Task 7: Expressing and Supporting Your Opinion

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated 2026-10-13

Task 7 gives you a public question, such as whether cities should ban cars downtown, and 90 seconds to give your opinion. The highest-scoring answers are clear, organised and supported.

Take one side early

State your opinion in your first sentence and do not change it. A balanced view is allowed, but it is harder to make clear in 90 seconds. Choose the side you can support with better examples, even if your real opinion is mixed.

Two reasons, each supported

For each reason, say the reason, explain it and give an example: a situation from your city, a typical case or a likely result. Examples do not need statistics; invented numbers can sound unconvincing. "In my neighbourhood, the street was closed to cars last summer and the cafés were full every evening" is stronger than a made-up percentage.

If you have time after two reasons, briefly mention the other side and answer it: "Some people say it would hurt businesses, but in fact…". This shows range and keeps your argument strong.

Task 7 template and sample answers

Opinion language

Vary the way you give opinions and reasons: I strongly believe, in my view, I'm convinced that, the main reason is, this is especially true because, as a result, which means that. Close with your opinion again in new words.

Key points

Give your opinion in the first sentence and keep it.
Two reasons, each with an explanation and an example.
If time allows, answer the other side briefly.

Exercise

For the question "Should high schools start later in the morning?", write an opening, one supported reason and a close.

Opening
Reason with example
Close

Show answers

"I strongly believe high schools should start at least an hour later."
"The main reason is sleep. Teenagers naturally fall asleep late, so an 8 a.m. start means many arrive exhausted. My nephew used to fall asleep in his first class almost every day."
"So, for students' health and their grades, a later start just makes sense."

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 7 practice questions: Expressing Opinions
65 questions · answer, then compare with sample answers

All lessons in this course

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