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CELPIP Speaking Course · Lesson 10 of 10

Common Speaking Mistakes and Your Test-Day Routine

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

The last lesson brings it together: the mistakes to watch for and a routine that keeps you steady across eight tasks.

Mistakes that cost the most

  • Answering a different question from the one asked.
  • Ignoring the listener in Tasks 1, 5, 6 and 8.
  • Memorised answers that do not fit the prompt. Raters recognise them.
  • Stopping after 20–30 seconds with time left.
  • Never reaching a conclusion because the first point took all the time.

On test day

  1. Speak out loud for a few minutes before you arrive, so your first words aren't in the test.
  2. Use the practice task to check the headset volume and your speaking volume.
  3. Others in the room will be speaking. Focus on your screen; this is normal.
  4. Use the same three-line note every time.
  5. If a task goes badly, let it go. Each task is a fresh start.

What to practise next

Record one full set of eight tasks in order with the real timers, at least once before your test. Then focus on your two weakest tasks. CELPass scores each answer on the four dimensions and tracks your recurring mistakes, so you can see what to fix.

Key points

  • Answer the exact question, to the named listener.
  • Use the time; reach a conclusion.
  • Warm up before the test and treat every task as a fresh start.

Exercise

Decide whether each statement is true or false.

  1. A memorised answer is safe if it is grammatically perfect.
  2. You must speak until the timer ends.
  3. Other test takers speaking nearby is normal at the test centre.
Show answers
  1. False: it rarely fits the prompt and hurts Task Fulfillment.
  2. False: it is not required, but very short answers rarely show enough.
  3. True: everyone records at the same time.

Practise with free questions

Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.

All lessons in this course

  1. How CELPIP Speaking Is Scored
  2. Planning Your Answer in 30 Seconds
  3. One Answer Structure for Every Task
  4. Tasks 1 and 2: Giving Advice and Telling a Story
  5. Tasks 3, 4 and 8: Describing Pictures and Making Predictions
  6. Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
  7. Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
  8. Task 7: Expressing and Supporting Your Opinion
  9. Fluency, Pronunciation and Pauses
  10. Common Speaking Mistakes and Your Test-Day Routine

CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.