Speaking Templates
Speaking Templates
General Template
• Acknowledge the situation: "I heard you're [situation]. That sounds tough."
• Offer advice:
• Express support: "I'm sure you'll figure it out. Let me know if you need anything."
Specific Templates
• Giving Advice:
o "Hey [Name], I heard about your [situation]. That's a bummer. I think you should [advice
1]. Also, you could try [advice 2]. Lastly, maybe you should [advice 3]. I hope this helps!"
o "Hey [Name], I know exactly how you feel. I once went through a similar situation where
[your experience]. What helped me was [what you did]. I think you should try that too."
Here are some CELPIP Speaking Task 2 templates to help you structure your responses effectively:
General Template
• Introduction:
• Personal Experience:
o "In my opinion,..."
• Example:
o "For example,..."
o "For instance,..."
o "Such as..."
• Conclusion:
o "So, in conclusion..."
o "Therefore,..."
o "Overall,..."
Specific Templates:
o "I remember a time when I had to [situation]. I felt [emotion] because [reason]. I
decided to [action] and the result was [outcome]."
• Expressing an Opinion:
o "In my opinion, [opinion]. This is because [reason 1] and [reason 2]. For example,
[example]."
o "While [option 1] has its advantages, such as [advantage 1], [option 2] offers [advantage
2]. However, [option 1] can also be [disadvantage 1], whereas [option 2] may have
[disadvantage 2]."
• Providing a Solution:
o "One way to address this issue is to [solution 1]. Another option would be to [solution
2]. Ultimately, the best solution would be to [best solution]."
• Presenting an Argument:
o "I believe that [argument]. To support this claim, I would like to offer the following
evidence: [evidence 1], [evidence 2], and [evidence 3]."
• Analyzing a Situation:
o "There are several factors to consider when analyzing this situation. Firstly, [factor 1].
Secondly, [factor 2]. Finally, [factor 3]. Taking all of these factors into account, it is clear
that [conclusion]."
CELPIP Speaking Task 3 Templates
General Template:
1. Introduction:
2. Disadvantage of Option 1:
o "On the other hand, [option 1] can also have some disadvantages, such as..."
3. Advantage of Option 2:
4. Disadvantage of Option 2:
5. Conclusion:
o "Considering both sides, I think that [your choice] is the more practical choice."
o "In conclusion, while both options have their merits, I prefer [your choice] due to..."
Specific Templates:
o "While [option 1] has its advantages, such as [advantage 1], [option 2] offers [advantage
2]. However, [option 1] can also be [disadvantage 1], whereas [option 2] may have
[disadvantage 2]."
• Providing a Solution:
o "One way to address this issue is to [solution 1]. Another option would be to [solution
2]. Ultimately, the best solution would be to [best solution]."
• Analyzing a Situation:
o "There are several factors to consider when analyzing this situation. Firstly, [factor 1].
Secondly, [factor 2]. Finally, [factor 3]. Taking all of these factors into account, it is clear
that [conclusion]."
Imagine you have to choose between living in a big city or a small town. Which would you prefer and
why?
"Well, that's a really interesting question. Both big cities and small towns have their own unique
advantages and disadvantages.
On the one hand, big cities offer a wide range of opportunities, such as diverse job markets, cultural
events, and exciting nightlife. Additionally, big cities often have excellent public transportation systems,
making it easy to get around. However, they can also be very crowded and noisy, and the cost of living is
typically higher than in small towns.
On the other hand, small towns offer a more peaceful and relaxed lifestyle. The pace of life is slower, and
there is less stress and pollution. Moreover, people in small towns tend to be friendlier and more
welcoming. However, small towns may have fewer job opportunities and fewer cultural activities.
Considering both sides, I think I would prefer to live in a big city. While there are some drawbacks, I
believe the benefits of living in a big city outweigh the disadvantages. The opportunity to experience a
variety of cultures, explore different neighborhoods, and pursue my career goals is more appealing to me
than a quiet, small-town life
Understanding Task 4: In this task, you'll be shown a picture and asked to predict what might happen
next. You'll have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
2. Create a Storyline:
o Employ future tense verbs like "will," "might," "could," and "may" to express your
predictions.
o Use time expressions like "later," "soon," and "eventually" to indicate the timeframe of
your predictions.
