CELPIP Speaking Samples

CELPIP Speaking Sample Answer
Task 1

Hi Mike, I hear you’re looking for a recreation center so that you can resume your fitness campaign after your move. Thinking back to all those workouts we used to do, I suspect that facilities for swimming, exercising, and eating are still as critical to you as they are to me.

We have two pools in town, and both are part of city-run leisure centers.  One’s in the North, the other is in the South and, because they’re run by the city, there’s no price difference.

The one in the North is probably the best, so I suggest that you try that one first. It’s clean, nicely equipped, and well maintained with a great place to eat overlooking the pool. The southern center tends to be less well-maintained with dirty changing rooms, broken equipment, and cooler water.

I don’t know much about the private fitness centers as they don’t offer swimming, but you should definitely check out the northern center.

If you would like me to score your response to any CELPIP Speaking task, please record it and send it to me angela[at]ottawa[dash]english[dot]com

CELPIP Speaking Sample Answer
Task 2

My family has a couple of heirlooms. One is a silver coffee pot, the other is my great grandfather’s piano. As the oldest child, I will inherit both of them since traditionally, in my family, heirlooms are passed down to the oldest child.

The piano brings back many memories of my grandfather, who, like his father, loved to play. Whenever the family gathered, grandad could be counted on to sit down at the piano and play family favorites. For example, he always accompanied us when we sang ‘Happy Birthday’. At Christmas, he would play all the Christmas carols, and we would sing along merrily. Occasionally, we even danced.

So, I guess the main reason that the piano matters to me is that it brings back so many happy memories of my childhood, family gatherings, and a lovely man.

If you would like me to score your response to any CELPIP Speaking task, please record it and send it to me angela[at]ottawa[dash]english[dot]com

CELPIP Speaking Sample Answer
Task 3

This is a scene of an outdoor kitchen in what must be a rural village in a hot country. It’s a very calm scene because no-one seems to be stressed or angry.

In the middle of the picture, an older woman is grinding grain between two stones. She has positioned herself on a small upturned basket in front of a large stone, placed the grain on it, and has started rolling a cylindrically shaped stone to and fro over the grain to crush it.

Behind the woman there is a young boy, wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, who seems to have been distracted by something outside the picture and is watching this unknown action with great interest.

To the woman’s left, there is a young girl dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. She’s standing with her hands on her hips watching with great interest as the older woman grinds the grain.

CELPIP Speaking Sample Answer
Task 4

I suspect that a couple of things are about to happen in this picture.

During the next hour, I think that the older woman will finish grinding the grain, carry it over to a cooking area outside the picture, and start cooking supper.

The young boy will probably move closer to the captivating action that hasn’t been included in the picture. He will probably stay and watch, or participate, until the action comes to an end.

And the young girl may help the older woman gather up the grain and move it to the cooking area. As they work, they’ll talk to each other a little, but it will probably mostly be the older woman who speaks and issues instructions.

By the end of the day, I think the people will have eaten the meal, and the preparation areas will have been cleaned and restored to order ready for tomorrow.

CELPIP Speaking Sample Answer
Task 5

Hi Mike, is now a good time to talk about your nephew’s birthday present? Do you really think that the guitar you have chosen is the best alternative for Sam, after all, he is only eight.

I think a lighter acoustic guitar with nylon strings would be much more suitable than the heavier electric guitar with steel strings that you have chosen. Steel strings can really hurt your fingertips, and it can take a long time to get used to them.

Acoustic guitars are also generally not as expensive as electric guitars, and this one that I have found is less than half of what your choice would cost.

I really think you should take a serious look at my choice because your nephew wouldn’t have to buy any additional equipment, and my choice is fundamentally more suitable for a little kid.

CELPIP Speaking Sample Answer
Task 6

Hi Janet, I need to talk to you about this new perfume you’re wearing because it’s causing me problems with my roommate, Jack.

So, apparently, Jack has been having trouble with your fragrances for a while, but last night, after you left, he came and talked to me because he was having an especially bad reaction that was affecting his breathing.

He described how his normal reaction leaves him having to open the window for several hours, even though he keeps his door closed and stuffs a towel under it to stop the smell penetrating into his room.

Anyway, it would really help if you didn’t wear quite as much perfume when you come to see me and maybe abstain from wearing the one you wore last night altogether.

If you would like me to score your response to any CELPIP Speaking task, please record it and send it to me angela[at]ottawa[dash]english[dot]com