CELPIP Speaking Prediction Oct 7–9
Practise all 8 CELPIP Speaking tasks with realistic practice prompts, detailed sample answers, step-by-step response structures and practical strategies to help you speak with greater clarity and confidence.
Practise All 8 CELPIP Speaking Tasks
Use this practice guide to prepare your ideas, organize your responses and develop natural spoken English. Read each question, try answering it aloud without looking at the sample, and then compare your response with the model answer and trainer tips.
Giving Advice
How to Structure Your Answer
- Acknowledge your cousin's goal and show encouragement.
- Recommend making a realistic monthly savings plan.
- Suggest practical ways to reduce unnecessary expenses.
- Explain how tracking progress can help maintain motivation.
- End with a positive and encouraging statement.
Detailed Sample Answer
Hey, I think buying a car next year is a great goal, and I would suggest starting with a clear savings plan. First of all, calculate how much money you will need for the car, including insurance, registration and other initial expenses. Once you know the total amount, you can decide how much you need to save every month.
Secondly, take a close look at your monthly spending. You could reduce unnecessary online shopping, cook at home more often and limit expensive restaurant visits. Even small savings can make a significant difference over twelve months.
Another useful idea is to open a separate savings account and automatically transfer a fixed amount into it whenever you receive your salary. This will help you avoid spending the money on other things. Finally, review your progress every month and adjust your budget if necessary. If you stay consistent and avoid unnecessary purchases, I am confident you will be much closer to buying your car next year.
Useful Expressions
- If I were in your position, I would...
- One practical step you could take is...
- It would be a good idea to...
- To make your goal more achievable...
- If you remain consistent, you will be able to...
Personal Experience
How to Structure Your Answer
- Introduce when and where the experience happened.
- Explain what you were expecting before receiving the news.
- Describe the unexpected news and your immediate reaction.
- Explain what you did afterward and why it mattered.
- Finish with a personal reflection.
One of the most memorable times I received unexpected good news was when I was waiting to hear back about a job application. I had attended the interview a few days earlier, and although I felt that it had gone reasonably well, I was not completely sure about the outcome.
One afternoon, while I was having lunch at home, my phone rang. It was the company's hiring manager calling to tell me that I had been selected for the position. I was genuinely surprised because I had not expected to receive a decision so quickly. At first, I had to ask the manager to repeat the news because I wanted to make sure I had heard correctly.
After the call, I immediately shared the news with my family. They were delighted and congratulated me on my achievement. I felt proud because the opportunity reflected the time I had spent preparing for the interview and improving my skills.
This experience taught me that patience is important and that positive outcomes can arrive when we least expect them. It also reminded me to keep working towards my goals even when the result is uncertain.
Useful Storytelling Language
- One experience that I remember clearly was...
- What made the situation surprising was...
- At first, I could hardly believe that...
- My immediate reaction was...
- Looking back, the experience taught me that...
Describe the Picture
How to Structure Your Description
- Start with the overall setting and atmosphere.
- Describe the foreground, including the food and guests.
- Move to the centre and describe the people and their actions.
- Explain what is happening on the right side of the picture.
- Finish with background decorations and the overall impression.
The picture shows a lively holiday gathering inside a beautifully decorated room. It appears to be a Christmas or holiday party, as I can see a decorated Christmas tree, colourful lights, festive decorations and several people celebrating together. The atmosphere looks cheerful, warm and welcoming.
In the foreground, on the left-hand side, there is a long table covered with a variety of food. I can see plates, bowls, snacks and other refreshments arranged for the guests. A few people nearby are holding drinks and chatting with each other.
In the centre of the picture, several guests are standing together and appear to be laughing and enjoying themselves. One person seems to be taking a photograph of the group, possibly to capture a memorable moment. Behind them, a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and lights adds to the festive atmosphere.
On the right-hand side, a person dressed in a Santa-style outfit is handing out presents to some seated guests. There is also a large bag filled with gifts nearby, along with wrapping paper on the floor. In the background, I can see more people socializing, colourful wall decorations and festive lights hanging across the ceiling.
