CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice
Task 1 is the opening task of the CELPIP Speaking section. You are asked to give advice to someone you know about an everyday situation. This guide covers the format, timing, scoring criteria, and strategies that help you deliver a confident, well-structured response.
Task Format and Timing
In Task 1, you see a short scenario on your screen describing a situation where someone close to you needs guidance. The scenario might involve a friend deciding between two options, a family member facing a life change, or a colleague dealing with a workplace situation. Your job is to give helpful, relevant advice as if you are speaking directly to that person.
You have 30 seconds to read the scenario and plan your response. Then you speak for up to 90 seconds. The recording stops automatically when time runs out. There is no penalty for using the full time, and stopping early can hurt your score.
Scoring Criteria
Content and Coherence
Are your ideas relevant to the scenario? Is your response logically organized with clear connections between points?
Vocabulary
Do you use a range of words accurately? Can you express ideas without repeating the same phrases?
Listenability
Is your pronunciation clear? Do you speak at a natural pace with appropriate intonation and stress?
Task Fulfillment
Did you actually give advice as the task requires? Did you address the specific situation described in the scenario?
Sample Scenario and Response Approach
Here is an example of how to structure your response. We show the approach and framework, not a word-for-word script, because memorized answers sound unnatural and score lower.
Your friend is thinking about quitting their stable office job to start a small business. They have asked for your advice.
Acknowledge the situation and show understanding. For example, recognize that this is a big decision and that you understand their excitement about entrepreneurship.
Give your first piece of advice with a reason. You might suggest they test the business idea on the side before quitting, and explain why reducing risk is important when they have financial obligations.
Offer a second suggestion with reasoning. Perhaps recommend building a financial cushion of several months of expenses before making the leap, and explain how this provides security during the startup phase.
Wrap up with encouragement and a brief summary. Express confidence in their ability to succeed while reinforcing the importance of careful planning.
5 Key Tips for Speaking Task 1
Start with empathy, then give advice
Open by acknowledging the person's situation before jumping into your suggestions. A sentence like "I understand this is a tough decision" shows emotional intelligence and gives you a natural lead-in. This also buys you a few seconds to organize your thoughts.
Give two or three specific suggestions
Two well-explained pieces of advice are better than five rushed ones. For each suggestion, state what you recommend, then briefly explain why. This structure shows coherence and fills the time naturally without rambling.
Use signposting language
Phrases like "first of all," "another thing I would suggest," and "most importantly" help the listener follow your response. Signposting also helps you organize your thoughts in real time and prevents you from losing track of your structure.
Speak for the full 90 seconds
Stopping early signals to the evaluator that you ran out of ideas. If you finish your main points with time remaining, add a brief summary or a closing encouragement. Aim to speak until the timer stops you.
Vary your vocabulary naturally
Instead of repeating "I think you should," alternate with phrases like "I would recommend," "you might want to consider," or "one option worth exploring is." Vocabulary range is a scoring criterion, and small variations make a noticeable difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading a memorized script instead of speaking naturally
- Giving only one piece of advice and running out of things to say
- Speaking too fast to show off vocabulary, sacrificing clarity
- Ignoring the specific scenario and giving generic life advice
- Spending all preparation time writing instead of planning key points
Practice Speaking Task 1 with AI Feedback
Apply these strategies with real practice prompts. Get instant AI feedback on your content, vocabulary, pronunciation, and coherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CELPIP Speaking Task 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
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