CELPIP Speaking Course · Lesson 3 of 10
One Answer Structure for Every Task
By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated
The tasks look different, but most good answers share the same shape. Learning one structure means you never have to wonder how to begin or how to end.
Open, two points, close
- Open (one sentence): answer the question directly. Speak to the listener if there is one.
- Point 1 (20–35 seconds): your first idea, why it matters, and a specific detail or example.
- Point 2 (20–35 seconds): your second idea, developed the same way.
- Close (one sentence): sum up or repeat your main answer in different words.
For a 90-second task, add a third point or develop each point a little more. For the picture tasks, the "points" are areas of the picture (Lesson 5), but the open and close work the same way.
Linking phrases that sound natural
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Open | I'd definitely suggest… / If I were you, I would… / I think the best option is… |
| First point | The main reason is… / First of all… / To start with… |
| Add a detail | For example… / In my case… / What I mean is… |
| Second point | Another thing is… / On top of that… / Also, don't forget… |
| Close | So overall… / That's why I really think… / Anyway, I hope that helps. |
Choose two or three phrases for each purpose and use them until they feel automatic. Raters notice when the same phrase is used in every task, so rotate a few.
An example in under 60 seconds
Original CELPass example, Task 2 (a time you helped someone): "I'd like to talk about the day I helped my elderly neighbour move. The main reason I offered was that her son lives in another province, and she was worried about doing it alone. I spent a whole Saturday packing her kitchen, and we wrapped every plate in newspaper so nothing broke. Another thing I remember is how grateful she was. She made me a huge lunch, and now we have tea together every few weeks. So overall, it was a tiring day, but it turned a neighbour into a friend."
Key points
- Open with a direct answer, develop two points, close in one sentence.
- Every point needs a reason and a specific detail.
- Learn a few linking phrases per purpose and rotate them.
Exercise
Put these sentences from a Task 1 answer in the right order.
- A: "Another thing is to ask your manager for one small speaking role in the next meeting."
- B: "So overall, start small and the confidence will come."
- C: "If I were you, I'd start by preparing one comment before each meeting."
- D: "For example, write down one question about the agenda the night before."
Show answers
- C (open)
- D (detail for point 1)
- A (point 2)
- B (close)
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.
- Speaking Task 1 practice questions: Giving Advice68 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 2 practice questions: Talking about a Personal Experience64 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 3 practice questions: Describing a Scene78 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 4 practice questions: Making Predictions69 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 5 practice questions: Comparing and Persuading59 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 6 practice questions: Dealing with a Difficult Situation66 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 7 practice questions: Expressing Opinions65 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
- Speaking Task 8 practice questions: Describing an Unusual Situation54 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers
All lessons in this course
- How CELPIP Speaking Is Scored
- Planning Your Answer in 30 Seconds
- One Answer Structure for Every Task
- Tasks 1 and 2: Giving Advice and Telling a Story
- Tasks 3, 4 and 8: Describing Pictures and Making Predictions
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
- Task 7: Expressing and Supporting Your Opinion
- Fluency, Pronunciation and Pauses
- 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.