The 8 Speaking tasks at a glance
CELPIP Speaking consists of 8 tasks. Unlike the Writing test, there is no choice — you complete all 8 in one session, in order, with strict timing.
| Task | Name | Prep | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giving Advice | 30 sec | 90 sec |
| 2 | Talking About a Personal Experience | 30 sec | 90 sec |
| 3 | Describing a Scene | 30 sec | 60 sec |
| 4 | Making Predictions | 30 sec | 60 sec |
| 5 | Comparing and Persuading | 30 sec | 60 sec |
| 6 | Dealing With a Difficult Situation | 30 sec | 60 sec |
| 7 | Expressing Opinions | 30 sec | 90 sec |
| 8 | Describing an Unusual Situation | 30 sec | 90 sec |
Key fact about timing: The 30-second prep time is not optional time you can skip. Use all of it. Candidates who start speaking before they have a complete plan almost always run out of content before the time is up.
The four scoring criteria
CELPIP Speaking is scored on the same four criteria as Writing:
- Coherence — Does your response follow a logical order? Does the listener always know where you are in your answer?
- Vocabulary — Are you using precise, varied, context-appropriate words?
- Listenability — Is your speech easy to follow? This covers pacing, clarity, and appropriate pausing — not accent.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Are you using correct grammar with sufficient variety?
The criterion most candidates misunderstand: Listenability
Listenability is not about having a native-sounding accent. CELPIP's official documentation is clear on this: you are not penalised for having an accent. You are assessed on whether your speech is comprehensible to a listener.
What hurts Listenability:
- Speaking too fast in a rush to say more
- Monotone delivery with no emphasis
- Excessive filler ("um," "uh," "like")
- Sentences that trail off without completion
- Mispronouncing words you're using to impress (better to use a word you can say clearly)
What helps Listenability:
- Natural pausing between sentences
- Stress on the most important word in each sentence
- Clear articulation (not necessarily native-like pronunciation)
- A pace that allows the examiner to process each sentence before the next begins
The 30-second prep strategy
Every task gives you exactly 30 seconds before you speak. Use this structure:
Seconds 0–10: Read the task carefully. Identify exactly what you need to do (advise? describe? predict? compare?).
Seconds 10–25: Decide on your main points. For a 90-second task: 3 points. For a 60-second task: 2 points. Say them to yourself mentally in order.
Seconds 25–30: Decide your opening sentence. Start speaking mid-breath, not mid-thought.
This prevents the most common CLB 6–7 problem: a response that starts well and then loses structure halfway through.