CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: A Fountain Pumping Colored Sand Instead of Water

In a park, you find a fountain that sprays colored sand instead of water. Describe this unusual fountain to someone who hasn’t seen it.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 practice picture: A Fountain Pumping Colored Sand Instead of Water

In a park, you find a fountain that sprays colored sand instead of water. Describe this unusual fountain to someone who hasn’t seen it.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

In a unique twist on traditional fountains, this installation ejects streams of vividly colored sand rather than water. The grains cascade gracefully, mimicking the fluid motion of water while adding a tactile and visual element that captivates onlookers. This blend of texture and color transforms a familiar feature into an artistic spectacle.

52 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I saw a fountain in the park that sprays colored sand instead of water. The sand flows down like water, but it’s bright and colorful. It makes the fountain look very different and beautiful.

34 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

There is a fountain, but it doesn’t spray water. It sprays colorful sand. The sand falls like water and makes the fountain look very nice.

25 words

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