2026 Speaking guide

CELPIP Speaking Guide: All 8 Tasks

A current overview of the eight CELPIP-General Speaking tasks, with task-appropriate strategies and a direct path into timed recording practice.

Current CELPIP-General Speaking format

CELPIP currently lists Speaking as a 15-minute component. After a practice task, candidates complete eight scored speaking tasks recorded on the computer.

Task 1 — Giving AdviceRead task guide →Task 2 — Talking about a Personal ExperienceRead task guide →Task 3 — Describing a SceneRead task guide →Task 4 — Making PredictionsRead task guide →Task 5 — Comparing and PersuadingRead task guide →Task 6 — Dealing with a Difficult SituationRead task guide →Task 7 — Expressing OpinionsRead task guide →Task 8 — Describing an Unusual SituationRead task guide →

Source: the current CELPIP-General test format published by CELPIP/Prometric. You can verify the latest task names on the official CELPIP-General page.

Core strategies that transfer across tasks

Answer the exact task

Use the preparation time to identify the role, audience, purpose, and required action. A fluent answer can still underperform if it does not fulfill the task itself.

Organize before recording

Choose two or three main points before speaking. A simple structure with a clear opening, developed reasons or details, and a short closing is easier to follow than an improvised list of ideas.

Develop, do not just list

Support each main point with a reason, consequence, example, comparison, or specific visual detail. Development shows stronger control than naming several ideas without explanation.

Keep delivery natural

Aim for clear, steady speech. If you make a small mistake, continue rather than restarting the whole sentence. Maintaining coherence is usually more useful than chasing a perfect recording.

Task 5 is Comparing and Persuading

Task 5 should not be confused with picture description. Describing a Scene is Task 3; Task 5 requires you to compare options and persuade the listener. Keeping the task purpose straight is essential because the organization and language you need are different.

Speaking 8 → 9 improvement plan

Diagnose idea development, listenability, vocabulary and task fulfillment across all eight tasks.

Read the 8→9 guide →

Speaking 9 → 10 precision plan

Keep the strong structure you already have and improve precision, examples, delivery and consistency.

Read the 9→10 guide →

Record all eight task types

Practice with preparation and response timers, replay your recording, and use feedback to identify recurring fluency, delivery, vocabulary, or task-fulfillment issues.

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