.”
Similarconqueredgot overCELPIP tip Shows growth, which makes a strong story ending.
discovered
verbCLB 6/dɪˈskʌvərd/Found out something for the first time.
“That's when I discovered I'd left my passport at home.”
Similarfound outrealizedCELPIP tip Good for the surprising moment in your story.
hesitated
verbCLB 7/ˈhɛzɪˌteɪtɪd/Paused before acting because of doubt.
“I hesitated for a moment before accepting the offer.”
SimilarpausedwaveredCELPIP tip Shows inner feelings and adds detail.
regretted
verbCLB 7/rɪˈɡrɛtɪd/Felt sorry about something you did.
“I regretted not taking more photos on that trip.”
Similarwished I hadfelt sorryCELPIP tip Pattern: regret + -ing (regretted not taking).
cherish
verbCLB 8/ˈtʃerɪʃ/To love and value something, especially a memory or a relationship.
“I still cherish the letters my grandmother wrote to me.”
Similartreasurevaluehold dearCELPIP tip Works well in a closing sentence about why the memory still matters.
persevere
verbCLB 9/ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/To keep trying to do something even though it is difficult.
“The first winter was hard, but I persevered and found a job by spring.”
Similarpersistkeep goingpush onCELPIP tip Stress the last syllable: per-se-VERE.
reminisce
verbCLB 10/ˌremɪˈnɪs/To think or talk about pleasant experiences from the past.
“Whenever my cousins visit, we reminisce about summers at the lake.”
Similarlook backrecallremember fondlyCELPIP tip Pattern: reminisce about + noun. Natural in your opening or closing line.
Phrasal verbs 8
ended up
phrasal verbCLB 6Finally reached a situation, often unplanned.
“We got lost, but we ended up finding an amazing little café.”
Similarwound upfinished upCELPIP tip Follow with a gerund: 'ended up finding'.
look back on
phrasal verbCLB 7To think about something that happened in the past.
“When I look back on that trip, I feel really grateful.”
Similarreflect onrememberCELPIP tip Good for the reflection part at the end of your story.
turn out
phrasal verbCLB 7To happen in a particular way, often surprisingly.
“It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.”
Similarprove to beend up beingCELPIP tip 'It turned out that...' adds a nice twist to your story.
set off
phrasal verbCLB 6To start a journey.
“We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic.”
Similarhead outdepartCELPIP tip Natural way to start a travel story.
give up
phrasal verbCLB 5To stop trying.
“I almost gave up, but my friend encouraged me.”
Similarquitstop tryingCELPIP tip Shows struggle and determination.
get through
phrasal verbCLB 6To survive or finish something difficult.
“I don't know how I got through that week.”
Similarsurvivemake it throughCELPIP tip Describes overcoming a hard time.
run into
phrasal verbCLB 6To meet by chance, or to experience a problem.
“On the way, we ran into some heavy traffic.”
Similarencounterbump intoCELPIP tip Two meanings: meet someone, or face a problem.
stumble upon
phrasal verbCLB 8To find something or someone by chance.
“I stumbled upon a tiny bakery while I was lost downtown.”
Similarcome acrosschance upondiscoverCELPIP tip Great for the start of a story: it tells the listener something unexpected is coming.
Phrases 14
a few years ago
phraseCLB 5A time expression that sets when the story happened.
“A few years ago, I volunteered at a local food bank.”
Similarsome time agoback in 2019CELPIP tip Start with a time marker so the listener knows the context immediately.
at first
phraseCLB 5At the beginning of a situation.
“At first, I was nervous, but I soon felt comfortable.”
Similarinitiallyin the beginningCELPIP tip Pair with 'but later' or 'eventually' to show change over time.
all of a sudden
phraseCLB 6Very quickly and unexpectedly.
“All of a sudden, the power went out in the whole building.”
Similarsuddenlyout of nowhereCELPIP tip Builds drama at the key moment of your story.
as a result
phraseCLB 6Because of what happened.
“As a result, I learned how important it is to plan ahead.”
Similarconsequentlybecause of thisCELPIP tip Links cause and effect, which improves coherence.
back then
phraseCLB 5At that time in the past.
“Back then, I didn't speak much English.”
Similarat that timein those daysCELPIP tip Sets the background of your story.
a couple of days later
phraseCLB 5Two or a few days after.
“A couple of days later, I got a call from the manager.”
Similarshortly aftersoon afterCELPIP tip Time markers move your story forward clearly.
by the time
phraseCLB 7When something happened, something else had already happened.
“By the time we arrived, the show had already started.”
