CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: A Piano Playing Itself in an Empty Alley

In 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.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

In 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.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

As I passed through an otherwise deserted alley, I was captivated by the sound of a piano playing exquisite melodies on its own. The keys moved gracefully without any visible player, producing hauntingly beautiful music that filled the quiet space. The scene was surreal, blending the silence of the alley with this spontaneous musical performance. It felt almost supernatural, like the piano was alive and expressing emotion without human touch.

70 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I was walking through an empty alley when I heard beautiful piano music. Looking around, I saw a piano playing by itself. The keys were moving without anyone touching them. It was very unusual and kind of magical to hear music coming from nowhere.

44 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I am in a quiet alley, and I hear a piano playing music, but no one is there. The piano keys are moving on their own, making nice sounds. It is very strange and a little bit scary.

38 words

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