CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions – Template, 90-Second Timing & Level 9 Strategy
By MyCELPIP Editorial Team · Updated August 7, 2026
CELPIP Speaking Task 7 is Expressing Opinions. You answer a question such as “Do you think…?” and support your position with reasons and details. The current 2026 official CELPIP material gives you 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
That 90-second response time is important. Some third-party templates still publish a 60-second Task 7 timer, but the current official Speaking Pro material shows 90 seconds.
Official CELPIP guidance recommends reading the question carefully, choosing a side quickly, giving about three reasons, supporting them with specific details, and using logical organization and transitions.
Quick strategy: choose the side that gives you the easiest reasons, plan three reason-keywords, develop each with a consequence or example, and finish with a brief conclusion.
Verify the current timing in the official CELPIP Speaking Pro: Target 9+ 2026 study pack and the CELPIP-General test format.
CELPIP Speaking Task 7 format
- Task: Express and support an opinion
- Preparation time: 30 seconds
- Speaking time: 90 seconds
The test is evaluating your English, not whether the rater agrees with your opinion. Choose the position you can explain most clearly.
A 30-second planning method
Write only:
Position — yes/no or option A/B
R1 — first reason
R2 — second reason
R3 — third reason
Example — one specific example you can attach to the strongest reason
If you cannot think of three distinct reasons, use two well-developed reasons rather than inventing a weak third point that repeats the others.
What CELPIP raters evaluate
Content and coherence
Your opinion should be obvious and your reasons should connect logically to it. Specific support makes the response stronger than broad claims.
Vocabulary
Use topic-specific language and accurate linking expressions. Avoid repeating “I think” before every sentence.
Useful language:
- I strongly believe…
- in my view…
- one major reason is…
- another important point is…
- for example…
- as a result…
- in the long run…
- for these reasons…
Listenability
Ninety seconds is long enough that pacing matters. Do not race through the first 45 seconds and then repeat yourself. Use natural pauses between reasons.
Task fulfillment
Stay on the exact question. If the prompt asks whether a policy should be required, explain whether you support the requirement—not merely whether the general topic is useful.
A flexible Task 7 structure
Opening — 8 to 12 seconds
State your position directly.
- “Yes, I believe this would be a good policy for two main reasons.”
- “No, I do not think this should be mandatory, and there are several practical reasons why.”
Reason 1 — about 20 seconds
State the reason, explain it, and give a consequence or example.
Reason 2 — about 20 seconds
Use a distinct point.
Reason 3 or deeper example — about 20 seconds
If you have a good third reason, develop it. Otherwise, add a stronger example or consequence to one of the first two reasons.
Closing — about 8 to 12 seconds
Restate the decision briefly without repeating the whole answer.
Original Task 7 prompt
Do you think employers should allow workers to choose flexible starting and finishing times when the job can still be completed properly? Explain your reasons.
Original sample response
Yes, I believe employers should allow flexible starting and finishing times whenever the nature of the job makes that possible. First, flexibility can improve productivity because people do not all perform at their best at exactly the same time of day. An employee who starts at seven in the morning may finish important work before the office becomes busy, while another person may concentrate better later in the day. Second, flexible hours can reduce commuting stress. If workers can avoid the busiest traffic period, they may arrive calmer and spend less time travelling. Finally, this policy can help employees manage family responsibilities such as school drop-offs or medical appointments without constantly requesting time off. Of course, teams still need common meeting hours and clear deadlines, but as long as the work is completed properly, I think flexible schedules can benefit both employees and employers.
Why this response works
- The opinion is clear immediately.
- Three separate reasons are developed.
- Examples make the claims concrete.
- A short qualification shows control without changing sides.
- The conclusion returns to the exact policy question.
Common Task 7 mistakes
Changing sides halfway through
Choose a position and maintain it. Acknowledging a limitation is fine; contradicting your main opinion is not.
Giving reasons without support
“It's better, cheaper, and healthier” is not enough. Explain how or why.
Using a memorized controversial-topic introduction
You only have 90 seconds. Start answering the question.
Treating 90 seconds as 60 seconds
Current official material gives Task 7 a 90-second recording. Practice with the correct timer so you learn to develop ideas rather than stop early.
Repeating the same reason in different words
Make each point genuinely distinct.
Level 9-focused self-check
Content/Coherence — Is my position clear, with developed and connected reasons?
Vocabulary — Did I use accurate topic language rather than generic filler?
Listenability — Did I maintain a steady 90-second delivery with controlled pauses?
Task Fulfillment — Did I answer the exact opinion question, stay on one side, and use the available time effectively?
Practice Task 7
Use CELPIP Speaking Practice with the correct 90-second timer. Review the 2026 CELPIP Speaking Guide and then take a full CELPIP mock test to practice the task under a longer exam-style session.
Frequently asked questions
How much preparation time is there for Task 7?
The current official format gives you 30 seconds.
Is Task 7 speaking time 60 or 90 seconds?
The current 2026 official CELPIP Speaking Pro material shows 90 seconds of speaking time.
How many reasons should I give?
Official guidance suggests about three reasons with specific support. Quality still matters: do not sacrifice clear development just to force a number.
Should I discuss both sides?
You can acknowledge a limitation briefly, but the response should maintain a clear position.
Do I need a formal conclusion?
A short closing is useful if time permits. Avoid a long memorized conclusion that simply repeats the introduction.