Should I agree or disagree in CELPIP Task 7?

It does not matter which side you choose. There is no "correct" opinion in Task 7. What matters is that you pick one side clearly and support it with well-developed reasons and examples. Examiners are evaluating your ability to express and defend an opinion in English, not the content of your opinion. Choose whichever side you can argue more easily within 60 seconds.

Can I give a personal example in CELPIP Task 7?

Yes, personal examples are highly effective in Task 7. In fact, they are often easier to deliver fluently than hypothetical or academic examples because you are describing something you actually experienced. A response like "When I worked remotely last year, I found that my focus improved significantly" is more specific and convincing than a vague generalization. Just make sure the example clearly supports the reason you are presenting.

How is Task 7 different from Task 5 (Comparing and Persuading)?

Task 5 asks you to compare two options and persuade someone to choose one. It is directed at a specific listener. Task 7 is a general opinion question — you agree or disagree with a statement and explain your reasoning to no one in particular. The key difference is that Task 7 focuses on argumentative structure (position, reasons, concession) rather than persuasion aimed at a person.

Speaking Task 7 — Expressing Opinions

CELPIP Speaking Task 7 Template Expressing Opinions

A proven fill-in-the-blank template to structure your opinion response in 60 seconds. Includes CLB 7, 9, and 12 sample answers.

30s prep + 60s speaking

Agree or disagree with a statement

Tests opinion expression and argumentation

Practice Task 7 Free

What Is CELPIP Speaking Task 7?

Task 7 is the seventh of eight speaking tasks. You are given a statement and asked whether you agree or disagree. You then explain your opinion with reasons and examples.

Timing

30 seconds preparation time to read the prompt and plan your response, then 60 seconds to speak.

Format

You read a statement on screen and are asked whether you agree or disagree. You must pick a side and explain why.

What It Tests

Opinion expression, argumentative structure, ability to support claims with examples, and coherent reasoning.

Sample Task 7 Prompt

Sample Prompt

“Do you think working from home is better than working in an office? Explain your reasons.”

Fill-in-the-Blank Template

Use this four-step structure during your 30-second preparation time. Fill in the blanks with your own ideas, then deliver your response naturally.

Opening — State Your Position

~10 seconds

“I strongly agree/disagree with the idea that ___. In my opinion, ___ because ___.”

Take a clear side immediately. Do not say "it depends" or hedge your answer.

Reason 1 with Example

~20 seconds

“My first reason is ___. For instance, ___. This clearly shows that ___.”

Use a concrete, personal example. Specific details are more convincing than general statements.

Reason 2 with Example

~20 seconds

“Furthermore, ___. A good example of this is ___. This demonstrates that ___.”

Your second reason should be distinct from the first. Cover a different angle of the topic.

Concession + Restate Position

~10 seconds

“While some might argue that ___, I still firmly believe that ___ because ___.”

Acknowledging the other side shows mature thinking and boosts your coherence score.

Sample Responses by CLB Level

See how the same prompt is answered at three different proficiency levels. Click each tab to compare structure, vocabulary, and depth.

I agree with the idea that working from home is better than working in an office. I think there are some good reasons for this. My first reason is that working from home saves time. For example, I used to spend one hour driving to work every day. Now I can use that time for other things. This is very helpful. Also, I feel more comfortable at home. I can work in my own space and take breaks when I need to. I think this helps me do better work. Some people say working in an office is better for teamwork. But I still think working from home is better because it saves time and is more comfortable.

Key Features at This Level

✓Takes a clear position in the opening
✓Provides two reasons with basic examples
✓Uses simple but functional vocabulary
✓Includes a brief concession at the end
✓Could improve with more specific examples and varied sentence structures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sitting on the fence

Saying "I partly agree and partly disagree" or "it depends on the situation." CELPIP Task 7 requires a clear position. Pick one side and defend it.

Reasons without examples

Stating "working from home is convenient" without explaining how or giving a specific instance. Every reason needs a concrete example to be convincing.

No opinion language

Describing the topic objectively without using phrases like "I believe," "in my view," or "I am convinced." This is an opinion task — your personal stance must be clear.

Skipping the concession

Not acknowledging the opposing viewpoint at all. A brief concession followed by your restatement demonstrates argumentative maturity and improves your coherence score.

Pro Tips for Task 7

Take a clear side immediately

Use your first sentence to state your position. "I strongly agree/disagree" is more effective than "This is an interesting topic." Examiners assess whether you can express a clear opinion, not whether your opinion is correct.

Give one concrete personal example

Instead of "many people benefit from working at home," say "when I worked from home last year, my productivity increased because I could focus without office interruptions." Personal examples are easier to deliver fluently and sound more authentic.

Acknowledge the other side briefly

Spend about 10 seconds on a concession: "While some may argue that offices encourage teamwork, I still believe..." This single sentence can boost your coherence rating because it shows you can handle complex argumentation.

Use "I firmly believe" not just "I think"

Upgrade your opinion phrases throughout your response. Instead of "I think," try "I am convinced that," "I firmly believe," or "I strongly maintain." These phrases signal confident opinion expression, which is exactly what Task 7 tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

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