CELPIP Tips: Speaking Test - Task 1
This is the first of a series of CELPIP Speaking blog posts which will cover each speaking task one by one. Learn more about Speaking Task #1 below!
The Speaking Task is computer-based, which means that candidates will see the questions and prompts on the computer screen in front of them, and their spoken answers will be recorded. Test-takers will have 20 minutes to complete all 8 tasks of the CELPIP Speaking Test. The test will begin with a practice question that is intended to be a warm-up and is not graded.
Each task provides time to prepare and time to record, therefore, time management is one of the most important factors to consider while preparing and during the test.
If candidates don’t finish a task within the specified time period, the screen will move to the next task, and there is no opportunity to go back. It’s important to try to answer all the questions as best as you can. Focus on grammar, including verb tenses, and try to give as many details and be as specific as possible with your answers.
The preparation time starts once the question appears on the screen. When you hear, “start speaking now,” the recording will start and you will start speaking until you hear, “time is up.”
Now let’s look at an example questions and answer for Task #1 which requires candidates to give advice. For this task, it is important to use modal verbs such as should, could, and would. Also, because this type of question is hypothetical and not a real situation from your personal life, think of yourself as an actor!
Start by summarizing the situation to show that you understand the question, and use lots of details, different vocabulary, and a variety of sentence structures. Direct your response to the imaginary person you’re talking to and consider the relationship. For example, is it a friend or a co-worker? Either way, give them a name!
Keep speaking until the time runs out. You can give multiple options while giving advice by creating “if” situations, talk about an example of a similar experience, and create a brief background story.
Task #1: Giving advice
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Recording time: 90 seconds
Question: A friend is looking for a summer job. Advise him about different ways he can find work for the summer.
(*once you see the question, start mentally preparing your answer. Remember, you’ll have 30 seconds to prepare before speaking).
Answer: Hi Jamie. It’s nice to hear from you, and congratulations on your recent graduation from university! I know that you worked really hard and spent a lot of time studying to get your degree in business.
It’s great that you’re looking for a summer job. As you know, last year I got a summer job at the community centre near my house where I worked at the kids’ sports camp. If you’re interested in applying for a job there, I could talk to the manager to find out if they’re hiring new staff. Let me know! I would be happy to help.
However, I know that you’re interested in business, so you should consider applying for a job at an office. I’m sure you would love working in a big office downtown.
Actually, one of my old classmates worked at a bank after he graduated and he said it was a great experience because he learned a lot about finances and customer service.
If I were you, I would contact different temp agencies because they are often looking for students to work temporarily in the summer while their staff is on vacation.
You should also visit the career centre at your university. They should have some information about current job openings and employers who are looking to hire.
Please let me know if you need help writing your cover letter because I attended a workshop last year that was really helpful, and I could give you some tips.
I also think it’s great that you want to you want to get some work experience before your trip to Europe later this year! Travelling can be expensive and you’ll definitely benefit from working and saving money this summer.