Example Prompt:
Possible Response:
"The person in the picture seems to be lost in thought, admiring the breathtaking sunset. I think they
might be contemplating life's meaning or reflecting on past experiences.
After a while, they might decide to sit down and meditate, taking in the serene atmosphere. As the sun
begins to set, they could start to feel a sense of peace and tranquility.
Perhaps they'll write in a journal or simply enjoy the moment. Eventually, as the sky darkens, they might
decide to head back home, carrying with them the memories of this beautiful evening."
The image shows a person rushing to catch a bus. They are running down the street, carrying a briefcase
or bag, and looking anxiously at their watch. It seems like they are running late for work or an important
appointment.
Given the situation, it's likely that the person will miss the bus. They might try to flag down a taxi or use
a ride-sharing service to reach their destination on time. Alternatively, they could continue running to
the next bus stop, hoping to catch the next bus.
However, if they miss the next bus as well, they might have to resort to other transportation options or
even consider working from home that day.
As the night progresses, the friends might continue to share stories and anecdotes, deepening their
bond. They could roast marshmallows and sing songs, creating a memorable camping experience. As the
fire starts to die down, they might decide to wrap themselves in blankets and gaze at the stars,
discussing their hopes and dreams.
Eventually, when the fire is completely out, they will probably pack up their belongings and head to their
tents for a good night's sleep. The next morning, they might wake up to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a
delicious breakfast together before embarking on their next adventure.
Understanding Task 5:
In this task, you'll be presented with two options, each with its own set of pros and cons. You'll need to
choose one option and persuade the listener why it's the better choice.
o Consider your personal preferences and the specific needs of the situation.
o Compare your choice to the other option, pointing out its weaknesses.
Possible Response:
"I think a camping trip in the mountains would be the perfect weekend getaway. While a cabin by the
lake sounds relaxing, I believe that camping offers a more authentic outdoor experience.
Imagine pitching a tent under the starry sky, building a campfire, and roasting marshmallows. It's a great
way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Plus, hiking trails and scenic views are
just a short walk away.
On the other hand, a cabin by the lake might be more comfortable, but it lacks the adventure and
excitement of camping. While you can still enjoy the beauty of nature, you'll be confined to the cabin
and its surroundings.
So, let's embrace the great outdoors and go camping! It'll be an unforgettable experience."
Remember to practice regularly and time yourself to ensure you stay within the 60-second limit.
Choose one option and persuade your friend to help you plan the party.
I think a backyard barbecue would be the perfect way to celebrate! It's more casual, fun, and less
stressful to plan than a formal dinner party.
Imagine grilling juicy burgers and hot dogs, enjoying refreshing drinks, and listening to good music with
friends and family. We could set up some lawn games like cornhole or badminton to keep everyone
entertained. Plus, the fresh air and outdoor setting would create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
A formal dinner party, on the other hand, requires a lot more preparation and stress. We'd have to worry
about the menu, table settings, and formal attire. It might be more elegant, but it's also more restrictive
and less flexible.
Possible Response:
I think a beach vacation would be the perfect getaway. Imagine relaxing on a sunny beach, soaking up
the sun, and swimming in the crystal-clear ocean. We could build sandcastles, go snorkeling, or simply
unwind with a good book.
A beach vacation offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge our
batteries. The calming sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze can help reduce stress and improve
our overall well-being.
While a city vacation might be exciting, it can also be overwhelming and tiring. We'd have to deal with
crowds, traffic, and the constant noise. A beach vacation, on the other hand, offers a peaceful and
serene environment.
Understanding Task 6:
In this task, you'll be presented with a challenging situation and asked to choose one of two options to
address it. You'll need to explain your decision and provide reasons for your choice.
o Select the option that you believe is the most effective and appropriate.
Example Prompt:
Your roommate often borrows your clothes without asking and sometimes doesn't return them on time.
You have two options:
Possible Response:
"I think the best approach would be to talk to my roommate directly about the issue. While it might be
awkward at first, open and honest communication is essential for a healthy roommate relationship.
I'll explain to my roommate how their behavior makes me feel and how it affects our living situation. I'll
also set clear boundaries and expectations, such as asking them to ask permission before borrowing my
clothes and returning them promptly.
By addressing the issue directly, I hope to resolve the problem and prevent it from happening again in
the future. Avoiding borrowing my clothes might seem like an easy solution, but it could lead to
resentment and damage our relationship. I believe that open communication is the key to resolving
conflicts and maintaining positive relationships."
