CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Template + Sample (Band 9–12)
Learn to give effective advice in Speaking Task 1. Master the structure, use proven templates, and practice with our interactive examples.
What They Test
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Content Relevance
Your ability to understand the situation and provide relevant, practical advice that directly addresses the person's concern.
Coherence and Organization
How well you structure your response with a clear introduction, main points, and logical flow between ideas.
Supporting Details
Providing concrete reasons, examples, or evidence to support your advice, rather than just stating opinions.
Language Range
Using varied vocabulary, appropriate linking words, and natural expressions to communicate your ideas effectively.
Template Phrases
Ready-to-use expressions that help you structure your response effectively.
Opening & Acknowledgment
- "I understand you're facing..."
- "That sounds challenging, and I'd suggest..."
- "I can relate to your situation..."
Giving Advice
- "I strongly recommend that you..."
- "You might want to consider..."
- "It would be wise to..."
- "Another option would be to..."
Providing Reasons
- "This approach works because..."
- "The main advantage is that..."
- "You'll benefit from this because..."
- "This will help you..."
Closing & Encouragement
- "I'm confident that..."
- "I believe you'll find this helpful..."
- "With this approach, you should be able to..."
Sample Answer (60-90 seconds)
See how a Band 9–12 response sounds with proper structure and supporting details.
Scenario:
Your friend is nervous about giving a presentation at work. Give advice on how to prepare and manage nervousness.
Opening:
"Hi there, I understand you're feeling anxious about your upcoming presentation. That's completely normal, and I'd like to offer some practical advice to help you feel more confident."
Main Advice with Reasons:
"I strongly recommend that you practice your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of a mirror or a friend. This will help you become more familiar with the content and reduce nervousness. Additionally, I'd suggest creating clear, concise slides with minimal text, as this approach keeps your audience engaged and makes your message more impactful."
Additional Suggestions:
"Another strategy that works well is to prepare a brief outline of your main points. This way, if you lose your train of thought, you can quickly refer back to it. The main advantage of practicing beforehand is that you'll be able to anticipate questions and feel more in control during the actual presentation."
Closing:
"I'm confident that with thorough preparation and these techniques, you'll deliver a successful presentation. Remember, even experienced speakers get nervous—what matters is how you manage it. You've got this!"
Why This Response Scores High:
- Acknowledges the friend's feeling first, showing empathy
- Provides 3-4 specific, actionable pieces of advice
- Each piece of advice includes clear reasoning
- Uses varied linking words and sophisticated vocabulary
- Ends with encouragement and reassurance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on CELPIP Speaking Task 1.
Mistake 1: Not Addressing the Situation Directly
Many candidates jump straight into advice without acknowledging the person's concern first.
Weak:
"You should practice."
Strong:
"I understand you're feeling anxious about presenting. Let me suggest a few strategies that have helped me in similar situations."
Mistake 2: Giving Vague Advice Without Reasoning
Simply stating what to do isn't enough—you need to explain why it helps.
Weak:
"You should prepare your slides in advance."
Strong:
"I'd recommend preparing your slides well in advance because this gives you time to review them, spot any errors, and make revisions. This preparation also reduces last-minute stress and allows you to focus on delivery rather than technical issues."
Mistake 3: Poor Time Management
Not finishing your response or rushing through key points significantly impacts your score.
Tip: Practice timing yourself. Aim to complete your opening in 10-15 seconds, spend 45-60 seconds on main advice with supporting reasons, and reserve 10-15 seconds for a strong closing.
Mistake 4: Using Inappropriate Language
Avoid overly casual language ("no problem," "cool"), overly formal speech (too many passive constructions), or using idioms inappropriately.
Inappropriate:
"Yeah, no worries, just practice, you'll nail it."
Appropriate:
"I'd suggest practicing a few times beforehand, as this will help build your confidence and allow you to deliver your message more effectively."
Mini Quiz
Test your understanding of CELPIP Speaking Task 1 with these quick questions.
1. What is the primary purpose of CELPIP Speaking Task 1?
2. Which of the following is a key component of a well-structured response?
3. Why is it important to practice time management for Task 1?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CELPIP Speaking Task 1 answered.
How long should my response be for Task 1?
For Speaking Task 1, aim for 60-90 seconds. This gives you enough time to acknowledge the situation, provide 2-3 pieces of advice with reasons, and offer encouragement. Practice with a timer to stay within this range.
What makes a response score Band 9-12?
High-scoring responses demonstrate clear structure, provide specific advice with well-explained reasoning, use varied vocabulary and linking words, and show empathy by acknowledging the person's concern first.
Can I use personal examples in Task 1?
Yes! Personal examples can strengthen your advice. For instance, "I've faced this situation before and what worked for me was..." Personal anecdotes make your response more authentic and memorable.
What if I can't think of advice to give?
Start by acknowledging the person's situation. Then, think of general helpful strategies: preparation, seeking support, practice, research, or considering alternatives. Even basic advice is better than silence.
Continue Your CELPIP Journey
Explore more resources to master CELPIP Speaking.
Task 2: Personal Experience
Learn storytelling techniques
Master the art of sharing personal experiences with clear structure and natural transitions.
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