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CELPIP Speaking · Task 7

Task 7 practice course: Expressing Opinions

Give a clear opinion on a question about society, support it with reasons and examples, and restate it at the end. 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 7 format and strategy first.

6 steps30 s to prepare · 90 s to speakFree · no account needed
Illustration: expressing opinions 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

Position first, then reasons with examples

Task 7 asks "Do you think...?" about a public issue. Say your position in the first sentence, support it with two or three reasons, and come back to it at the end. A balanced view is fine, as long as you say clearly where you stand.

A clear yes or no

Should single-use plastic bags be banned in all stores?

  1. Your position in one sentence
  2. Reason 1 with an example or a fact
  3. Reason 2 with an example
  4. Reason 3, or one fair point for the other side
  5. Restate your position
Yes, but only if

Should parents be fined when children often miss school?

  1. Your position and its condition
  2. Why the idea makes sense
  3. Why it could go wrong
  4. Your conditions: when it should apply
  5. Restate your position
Your own experience as evidence

Should employers give paid time off to volunteer?

  1. Your position
  2. Reason 1 for the people affected
  3. Reason 2, with something you saw or did yourself
  4. Answer the main worry (often cost)
  5. Restate your position

Task 7 cheat sheet

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

Your 30 seconds and 90 seconds

Before you speak (30 s)
  • Decide your position in 5 seconds: the side you can find reasons for fastest.
  • Note two or three reasons in a few words each.
  • Next to one reason, note an example from your life or your city.
While you speak (90 s)
  • First sentence: your position, clearly.
  • Signal each reason: First, Second, On top of that.
  • Make each reason concrete with an example, a number or an experience.
Finishing
  • At 15 seconds left, restate your position in new words.
  • If time remains, add one fair point for the other side and answer it.

Three mistakes that keep scores at CLB 7

  • No clear position. Say where you stand in the first sentence, even if it is "yes, but only if..."
  • Reasons with no support. Add one concrete detail: "A bag carries our groceries for twenty minutes but takes centuries to break down."
  • Running out of time before the end. Watch the timer and start your closing sentence at 15 seconds.

Phrases for opinions

  • Your position: “I firmly believe that...”, “In my opinion,...”, “I think... can be justified, but only...”
  • Ordering reasons: “First and foremost,...”, “Second,...”, “On top of that,...”
  • Supporting: “For example, when my local...”, “Research consistently shows that...”, “In my experience,...”
  • The other side: “On the other hand,...”, “Some people may worry that..., but...”, “Of course,...”
  • Restating: “So, my position is this.”, “Overall, I think...”, “For these reasons, I fully support...”

Questions about Task 7

How do I organise a CELPIP Speaking Task 7 answer?

Task 7 asks "Do you think...?" about a public issue. Say your position in the first sentence, support it with two or three reasons, and come back to it at the end. A balanced view is fine, as long as you say clearly where you stand. A clear yes or no: Your position in one sentence; Reason 1 with an example or a fact; Reason 2 with an example; Reason 3, or one fair point for the other side; Restate your position. Yes, but only if: Your position and its condition; Why the idea makes sense; Why it could go wrong; Your conditions: when it should apply; Restate your position. Your own experience as evidence: Your position; Reason 1 for the people affected; Reason 2, with something you saw or did yourself; Answer the main worry (often cost); Restate your position.

How should I use my time in CELPIP Speaking Task 7?

Before you speak (30 s): Decide your position in 5 seconds: the side you can find reasons for fastest. Note two or three reasons in a few words each. Next to one reason, note an example from your life or your city. While you speak (90 s): First sentence: your position, clearly. Signal each reason: First, Second, On top of that. Make each reason concrete with an example, a number or an experience. Finishing: At 15 seconds left, restate your position in new words. If time remains, add one fair point for the other side and answer it.

What mistakes lower a CELPIP Speaking Task 7 score?

No clear position. Talking around both sides without choosing leaves the question unanswered. Instead: Say where you stand in the first sentence, even if it is "yes, but only if..." Reasons with no support. "It's good for the environment" alone is too general to persuade anyone. Instead: Add one concrete detail: "A bag carries our groceries for twenty minutes but takes centuries to break down." Running out of time before the end. An answer that stops mid-reason sounds unfinished, and the restated position is lost. Instead: Watch the timer and start your closing sentence at 15 seconds.

Is this Task 7 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.

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