You've been invited to a party, but you're not feeling well. You have two options:
I think the best option would be to decline the invitation and stay home. While it's disappointing to miss
out on social events, it's more important to prioritize my health and well-being.
If I go to the party while feeling unwell, I risk spreading my illness to others and making them sick as
well. It's also likely that I won't enjoy the party as much if I'm not feeling my best.
By staying home, I can rest, recover, and hopefully feel better soon. I can also use this time to catch up
on work, hobbies, or simply relax.
While it might be disappointing to miss out on the fun, it's the responsible and considerate thing to do.
Understanding Task 7: In this task, you'll be presented with a question that requires you to express your
opinion on a specific topic. You'll have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
o Body Paragraphs: Provide 2-3 reasons to support your opinion. Use examples to
illustrate your points.
o Use strong verbs and adverbs to make your points more impactful.
o Employ phrases like "I strongly believe," "It is clear that," and "Without a doubt."
Example Prompt:
Do you think that technology has made people more or less social?
Possible Response:
"In my opinion, technology has had a mixed impact on social interaction. While it has undoubtedly
connected people across the globe, it has also led to decreased face-to-face communication.
On the one hand, social media platforms and messaging apps have facilitated long-distance relationships
and allowed people to stay connected with friends and family. Additionally, online communities have
brought together people with shared interests, fostering a sense of belonging.
However, excessive use of technology can lead to social isolation. People may spend more time on their
devices and less time interacting with others in person. Furthermore, the constant stream of
notifications and updates can be distracting and hinder real-world interactions.
In conclusion, while technology has both positive and negative effects on social interaction, it is
important to use it in moderation and to prioritize face-to-face communication."
Prompt: Do you think that schools should focus more on creativity or academic achievement?
Response:
In my opinion, schools should strike a balance between fostering creativity and academic achievement.
While academic success is important, creativity is equally valuable.
Encouraging creativity can lead to innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, and a more fulfilling
learning experience. It can also help students develop their passions and pursue their interests.
However, a strong academic foundation is essential for future success. Students need to develop critical
thinking, analytical skills, and a solid understanding of core subjects.
Therefore, schools should implement a curriculum that integrates both creativity and academic rigor. For
example, arts and music programs can nurture creativity, while STEM subjects can develop critical
thinking and problem-solving skills. By fostering both creativity and academic achievement, schools can
equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a standardized English language
proficiency test, and Task 8 is part of the Speaking component.
In Task 8, you will be presented with a scenario and asked to describe a problem and propose a solution.
Here's what you can expect:
• You will then have 2 minutes to describe the problem and propose a solution.
2. Identify the key issues: Break down the problem into its main components.
3. Organize your thoughts: Think of a clear and logical structure for your response.
4. Use transitional phrases: Connect your ideas using words like "firstly," "secondly," "however,"
and "therefore."
5. Provide specific examples: Support your solution with concrete examples or experiences.
6. Practice active listening: Ensure you answer the question directly and stay focused.
7. Manage your time: Allocate time for describing the problem (about 45 seconds) and proposing a
solution (about 1 minute 15 seconds).
Sample Questions:
1. "Your community center is facing a funding shortage, and some programs may need to be cut.
Describe the problem and propose a solution."
2. "A local business is struggling to recruit young employees due to a lack of training programs.
Describe the issue and suggest ways to address it."
3. "A public park in your neighborhood is experiencing litter and vandalism. Describe the problem
and propose a solution to improve the park's maintenance."
• Description of the problem (40 seconds): Explain the issue and its impact.
• Environmental issues
• Community development
• Education
• Healthcare
• Workplace conflicts
Practice Resources:
To address this problem, I propose organizing fundraising events, such as charity runs, auctions, or bake
sales. We could also reach out to local businesses for sponsorships or partnerships. Additionally, applying
for government grants or crowdfunding campaigns could help bridge the financial gap. By working
together, we can ensure our community center continues to provide valuable services."
"The issue facing our local business is attracting young employees due to inadequate training programs.
This results in a lack of skilled workers and hampers business growth.