Overall, the picture captures a joyful holiday celebration where people are sharing food, exchanging gifts and spending time together. Everyone appears relaxed and excited to be part of the gathering.
Vocabulary for Picture Description
- Setting: festive, crowded, welcoming, cheerful
- People: guests, attendees, hosts, partygoers
- Actions: socializing, celebrating, exchanging, chatting
- Location: in the foreground, towards the centre, in the background
- Impression: lively atmosphere, warm environment, joyful occasion
Make Predictions
How to Structure Your Answer
- Briefly establish what is happening in the scene.
- Predict what the people in the centre might do next.
- Predict what could happen around the food table.
- Explain what may happen during the gift exchange.
- End with a realistic prediction about the gathering.
Based on the picture, I think the holiday party will continue to be lively over the next few minutes. Since several guests are already standing together and laughing, they will probably continue chatting and taking photographs to remember the occasion.
The person who appears to be taking a photograph may take a few more pictures of the group. After that, some of the guests might move towards the food table to get snacks or refreshments. Since there seems to be plenty of food available, people are likely to continue eating while socializing with one another.
On the right-hand side, the person dressed in a Santa-style outfit will probably continue handing out presents. The guests receiving gifts may open them, express their appreciation and take photographs with their presents. The people sitting nearby could also join the conversation or help distribute the remaining gifts.
As the party progresses, more guests may gather around the Christmas tree for a group photograph. Eventually, some people might begin preparing to leave, while others stay to enjoy the celebration. Overall, I expect the gathering to remain cheerful and full of conversation.
Useful Prediction Expressions
- Judging by the picture, I think...
- It is likely that...
- There is a good chance that...
- They will probably...
- It is also possible that...
- As the situation develops...
Comparing and Persuading
Compare the Two Options
| Feature | Option A: Basic Wired Headphones | Option B: Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $18 | $120 |
| Design | Lightweight, over-ear design | Wireless design |
| Sound | Standard sound quality | Active noise cancellation |
| Battery | No battery needed for wired playback | 20-hour battery life |
How to Structure Your Answer
- Clearly state which option you recommend.
- Compare the price and the most important features.
- Explain two or three reasons supporting your choice.
- Acknowledge the advantages of the other option.
- Finish by explaining why your choice suits your needs better.
Personally, I would recommend the basic wired headphones because they are much more affordable and practical for everyday use. They cost only $18, whereas the wireless noise-cancelling headphones cost $120. That means we would save $102 by choosing the basic option.
Another advantage is that the wired headphones do not need to be charged for normal wired playback. We would not have to worry about the battery running out while listening to music, attending online meetings or watching videos. Their lightweight design also makes them convenient to carry around.
I agree that the wireless headphones offer useful features, particularly active noise cancellation and a 20-hour battery life. They could be a better choice for someone who travels frequently or needs a quieter listening experience. However, if our main purpose is listening to music, attending classes and making everyday calls, I do not think we necessarily need to spend an extra $102.
We could use the money we save for other useful accessories or future expenses. Considering the lower price and straightforward design, I believe the basic wired headphones offer better value for our needs.
Useful Persuasive Expressions
- Personally, I would recommend...
- One major advantage of this option is...
- Compared with the other option...
- I understand that the alternative offers..., but...
- Considering the price and features...
- For our particular needs, I believe...
Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Choose ONE:
Option A: Talk to your cousin. Explain how you will need to adjust the plan without their help.
Option B: Talk to another family member and ask them to help with the cooking instead.
How to Structure Your Answer
- Choose one option and address the person naturally.
- Acknowledge the scheduling conflict without blaming anyone.
- Explain the practical difficulty caused by the change.
- Suggest a realistic solution or alternative arrangement.
- Close politely and focus on making the gathering successful.
Hey, I wanted to ask you a small favour. My cousin and I were supposed to prepare the food together for our upcoming family gathering, but unfortunately, my cousin has developed a scheduling conflict and will not be able to help with the cooking.
I completely understand that unexpected commitments can come up, but I am now concerned that preparing everything on my own will be quite difficult, especially because we are expecting several family members. I want to make sure the food is ready on time so that everyone can enjoy the gathering without unnecessary delays.
