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CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Sample Answer: Unique Music Box

By David

You’re in a vintage shop and come across a music box that plays a song in a very unusual way. Describe the music box and explain what makes it interesting.

Preparation
30 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds
Picture
An unusual object or situation

The question

You’re in a vintage shop and come across a music box that plays a song in a very unusual way. Describe the music box and explain what makes it interesting.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Hi, I’m at a vintage shop, and I just discovered this fascinating music box that plays an incredibly unusual melody. The box itself is quite old-fashioned, made of finely crafted wood with intricate carvings. But the real surprise is the tune it plays – it’s not your typical sweet, calming song. Instead, it has this haunting, almost otherworldly quality to it, with a combination of high and low notes that seem to tell a story. The way the mechanism works is unlike any music box I’ve seen before – the gears and movement seem much more complex. It’s truly a unique find. Have you ever come across something like this? I’m considering buying it as a keepsake.

117 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Hey, I just found this really unique music box at a vintage shop. It’s a bit old, but the music it plays is totally different from what I expected. Instead of the usual melody, it plays a very unusual tune – kind of eerie and mysterious, but in a beautiful way. The way it works is also pretty interesting. Have you ever come across a music box like this? It’s definitely one of a kind.

75 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Hey, I’m in shop now. I see music box. It’s very old. When open, it plays music, but not normal song. It’s strange sound. I like it. Have you ever heard music like this?

34 words

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

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