CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: A Watch That Counts Down

You’re shopping when you try on a watch that counts down instead of showing the current time. Describe the watch to your friend and explain why it’s surprising.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

You’re shopping when you try on a watch that counts down instead of showing the current time. Describe the watch to your friend and explain why it’s surprising.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Hi, I was browsing in a store and slipped on this intriguing watch that, instead of displaying the current time, counts down continuously, as if tracking some mysterious deadline. It’s a stark contrast to traditional timepieces, replacing the familiar progression of hours with an enigmatic descent of numbers. It’s both puzzling and oddly compelling. Have you ever come across a watch this unconventional?

63 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Hey, I was shopping and put on this watch that counts down instead of showing the time! The numbers keep dropping, like a timer, not a regular clock. It’s so surprising because watches usually tell you what time it is now. Have you ever seen one like that?

48 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Hi! I try watch in store. It go down, not up. No time now. Very strange. Have you seen watch like this?

22 words

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