CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: A Shadow That Doesn’t Match

You’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.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

You’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.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Hi, I’m out for a walk and just noticed something uncanny—my shadow doesn’t reflect my own form but instead mirrors the silhouette of an entirely different person, taller and with a distinct outline. It’s a bizarre deviation from the norm, where shadows faithfully trace our shapes, making it both eerie and intriguing. I can’t quite figure out why it’s happening. Have you ever experienced a shadow this mismatched?

68 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Hey, I’m walking outside and my shadow doesn’t look like me—it’s shaped like someone else! It’s tall and different, not matching my body at all. It’s so unusual because shadows are supposed to be you. Have you ever had a shadow like that?

43 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Hi! I walk and see shadow. It not me. Look like other person. Very strange. Have you seen shadow like this?

21 words

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