To solve this problem, I suggest collaborating with local educational institutions to develop tailored
training programs. Offering internships, apprenticeships, or mentorship opportunities can attract and
retain young talent. The business could also provide on-the-job training, workshops, or conferences to
upskill existing employees. By investing in employee development, the business can enhance its
competitiveness and appeal to younger workers."
"Our neighborhood public park faces significant litter and vandalism issues, detracting from its aesthetic
and safety.
To tackle this problem, I recommend increasing community involvement through clean-up initiatives or
adoption programs. Installing security cameras and improving lighting can deter vandalism. Regular
maintenance schedules and waste management services would also help. Furthermore, engaging local
schools and youth groups in park beautification projects can foster ownership and responsibility. By
working together, we can restore our park to its former glory."
• Address
• Alleviate
• Collaborate
• Enhance
• Foster
• Implement
• Invest
• Mitigate
• Propose
• Resolve
• Tackle
For the CELPIP speaking test, it's important to use clear, simple, and accurate language. Below, I'll
provide a selection of useful vocabulary and sentence structures that can help you sound fluent and
organized during the test:
• Vocabulary:
• Sentences:
o "I have a background in [field], and I have been working in this industry for [X] years."
o "In my free time, I enjoy [hobby] because it helps me relax and unwind."
• Vocabulary:
• Sentences:
o "One of the most memorable experiences I had was when I [describe event], and it was
an unforgettable moment."
o "It was a challenging situation because [explain why], but in the end, I learned a lot from
it."
o "I found the event both exciting and rewarding because I [explain outcome]."
3. Giving Advice
• Vocabulary:
• Sentences:
o "If you want to improve your [skill], I recommend that you [specific action]."
o "It’s a good idea to [advice], as this will help you achieve [positive outcome]."
o "One tip I would give is to always [action] because it will help you [benefit]."
• Vocabulary:
o Similar, different, advantage, disadvantage, prefer, better, worse, both, whereas, while
• Sentences:
o "Both options have their advantages, but I think [option A] is better because [reason]."
o "I prefer [option] because [reason], although both choices have their pros and cons."
• Vocabulary:
o Agree, disagree, definitely, absolutely, not really, in my opinion, personally, on the other
hand, I believe
• Sentences:
o "Personally, I believe [my opinion], although I can see why others might think
differently."
• Vocabulary:
o Issue, problem, challenge, solution, fix, resolve, overcome, improve, prevent, consider
• Sentences:
o "The main issue I faced was [problem], but I was able to resolve it by [solution]."
o "One way to fix this problem is by [suggested solution], which will help improve the
situation."
o "To prevent this from happening in the future, I would suggest [action]."
7. Making a Decision
• Vocabulary:
o Decide, choose, option, consider, evaluate, weigh, benefits, consequences, best choice,
factor
• Sentences:
o "I had to choose between [option 1] and [option 2], and after considering the benefits
and consequences, I decided to go with [chosen option]."
o "The most important factor for me was [reason], so I decided that [chosen option] would
be the best choice."
o "After evaluating both options, I think [option] is the better choice because [reason]."
8. Explaining a Process
• Vocabulary:
o First, next, then, after that, finally, step-by-step, procedure, process, important
• Sentences:
o "The process for [task] is simple. First, you need to [step 1], then [step 2]. After that,
[step 3], and finally, [step 4]."
o "To make [thing], the first step is to [action], followed by [action]. It’s important to
[note]."
o "This process is quite easy, and you can follow these steps to complete it efficiently."
• Vocabulary:
o Plan, intend, hope, future, next steps, goals, dreams, vision, aim
• Sentences:
o "In the future, I plan to [goal], as I believe it will help me achieve [desired outcome]."
o "I hope to continue [action] because it’s important for my long-term goals."
o "My aim for the next few years is to [goal], and I plan to take the following steps to
achieve it."
10. Expressing Preferences
• Vocabulary:
• Sentences:
o "I prefer [option] because [reason], but [alternative] is also a good choice."
o "If I had to choose between [option 1] and [option 2], I would definitely go with
[preferred option]."
• Be clear and concise: Focus on speaking clearly without using overly complex vocabulary or long
sentences.
• Use transitional words/phrases: Use linking words like "first," "then," "after that," "in addition,"
"finally" to organize your answers.
• Practice variety: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to show your language
proficiency.
• Stay calm and confident: Speak at a steady pace and avoid rushing through your answers. It’s
okay to take a moment to organize your thoughts.