SimilarwhenbeforeCELPIP tip Use the past perfect after it for grammar range.
from that day on
phraseCLB 7Starting from that day and continuing.
“From that day on, I always double-check my alarm.”
Similarsince thenever sinceCELPIP tip Shows the lasting effect of the experience.
at that moment
phraseCLB 6Exactly then.
“At that moment, I realized I was on the wrong train.”
Similarright thenjust thenCELPIP tip Highlights the key moment.
to my surprise
phraseCLB 7Used when something unexpected happens.
“To my surprise, the whole team showed up to help.”
SimilarsurprisinglyunexpectedlyCELPIP tip An engaging way to introduce a twist.
Little did I know
phraseCLB 8Used to say that you did not know something important at the time.
“Little did I know that the stranger on the bus would become my best friend.”
SimilarI had no ideaI never imaginedCELPIP tip Note the word order: "Little did I know", not "Little I knew". Perfect for a twist in your story.
In retrospect
phraseCLB 8Thinking now about something that happened in the past.
“In retrospect, missing that bus was the best thing that happened to me.”
Similarlooking backwith hindsightCELPIP tip Use it near the end of your answer to reflect on what the experience meant.
It dawned on me that
phraseCLB 9Used when you suddenly understand or realize something.
“Halfway to the airport, it dawned on me that my passport was still on the kitchen table.”
SimilarI realized thatIt hit me thatCELPIP tip Marks the turning point of your story clearly and sounds natural.
a turning point
noun phraseCLB 9A moment when a situation starts to change in an important way.
“Volunteering at the food bank was a turning point in my life.”
SimilarmilestonewatershedCELPIP tip Name the turning point clearly so the listener can follow the shape of your story.
Adjectives 17
memorable
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈmɛmərəbəl/Worth remembering; special.
“It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”
SimilarunforgettableremarkableCELPIP tip A higher-level alternative to 'good' or 'nice'.
overwhelmed
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmd/Feeling that something is too much to handle.
“I felt completely overwhelmed during my first week at work.”
SimilarstressedswampedCELPIP tip Describing feelings makes your story vivid and personal.
thrilled
adjectiveCLB 6/θrɪld/Extremely happy and excited.
“I was absolutely thrilled when I got the news.”
SimilardelightedoverjoyedCELPIP tip Much stronger than 'happy'.
nervous
adjectiveCLB 5/ˈnɜːrvəs/Worried and a little afraid.
“I was so nervous on my first day that I couldn't eat.”
SimilaranxiousuneasyCELPIP tip Describe how you felt at each stage of the story.
relieved
adjectiveCLB 6/rɪˈliːvd/Happy because a worry has ended.
“I felt so relieved when I finally found my keys.”
Similarreassuredat easeCELPIP tip Natural word for the resolution of a problem.
grateful
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈɡreɪtfəl/Thankful.
“I'm still grateful to the stranger who helped me.”
SimilarthankfulappreciativeCELPIP tip A warm way to end your story.
frustrated
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈfrʌstreɪtɪd/Annoyed because you can't do or change something.
“I got really frustrated waiting in line for three hours.”
SimilarannoyedirritatedCELPIP tip Use '-ed' for feelings, '-ing' for the cause (frustrating).
embarrassed
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪmˈbærəst/Feeling uncomfortable or ashamed in front of others.
“I was so embarrassed when I called my boss by the wrong name.”
SimilarashamedawkwardCELPIP tip Funny embarrassing stories are very engaging.
exhausted
adjectiveCLB 6/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪd/Extremely tired.
“By the end of the hike, we were completely exhausted.”
Similarworn outdrainedCELPIP tip Stronger than "tired". Use it to show how hard the experience was.
proud
adjectiveCLB 5/praʊd/Pleased about something you or others achieved.
“I felt really proud of myself for finishing the marathon.”
SimilarpleasedsatisfiedCELPIP tip Pattern: proud of + someone/something.
rewarding
adjectiveCLB 7/rɪˈwɔːrdɪŋ/Giving satisfaction.
“Volunteering was one of the most rewarding things I've done.”
SimilarfulfillingworthwhileCELPIP tip Good for describing the value of the experience.
challenging
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/Difficult in a way that tests your ability.
“The first month in Canada was really challenging.”
SimilardifficultdemandingCELPIP tip More positive than 'hard'.
nerve-racking
adjectiveCLB 8/ˈnɜːrv ˌrækɪŋ/Making you feel very nervous or worried.
“My first job interview in Canada was really nerve-racking.”
