CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: A Strange Noise in the House

By David

You’re at home when you hear a strange noise coming from the basement. Describe what you heard and what you did.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

You’re at home when you hear a strange noise coming from the basement. Describe what you heard and what you did.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Hi, I’m at home, and I just heard this unsettling noise coming from the basement. It was kind of a loud thud, almost like something heavy had fallen over, followed by a few scraping sounds. It definitely caught my attention because it sounded out of place. I’m a little concerned, so I’m trying to decide whether I should go downstairs to investigate or call someone for help. Have you ever experienced something like this at home? It’s definitely making me uneasy.

81 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Hey, I’m at home right now, and I just heard this really strange noise coming from the basement. It’s hard to explain, but it sounded like something heavy falling or maybe a door banging. I’m a little worried, so I’m thinking about checking it out. Have you ever heard something strange like that at home?

55 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I hear noise in house. It’s from basement. I don’t know what it is. The sound is strange, like something falling. I am scared. What do I do now?

29 words

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