CELPIP Tips: Speaking Part 5 & 6 at Christmas!

In CELPIP Speaking part 5 and 6 you’ll be asked to describe an image and make predictions about what could happen next. Today we’ll use this old-timey Christmas picture to practice some useful strategies for the test

Part 5: Describe an Image

In this section, you’ll have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You must describe what you see in the image given.

Use verbs in the present continuous tense

  • The couple is answering the door and greeting their friends.

  • Three children are playing with toys under the Christmas tree.

  • An elderly couple is sitting by the fire.

Use location markers to specify which part of the image you’re describing

  • In the foreground, a baby is playing with a cat.

  • On the left side, there’s a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

  • Right in the centre of the image is a woman wearing a red dress.

Part 6: Make Predictions

In this section, you will again have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You will be given the same picture as you saw in section 5, but this time you’re asked to predict what might happen next to the people in the image.

Try to choose an “inciting incident” (one major action) that everyone else in the image can then respond to.

  • I think the couple who just arrived will begin singing Christmas carols!

Then, describe how each person in the picture might react to that. Try to use different forms of the future tense to add grammatical variety to your answer.

  • The mother and father are going to hold hands and listen to the music.

  • The kids will probably run over to the carolers and watch.

  • The grandparents are about to join in if they know the words.

  • The cat could get scared by the noise and go hide, and the dog might start barking.

Zach J