Episode Summary: Welcome to a closer look at how to respond to CELPIP Speaking Tasks 7 and 8.

Today I'll be covering strategies, tips, and practice prompts to help you feel confident and prepared for this section of the exam.

Speaking Task 7 — Giving Your Opinion (starts ~1:20)

• Why you're already an expert at this task — you've expressed opinions before
• A "Do you think…?" style question — more approachable than it seems

5 Key Tips for Task 7:

1. Read & understand the question — stay on topic, avoid bunny trails (~2:03)
2. Speed — quickly decide your position; there are no right or wrong answers (~3:16)
3. Three points — aim for 3 main ideas, each backed by a reason or example. Formula: (1 main point + 1 reason/example) × 3 = complete answer (~3:41)
4. Be logical — make sure your ideas sound logical when presented (~4:30)
5. Use transitions — phrases like "First of all," "Second," "Third," "And finally" help test raters follow your flow (~4:30)

Timing for Task 7 (~5:56)

• 30 seconds to brainstorm: jot down one-word triggers, aim to identify 3 big ideas
• 90 seconds to record your response
• Draw from real-life experience to strengthen your answer

Task 7 Practice Prompt (~7:52)

Speaking Task 8 — Describing an Unusual Image (starts ~9:19)

• Describe a strange/unfamiliar object as if you're on a phone call with a friend
• The strategies you used in Speaking Task 3 can also help you here!

5 Key Tips for Task 8:

1. Talk to a friend — use their name, keep it personal (~10:13)
2. Set the scene — start with "I'm looking at a…" blanket statement (~10:34)
3. Divide and conquer — mentally split the image into 4 quadrants; describe one section at a time (~10:47)
4. Use strong descriptive language — vary your descriptors across color, shape, size, and similes; don't over-rely on one category (~12:11)
5. Conclude — leave ~10 seconds at the end to wrap up, e.g., "So Johnny, what do you think of this?" (~12:54)

Task 8 Practice Prompt (~13:41)

• Free 5-Part Mini Audio Course — Avoid the top 5 most common CELPIP Speaking Test mistakes.
• 30-Day CELPIP Speaking Task Bootcamp — Now open! You can join here.