Task 8 sample answers: Describing an Unusual Situation
54 describing an unusual situation questions in the CELPIP format. Each one has a plan, useful vocabulary and three sample answers, around CLB 4–5, 7–8 and 11–12, with notes on what moves an answer from one level to the next. Describe a strange object or scene in a picture to someone who cannot see it, usually on the phone.
Questions
- Snake-Shaped Park BenchThis prompt asks you to phone your neighbour Gwen, describe an unusual snake-shaped bench and how people use it, and ask about her committee's interest. The tricky part is covering both the object and its uses so Gwen can see why it might suit your street.
- Pedal-Powered Washing Machine at a CampgroundThis prompt asks you to call your friend Desmond, describe a pedal-powered washing machine a family is using at a campsite, and ask if he would want one at his cabin with no electricity. The tricky part is explaining how the machine works, not just what it looks like.
- Bicycle Pulling a Train of Toddler SeatsThe speaker phones a relative who runs a home daycare to describe a bicycle pulling a line of toddler carts. The hard part is making an odd vehicle easy to picture and then asking whether her children would enjoy it.
- House Decorated Like a Giant Gingerbread HouseThe speaker calls the organizer of a holiday lights tour to describe a house decorated like a gingerbread house. The tricky part is describing both the decorations and the people outside, then asking about the tour.
- Snowplow Decorated Like a DragonThe speaker calls a Grade 2 teacher to describe a snowplow decorated like a dragon. The challenge is describing both the plow and the people watching, then asking about a class visit.
- A Bench Adjusting Its Height When Someone SitsYou notice a bench that automatically adjusts its height to fit the person who sits on it. Describe how this bench works and looks to a friend.
- A Bicycle Transforming Into a Boat on a CanalYou see a bicycle parked near a canal suddenly change shape and transform into a small boat floating on the water. Describe this unusual event to a friend who cannot see it, focusing on the transformation and what makes…
- A Billboard Casting Live Shadows of PassersbyYou notice a billboard that casts shadows of people walking past it, making it look like the shadows are part of the advertisement. Describe this unusual billboard.
- A Bridge Floating a Few Feet Above Its SupportsYou notice a bridge that is not resting directly on its supports but is instead floating a few feet above them. Describe this strange scene to a friend.
- A Car Parked Upside-Down on a RooftopYou see a car parked upside-down on top of a rooftop. Describe the scene to a friend who cannot see it, emphasizing how unusual and surprising this sight is.
- A Child's Toy That TalksYou’re visiting a friend’s house and see a toy that talks. Describe the toy and how it works.
- A Clock with Hands Running BackwardsYou see a clock whose hands are moving backwards instead of forwards. Describe this strange clock to someone.
- A Dog Walking on Two Legs Wearing ShoesYou notice a billboard that casts shadows of people walking past it, making it look like the shadows are part of the advertisement. Describe this unusual billboard.
- A Door That Opens to Different PlacesYou’re in a building when you walk through a door that takes you to a different location each time you use it. Describe the door to your friend and explain why it’s unusual.
- A Fountain Pumping Colored Sand Instead of WaterIn a park, you find a fountain that sprays colored sand instead of water. Describe this unusual fountain to someone who hasn’t seen it.
- A Friend’s Birthday SurpriseYou helped plan a surprise birthday party for your friend. Describe the party setup and why it’s special.
- A Glowing Plant in the ParkYou’re walking in a park at night and see a plant that glows in the dark. Describe the plant to your friend and explain why it caught your attention.
- A Lamppost Bending to Greet People Walking ByYou notice a lamppost that seems to bend down and “greet” people as they walk past. Describe this unusual lamppost.
- A Library With No BooksYou visit a library where there are no physical books, only screens and digital devices. Describe the library to your friend and explain what makes it different.
- A Mural Painting Itself with New Scenes DailyYou find a mural that seems to paint itself, changing its scenes every day without any artist visible. Describe this magical mural.
- A Painting That MovesYou’re at an art gallery when you notice a painting where the figures inside it move like a video. Describe the painting to your friend and explain why it’s different.
- A Person Juggling Mini Replicas of World LandmarksYou see a person juggling small models of famous world landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Describe this unusual sight to a friend.
- A Piano Playing Itself in an Empty AlleyIn a quiet alley, you suddenly hear the sound of a piano playing beautiful music by itself, with no one around. Describe what you see and hear to a friend who cannot see the scene.
- A Robot Delivery ServiceYou’re at home when a small robot arrives at your door to deliver a package. Describe the robot and the delivery process to your friend and explain what makes it stand out.
- A Shadow That Doesn’t MatchYou’re walking outside when you notice that your shadow looks like someone else instead of you. Describe the shadow to your friend and explain why it’s unusual.
- A Shop Display Rearranging Itself OvernightYou visit a shop in the morning and notice that the display window has completely rearranged itself overnight without anyone touching it. Describe this mysterious event to a friend.
