CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: Unexpected Traffic Jam on a Quiet Street

You are on your way to an appointment and suddenly find yourself stuck in an unexpected traffic jam on a normally quiet street. Describe the situation to your friend.

Preparation

30 seconds

Speaking

60 seconds

Picture

An unusual object or situation

The question

You are on your way to an appointment and suddenly find yourself stuck in an unexpected traffic jam on a normally quiet street. Describe the situation to your friend.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Hi, I’m on my way to my appointment, and I’ve found myself in an unexpected traffic jam on what’s usually a very calm, quiet street. The cars aren’t moving at all, and it’s completely out of the ordinary for this area. Normally, this street is free-flowing, but today it’s almost at a standstill. It’s a bit confusing, and I’m not sure what’s causing the hold-up. Have you ever been in a situation where a normally quiet area suddenly gets stuck with heavy traffic?

83 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Hey, I’m on my way to my appointment, but something unusual is happening. I’m stuck in a traffic jam on a street that’s usually really quiet. It’s strange because there’s never traffic here, but today, cars are barely moving. I’m not sure what’s causing it. Have you experienced something like this before?

52 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Hey, I am in traffic. The street is usually quiet, but today it’s very busy. Cars are not moving. I don’t know why. It’s strange. Have you seen traffic like this.

31 words

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