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CELPIP Speaking template: Giving Advice

CELPIP Speaking Task 1 — Giving Advice: 30 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak. You read a situation where someone you know must make a choice, and you advise them.

3 min read Spoken response Works for any prompt

What raters reward

A clear recommendation (Task Fulfillment), two developed reasons in a logical order (Content/Coherence), natural advice and option vocabulary (Vocabulary), and smooth, well-paced delivery (Listenability). 90 seconds is long — develop, don't just state.

Your time plan

Prep (30s) — Pick ONE option to recommend and lock two reasons with a concrete benefit each. Don't waste prep weighing both endlessly.
Speak (90s) — Acknowledge (~10s) → recommend (~10s) → reason 1 with detail (~30s) → reason 2 with detail (~30s) → encouraging close (~10s). Speak to the person directly.

How to structure it

Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.

1. Acknowledge — Show you understand their situation.
2. Recommend — Give one clear piece of advice.
3. Reason 1 + detail — Explain why, with a concrete benefit.
4. Reason 2 + detail — A second, different supporting reason.
5. Encouraging close — End warmly and confidently.
1 Acknowledge ~10s

One warm sentence naming the choice they face.

Grammar Present continuous / present perfect

Phrases to adapt
  • Hey [name], I'm really glad you asked me about [the decision].
  • I can tell [the situation] has been weighing on you.
2 Recommend ~10s

Commit to a single recommendation so the response has a spine.

Grammar Modals of advice (should, would, ought to)

Phrases to adapt
  • Honestly, if I were you, I'd [recommended option].
  • My advice would be to [action], and here's why.
3 Reason 1 + detail ~30s

Add an example or consequence.

Grammar Cause & result (so / that way / because)

Phrases to adapt
  • First, [reason], so [benefit].
  • That way, you'll [positive outcome].
4 Reason 2 + detail ~30s

Pick a reason from a different angle (money, time, wellbeing).

Grammar Addition (on top of that, also)

Phrases to adapt
  • On top of that, [second reason] means [benefit].
  • Another thing worth considering is [point].
5 Encouraging close ~10s

Reassure them and, if natural, restate the recommendation.

Grammar Future / imperative

Phrases to adapt
  • So I'd definitely go with [option] — I think you'll be glad you did.
  • Whatever you choose, I'm here to help.

Useful vocabulary

Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).

Recommending
If I were youI'd strongly suggestYou might want toIt's worth …-ingMy advice would be to
Weighing options
the upside isthe downside isin the long runthe smarter choiceit's worth considering
Reassuring
you've got thisit'll work outtrust your gutno matter what you choose

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Listing pros and cons of both options instead of recommending one.
  • Two reasons that repeat each other.
  • Finishing far under 90s with no development.
  • Sounding scripted instead of talking to the person.

Quick tips

  • Use the full 90 seconds — develop each reason with an example.
  • Address the person as 'you' in a friendly, spoken tone.
  • Pick one recommendation in prep and never hedge.
Put it into practice
Try Giving Advice with this template
Start practice Next template Talking about a Personal Experience (S2)

All templates

View all
Writing
W1 Writing an Email W2 Responding to Survey Questions
Speaking
S1 Giving Advice Current S2 Talking about a Personal Experience S3 Describing a Scene S4 Making Predictions S5 Comparing and Persuading S6 Dealing with a Difficult Situation S7 Expressing Opinions S8 Describing an Unusual Situation