- A Sidewalk Made of Translucent Glass PanelsYou walk on a sidewalk made entirely of translucent glass panels that let you see the ground far below. Describe this unusual sidewalk to a friend who cannot see it.
- A Silent ConcertYou attend a concert where everyone listens to the music through headphones instead of speakers. Describe the experience to your friend and explain what makes it unusual compared to other concerts.
- A Strange Noise in the HouseYou’re at home when you hear a strange noise coming from the basement. Describe what you heard and what you did.
- A Streetlamp Trailing Pedestrians Like a PetWhile walking down a street, you notice a streetlamp that seems to follow people as they walk, almost like a pet dog. Describe this strange phenomenon to a friend.
- A Swarm of Butterflies Carrying Smartphone ScreensYou see a swarm of butterflies flying around, each carrying a small smartphone screen that shows different images. Describe this unusual scene to a friend.
- A Talking Vending MachineYou’re at a train station when you use a vending machine that talks to you and gives advice. Describe the vending machine to your friend and explain what makes it so surprising.
- A Traffic Sign Changing Its Message with the WeatherA traffic sign changes its message depending on the weather, showing warnings for rain, snow, or sunshine. Describe this sign and how it works.
- A Tree Sprouting Glowing Lanterns Instead of FruitYou notice a tree that doesn’t grow regular fruit but instead has glowing lanterns hanging from its branches, lighting up the area around it. Describe this unusual tree to a friend.
- A Tree That Grows Upside DownYou’re in a forest when you see a tree with its branches in the ground and its roots reaching up to the sky. Describe the tree to your friend and explain what makes it stand out.
- A Treehouse CaféYou visit a new café that’s built entirely inside a giant treehouse high above the ground. Describe the café to your friend and explain why it’s different from other places you’ve been to.
- A Virtual Reality Bus StopYou’re waiting for a bus when you step into a bus stop that uses virtual reality to show you different places while you wait. Describe this bus stop to your friend and explain why it’s unique.
- A Watch That Counts DownYou’re shopping when you try on a watch that counts down instead of showing the current time. Describe the watch to your friend and explain why it’s surprising.
- An Escalator Running Diagonally Between Two BuildingsBetween two tall buildings, there is an escalator running diagonally from one to the other, instead of going straight up or down. Describe this unusual escalator and how it looks to a friend.
- Broken Elevator at the MallYou’re at the mall and the elevator breaks down while you’re inside. Describe what happened and what you did.
- Enchanted Fountain with Colored WaterWhile walking in the city center, you suddenly come across a fountain that unexpectedly sprays water in different vibrant colors instead of the usual clear water. Describe the fountain and explain what makes the scene…
- Mysterious Package DeliveryYou receive a package at home, but it’s addressed to someone you don’t know. Describe the situation to a friend.
- Quirky Robot in a MallWhile shopping at a mall, you notice a robot that appears to be assisting customers in an unusual, almost human-like manner. Describe the robot and explain what makes its behavior so intriguing.
- Smart Parking Space IndicatorYou are in a busy downtown area and notice a new parking space indicator system. Describe how it works and what makes it interesting.
- Surprising Community MuralYou notice a large, vibrant mural painted overnight on a prominent wall in your neighborhood. Describe the mural and explain why it has sparked so much interest among the residents.
- Surprising Street Performer with an AnimalWhile strolling through a busy street, you see a street performer accompanied by an unusual animal companion. Describe the performance and the animal’s role in it.
- Unconventional Sporting EventYou attend a local community event where people participate in a quirky, unconventional sporting contest—like a giant inflatable obstacle race. Describe the event and explain what makes it so enjoyable.
- Unexpected Snowstorm in SpringYou’re outside, and it’s a warm spring day when suddenly, a snowstorm starts. Describe what happened and how it made you feel.
- Unexpected Traffic Jam on a Quiet StreetYou are on your way to an appointment and suddenly find yourself stuck in an unexpected traffic jam on a normally quiet street. Describe the situation to your friend.
- Unique Music BoxYou’re in a vintage shop and come across a music box that plays a song in a very unusual way. Describe the music box and explain what makes it interesting.
- Unique Street Food CartYou’re walking down the street and come across a street food cart that’s serving something you’ve never seen before. Call your friend to describe the cart and the food.
- Unusual Animal at the ZooYou are at the zoo and see an animal you have never seen before. Describe the animal to your friend and explain what makes it unique.
- Unusual Delivery MethodYou order a package online and find out that it was delivered using a drone. Describe the delivery method and explain what makes it so futuristic.
- Unusual Flower ArrangementYou are at a friend’s house and notice a very unusual flower arrangement. Describe what it looks like and explain why it stands out.
How to use these samples
- Read the question and answer it yourself first, within the real time limit.
- Compare your answer with the Good and Excellent samples. Look at structure and detail, not just words.
- Read the notes under each level and pick one thing to change in your next attempt.
- Learn the format and template on the Task 8 guide.
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