Would you be available to help me with the cooking? We could divide the work according to what each of us is comfortable preparing. For example, I could take care of the main dishes while you help with the snacks and salads. If you are busy on the day itself, even helping me prepare a few ingredients beforehand would be extremely useful.
I would really appreciate your help, and I am sure we can manage everything if we plan ahead. Please let me know what works best for you, and we can organize the tasks accordingly. Thank you for considering it.
Useful Diplomatic Expressions
- I completely understand that unexpected things can happen.
- I was wondering whether you might be able to help.
- One possible solution would be to...
- Would it be possible for us to...
- I would really appreciate your assistance.
Expressing an Opinion
How to Structure Your Answer
- State your opinion directly in the opening sentence.
- Explain how appropriate sick leave benefits employees' health.
- Discuss workplace productivity and the spread of illness.
- Acknowledge possible concerns about unlimited leave.
- Conclude with a balanced and consistent position.
In my opinion, companies should provide generous paid sick leave, but I do not believe that unlimited paid sick leave without any reasonable guidelines is the best solution. Employees should be able to recover from illness without worrying that they will lose their income or face unfair treatment at work.
First of all, paid sick leave supports employees' physical and mental well-being. When people know they can take time off to recover, they are less likely to feel pressured to work while they are unwell. This is especially important in workplaces where illnesses can spread easily between colleagues.
Secondly, appropriate sick leave can improve long-term productivity. An employee who receives enough time to recover is more likely to return to work feeling healthy and focused. It can also help create a more supportive workplace culture in which people feel that their well-being matters.
On the other hand, unlimited leave without clear policies could create difficulties for employers who need to manage workloads, schedules and staffing costs. A better approach would be to provide substantial paid sick leave, flexible arrangements for serious illnesses and fair procedures that protect both employees and businesses.
Overall, I believe people should never have to choose between their health and their financial security. Generous, fairly managed sick leave is a practical way to support employees while allowing companies to operate responsibly.
Useful Opinion Expressions
- In my opinion...
- The main reason I believe this is...
- Another important consideration is...
- Although I understand the opposing viewpoint...
- Taking everything into account...
Describing an Unusual Situation
How to Structure Your Answer
- Begin with a polite greeting and explain why you are calling.
- Describe where and when you found the item.
- Explain its size, shape, colour, material and decorative features.
- Mention its apparent condition and any distinctive details.
- Ask whether anyone has reported it missing and offer to hand it in.
Hello, good afternoon. I am calling because I found an unusual object on a bench outside your shopping mall, and I thought someone might have reported it missing. I wanted to check with your lost and found office before deciding what to do with it.
The object appears to be a small music box, approximately the size of a paperback book. It has a rectangular shape with a decorative dark brown wooden exterior and what looks like gold-coloured detailing around the edges. The top is covered with intricate patterns, and there seems to be a small ornamental design in the centre.
It looks quite delicate and possibly antique. The box appears to have a hinged lid, and I can see some decorative metalwork on the surface. I have not tried to open or operate it because I do not want to damage it. It seems to be in reasonably good condition, although I cannot say whether the music mechanism is working.
I found it on a bench near the mall entrance earlier today. I was wondering whether anyone has contacted your office about a missing music box that matches this description. If it has not been claimed, I would be happy to bring it to your lost and found department so that the owner can collect it.
Could you please let me know where I should take it and whether I need to provide any additional information? Thank you for your help.
Useful Descriptive Expressions
- I am calling because I found...
- It appears to be made of...
- It is approximately the size of...
- One distinctive feature is...
- I was wondering whether anyone has reported it missing.
- I would be happy to bring it to your office.
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Before finishing this practice session, make sure you have worked on the following skills.
- I answered the actual question instead of discussing an unrelated topic.
- I organized my ideas in a clear and logical order.
- I supported my main points with relevant reasons or examples.
- I used a range of vocabulary and appropriate sentence structures.
- I used past, present or future forms according to the task.
- I practised speaking aloud rather than only reading the answers.
- I checked my recording for unclear pronunciation, long pauses and repetition.
- I adapted the model answers to my own experiences and natural speaking style.