CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Task 8 is the final speaking task on the CELPIP test. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to describe something unusual or unexpected and explain how to handle it. Finish your test strong.
Practice Task 8 FreeTask 8 Overview
Preparation Time
30 seconds
Speaking Time
60 seconds
In Task 8, you describe something unusual or unexpected and explain how to handle it. This is the final speaking task on the test, so it is your last chance to make a strong impression. Describe what makes the situation strange, how people would react, and suggest a resolution.
Task 8 Response Template
- 1Opening: Describe what is unusual about the situation.
- 2Details: Explain specific aspects that make it strange or unexpected.
- 3Reaction: Say how you or others would likely react.
- 4Resolution: Suggest how the situation could be handled or resolved.
Sample Prompts and Answers
Prompt:
You arrive at work and find that all the furniture in your office has been rearranged overnight, and nobody knows who did it. Describe the situation and explain what you would do.
Sample Answer:
This is certainly a bizarre situation. I arrived at the office this morning and discovered that every piece of furniture had been completely rearranged overnight. My desk was where the bookshelf used to be, the meeting table was in the corner, and even the plants had been moved around. The strangest part is that nobody in the office seems to know who did it or why. My first reaction would be surprise and curiosity. I would probably walk around the entire office to see the full extent of the changes and check if anything was damaged or missing. Security should obviously be notified to review the overnight camera footage, because someone clearly had access to the building after hours. After the initial investigation, I would send a polite email to all staff asking if anyone has information about what happened. It is possible this was a prank by a colleague, a misunderstanding with the cleaning crew, or perhaps a maintenance team that went to the wrong floor. In the meantime, I would suggest that everyone adjusts to the new layout for the day rather than trying to move everything back immediately. We can sort out the furniture once we understand what happened.
Prompt:
You wake up and find that it has snowed heavily overnight, even though it is the middle of summer. Describe this unusual situation and explain what you would do.
Sample Answer:
This would be a very strange situation. Waking up to snow in the middle of summer is something that almost never happens, so it would be really surprising. The first thing I would notice is how different everything looks. The trees would have snow on their leaves, which is unusual because they are normally green in summer. Cars would be covered in snow, and people would probably not be prepared because nobody wears winter clothes in July. I think most people would be confused and maybe a little worried. They might wonder if something is wrong with the weather or if this is because of climate change. What I would do is check the news to find out what is happening. I would also dress warmly and be careful driving because the roads would be slippery. I would probably take some pictures too because it would be a very rare event. I think eventually the snow would melt quickly because summer temperatures are usually warm.
Task 8 Tips
- 1
Clearly state what makes it unusual
Start by explicitly saying what is strange or unexpected. Do not assume the listener knows. For example, "Snow in summer is something that almost never happens."
- 2
Use descriptive vocabulary
Words like "bizarre", "unexpected", "surprising", "peculiar", and "out of the ordinary" show vocabulary range and fit the unusual situation theme.
- 3
Include reactions and emotions
Describe how you and others would feel and react. This adds depth to your response and shows you can express emotions in English naturally.
- 4
Finish strong with a resolution
This is the last speaking task on the test. End with a clear plan of action or resolution. It leaves a strong final impression on the evaluator.
Related CELPIP Resources
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