CELPIP Tips: Speaking Task 8
Today we will be looking at the final task of the Speaking test! Learn tips on how to effectively respond to Task 8 which asks you to describe an unusual situation.
Did you know MOSAIC Engage offers CELPIP Prep classes? Click here to learn more!
You may have noticed that every Speaking task is slightly more challenging than the one before. However, after Task 7 which requires you to speak for 90 seconds and give your opinion, along with reasons and details, Task 8 is a fun way to wrap up the Speaking section!
Here are some tips on how to organize your answer and we will look at an example picture and response below.
Address a specific family member by creating a name and/or a relationship dynamic. (Will you be talking to a parent, a sibling, or a spouse?)
Briefly summarize the situation and add details such as the fact that the store clerk won’t allow you to take a photo.
Describe the picture. This is the fun part! A good strategy is to start with a general description and then provide specific details as well as your thoughts and feelings about the picture.
Remember that the prompt says that you would like to buy the table and that you have to ask your family member if you can buy it.
Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
You are in a furniture store and you see a desk you would like to buy, but the store clerk won’t let you take a photo. Phone a member of your family. Provide a full and clear description of the desk and ask if you can buy the desk.
Preparation: 30 seconds
Recording: 60 seconds
“Hi Dad, I was walking by that modern furniture store that just opened on Main Street, and I saw the most unique desk! It would be perfect for my room and would match my white dresser and bed set. The desk is average size and looks interesting and a little unusual, but the design is really cool and functional. Unfortunately, I can’t take any photos of the desk due to the store’s policy, so I was hoping we could come back to the store together this weekend.
Anyway, the desk is completely white except for the four short legs at the bottom of the desk which are a light wood colour. The desk has three drawers down the right side and the most interesting part is that on the right side of the drawers, there are two open shelves which are slanted and placed on almost a 45-degree angle!
There are also two open shelves on the left side of the desk which are shaped almost like squares, but the four sides are not equal. Imagine that if you put books or something on the shelf they would lean to one side. The shelf on the bottom right would be the perfect spot to keep my backpack. This shelf feature makes the desk look original and different from a boring regular desk.
Could you please buy me this desk for my birthday? It also has a built-in white lamp on the top left side which I need to study in the evenings. I feel like I would be more motivated to study if I had a desk like this one to sit at. The store manager said that I can also get a matching chair for half the price.”