CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Describe an unusual image to someone.
0 of 28 sets done
Practice sets
1 A Maple-Leaf Glass Coffee Table FREE 2 Underwater Rugby in a Pool 3 An Overloaded Pickup Truck Bed 4 Novelty Toboggan-Runner Winter Boots 5 A Cracked Maple-Leaf Coffee Mug 6 A Lost Blue-And-Yellow Macaw 7 A Handmade Maple-Leaf Patchwork Quilt 8 A Damaged Reclining Armchair 9 A Capybara by the Roadside 10 A Homemade Backyard Zip-Line Rig 11 An Evening Park Lantern-Craft Session 12 A Cocoon-Style Hanging Pod Bed 13 Three Similar Green Winter Jackets 14 A Woodland Birds-and-Berries Wallpaper 15 Buskers Playing Saw and Washboard 16 A Gingerbread-Themed Holiday Trolley Interior 17 A Decorated Fall-Fair Maple Tree 18 A Decorated Fall-Fair Maple Tree 19 A Northern-Lights Winter Accessory Set 20 An Enchanted-Forest Summer Parade Float 21 A Tree-Stump Island Quirky Kitchen 22 A Driftwood-and-Seashell Desk Lamp 23 A Cabin-Carton Whimsical Kids' Meal 24 A Board-Game And Puzzle Store 25 A Giant Maple-Leaf Shaped House 26 An Automated Bottle-and-Can Sorting Line 27 A Fantastical Winged Glowing Sneaker 28 A Toppling Ice-Cream Tricycle Cart
Nothing here yet.
CELPIP Speaking Task 8: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CELPIP Speaking Task 3 and Task 8?
Task 3 is a plain description of a scene. Task 8 is a role-play phone call in which you describe something unusual to a specific person who cannot see it, and you usually have to do something as well (ask for directions, ask what something is, explain a problem). The role-play opening and closing are officially scored parts of Task 8.
What if I do not know the word for the object?
Paraphrase with common words. This is Paragon's own advice: "if you can't think of accurate and specific vocabulary, create phrases using common words to express your meaning."
Do I have to imagine I am on the phone?
Yes. The official strategies are to "start by setting up the role-play scenario ('Hi, Jill...')" and to "end by finishing the phone call." One official sample explicitly lost marks for having no closing.
Do I invent a name for the person I am calling?
Yes, if none is given. Naming them is what the official high-scoring sample responses do, and it immediately satisfies the requirement to address the other person.
Should I describe everything I can see?
No. Official strategy is to focus on the things you can describe well, and to cover the unique aspects. Depth beats coverage.
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 8?
30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. It is the last task on the Speaking test.
★ Premium
Unlock the full celpora
Free members get the first set of each task. Upgrade for every practice set across all four skills, all mock tests, and unlimited AI feedback on Writing & Speaking.