SimilarstressfultenseintimidatingCELPIP tip Precise feeling words score better than "nervous" or "scary" repeated.
apprehensive
adjectiveCLB 9/ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/Worried or nervous that something bad might happen.
“I was apprehensive about driving in snow for the first time.”
SimilaruneasyanxiousworriedCELPIP tip Pattern: apprehensive about + noun or -ing verb.
elated
adjectiveCLB 9/iˈleɪtɪd/Extremely happy and excited.
“When the acceptance letter arrived, I was absolutely elated.”
SimilaroverjoyedecstaticthrilledCELPIP tip A strong step up from "happy". Pair it with "absolutely", not "very".
surreal
adjectiveCLB 10/səˈriːəl/So strange or unexpected that it feels like a dream.
“Standing on stage to receive the award felt completely surreal.”
SimilardreamlikeunrealincredibleCELPIP tip Use it for big moments that were hard to believe, then explain why.
humbling
adjectiveCLB 10/ˈhʌmblɪŋ/Making you realize that you are not as important or skilled as you thought.
“Failing my first driving test was a humbling experience.”
Similareye-openingsoberingCELPIP tip Shows reflection and maturity, which lifts the quality of a personal story.
Expressions 4
I'll never forget
expressionCLB 6Used to stress how important a memory is.
“I'll never forget how kind my neighbours were that winter.”
SimilarI'll always rememberCELPIP tip A strong opening or closing line for Task 2.
It taught me a valuable lesson
expressionCLB 7Shows what you learned from an experience.
“Looking back, it taught me a valuable lesson about patience.”
SimilarI learned thatit showed meCELPIP tip Ending with a lesson gives your story a clear purpose.
Looking back
expressionCLB 7When thinking about the past now.
“Looking back, I'm glad I took that risk.”
Similarin hindsightnow that I think about itCELPIP tip Starts your reflection at the end.
It was a defining moment
expressionCLB 10An event that shapes who you become or what you do next.
“Leading that project on my own was a defining moment in my career.”
Similara turning pointa milestoneCELPIP tip Use it to show why your story matters, a key part of a strong Task 2 answer.
Adverbs 5
fortunately
adverbCLB 6/ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/Luckily.
“Fortunately, a neighbour had a spare key.”
SimilarluckilythankfullyCELPIP tip Marks a positive turning point.
unexpectedly
adverbCLB 7/ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪdli/In a surprising way.
“Unexpectedly, my flight was cancelled.”
SimilarsuddenlysurprisinglyCELPIP tip Adds tension to your story.
gradually
adverbCLB 7/ˈɡrædʒuəli/Slowly over time.
“Gradually, I got used to the cold weather.”
Similarslowlylittle by littleCELPIP tip Shows change over time.
immediately
adverbCLB 6/ɪˈmiːdiətli/Right away.
“I immediately called my sister for help.”
Similarright awayinstantlyCELPIP tip Speeds up the action in your story.
luckily
adverbCLB 5/ˈlʌkɪli/By good luck.
“Luckily, nobody was hurt.”
SimilarfortunatelythankfullyCELPIP tip Common, natural storytelling adverb.
Idioms 6
a blessing in disguise
idiomCLB 9Something that seems bad but turns out to be good.
“Losing that job was a blessing in disguise.”
Similara hidden benefitCELPIP tip A memorable way to show a positive twist.
a dream come true
idiomCLB 7Something you always wished for that happened.
“Visiting Banff was a dream come true.”
Similara wish fulfilledCELPIP tip Great for happy experiences.
out of the blue
idiomCLB 8Completely unexpectedly.
“Out of the blue, an old friend called me.”
SimilarunexpectedlysuddenlyCELPIP tip Adds a natural, idiomatic tone.
learn the hard way
idiomCLB 8Learn something through a difficult experience.
“I learned the hard way to always back up my files.”
Similarlearn from experienceCELPIP tip Perfect for stories with a lesson.
once in a lifetime
idiomCLB 7Very rare; might happen only once.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
SimilarrareuniqueCELPIP tip Hyphenate before a noun: once-in-a-lifetime trip.
in the heat of the moment
idiomCLB 10Without thinking carefully, because of strong feelings at the time.
“In the heat of the moment, I said things I later regretted.”
Similaron impulsewithout thinkingCELPIP tip Explains why you acted a certain way, then lets you reflect on it.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 2 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Speaking vocabulary
- Task 1: Giving Advice (54 words)
- Task 3: Describing a Scene (54 words)
- Task 4: Making Predictions (50 words)
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (49 words)
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (55 words)
- Task 7: Expressing Opinions (57 words)
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (58 words)
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