CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: A Bicycle Transforming Into a Boat on a Canal

You 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…

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

While strolling along the canal, I witnessed a remarkable sight—a bicycle parked on the path began an extraordinary transformation. Its wheels folded inward, the frame reshaped itself, and within moments, it morphed into a small, sleek boat that gently floated on the canal’s surface. The entire process was fluid and almost magical, defying all logic. It was astonishing to see something so ordinary suddenly become a functional watercraft right before my eyes. I’m sure you’d be amazed if you could see it too.

83 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I was walking by the canal when I noticed something very unusual. A bicycle parked near the edge suddenly started to move and change shape. The wheels folded, and the bike turned into a small boat that floated on the water. It was really surprising because I have never seen anything like that before. It looked like something from a movie.

61 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I saw a bicycle near the canal, and it started to change. The wheels and frame moved, and it became a small boat on the water. It was very strange because bikes don’t usually turn into boats. It looked like magic!

41 words

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